Problems with the first episode. - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

GeeBee · 08-20-2003, 10:48 AM

The first episode of All In The Family, "Meet The Bunkers" was the third version of two previous pilots, "Justice For All" and "Those Were The Days". Although this first episode was very entertaining and funny, there were some problems with it and it is clear that it was an experimental episode.

For one thing there is Archie's surprise at learning that Mike is an atheist. Yet, according to the flashback episode, "Mike Meets Archie", it was clearly established that Mike was an atheist while making the wedding plans.

Also, Edith's personality seemed too sarcastic. She was annoyed with Archie and referred to him as "Mr. Religion". This was not in character with her personality in later episodes.

The ending also seemed to be very weak. The whole argument between Archie and Mike about the anniversary card seemed thin and rather pointless. It seemed like there was supposed to be some great irony in the final revelation that Mike picked the card himself, but it just came out meaningless. It seemed like they really didn't know how to end it.

Still, the episode is hilarious and the second pilot version was entertaining to watch. The very first pilot is believed to be lost.

ConservativeBalla · 08-20-2003, 06:02 PM

I made a topic similar to this, have you visited it yet?

08-20-2003, 10:48 AM	#1
GeeBee Member Senior Member Join Date: Jun 22, 2003 Posts: 1,578	Problems with the first episode. The first episode of All In The Family, "Meet The Bunkers" was the third version of two previous pilots, "Justice For All" and "Those Were The Days". Although this first episode was very entertaining and funny, there were some problems with it and it is clear that it was an experimental episode. For one thing there is Archie's surprise at learning that Mike is an atheist. Yet, according to the flashback episode, "Mike Meets Archie", it was clearly established that Mike was an atheist while making the wedding plans. Also, Edith's personality seemed too sarcastic. She was annoyed with Archie and referred to him as "Mr. Religion". This was not in character with her personality in later episodes. The ending also seemed to be very weak. The whole argument between Archie and Mike about the anniversary card seemed thin and rather pointless. It seemed like there was supposed to be some great irony in the final revelation that Mike picked the card himself, but it just came out meaningless. It seemed like they really didn't know how to end it. Still, the episode is hilarious and the second pilot version was entertaining to watch. The very first pilot is believed to be lost.

08-20-2003, 06:02 PM	#2
ConservativeBalla R.I.P., Mr. Reagan. Senior Member Join Date: Jun 14, 2003 Location: 704 Hauser Street, Queens, New York; having an eating contest with Meathead eating Edith's beef stew. Posts: 1,822	I made a topic similar to this, have you visited it yet?
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