Season 8 effectively was the last season of All in the Family. I'm not sure why the producers didn't spin off into Archie Bunker's Place after The Stivics Go West because this opener lays the groundwork for the continuation. Archie, desperate to raise himself up from his lower middle class roots, wants Kelsey's Bar. After visiting a recovering Kelsey, played by Frank Maxwell this time instead of Bob Hastings, in the hospital, Archie becomes intrigued as soon as he learns that Kelsey is ready to sell. Harry (Jason Wingreen) is also trying to raise up enough capital to buy the bar outright from his boss. Though not the funniest of episodes, it is one that can only work late in a show's run. It only works if the character development is of the highest order. In that sense, it's what sets this episode apart from what was, by AITF's very high standards, an average season. We still watched this show because we fell in love with the main players and by extension, with the brilliant actors who played them.
2 Reviews
Archie wants Kelsey's bar
Jimmy_the_Gent41 January 2018
Archie tries to convince Edith to help him purchase Kelsey's bar.
The eight season starts on another low note. The writing keeps getting worse and less funny all the time on this once great show. The only laughs are when Archie tries to get a bank loan from a black female loan officer. The scenes between Archie and Edith (which make up the bulk of the episode) are uncomfortable to watch. The last scene is sad and depressing.
The eight season starts on another low note. The writing keeps getting worse and less funny all the time on this once great show. The only laughs are when Archie tries to get a bank loan from a black female loan officer. The scenes between Archie and Edith (which make up the bulk of the episode) are uncomfortable to watch. The last scene is sad and depressing.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
