I reviewed this series recently and mentioned that I only saw one episode that really was outstanding...and the rest a neutered, boring sort of "All in the Family"-like show. Well, I just saw "The Incident" and must admit that it, too, was exceptional...though in general I am NOT a fan of the program.
Archie and Mrs. Canby, his black housekeeper, go to the market together. In an ironic twist, some folks at the store are not happy as they think Canby and Archie are a couple...and Archie gets to see first-hand what prejudices are like. But it gets worse...one of Archie's friends (the head of the local lodge*) sees them there and instead of just staring he becomes vulgar and insulting...such that Archie eventually ends up slugging the guy. The man CLEARLY deserved it and Archie learns later that this jerk wants to pitch Archie out of the lodge unless he apologizes. Archie is willing but after hearing Mrs. Canby talking about her childhood and the horrible things she endured, he struggles with what to do next.
Overall, this is a very touching episode. Not funny...but very touching. It also helps to explain Archie's odd change in attitude towards minorities in "Archie Bunker's Place". Well done and timeless.
*This is not a major complaint, but it seemed odd that Archie is worried about remaining in his lodge considering the show never mentioned it before. Suddenly Archie is and has always been members of some fraternal organization!
Archie and Mrs. Canby, his black housekeeper, go to the market together. In an ironic twist, some folks at the store are not happy as they think Canby and Archie are a couple...and Archie gets to see first-hand what prejudices are like. But it gets worse...one of Archie's friends (the head of the local lodge*) sees them there and instead of just staring he becomes vulgar and insulting...such that Archie eventually ends up slugging the guy. The man CLEARLY deserved it and Archie learns later that this jerk wants to pitch Archie out of the lodge unless he apologizes. Archie is willing but after hearing Mrs. Canby talking about her childhood and the horrible things she endured, he struggles with what to do next.
Overall, this is a very touching episode. Not funny...but very touching. It also helps to explain Archie's odd change in attitude towards minorities in "Archie Bunker's Place". Well done and timeless.
*This is not a major complaint, but it seemed odd that Archie is worried about remaining in his lodge considering the show never mentioned it before. Suddenly Archie is and has always been members of some fraternal organization!