Fitfully funny episode. Seems Ralph's got a conflict. Should he go bowling with the guys who depend on him, or go with Alice to her mother's. Guess which Ralph wants to do. Trouble is he's got a job physical the next day and bowling risks hurting his back. So even if he tricks Alice into not going with her, he risks his job by bowling.
Reviewer Desapio has a point. The series' standard humor is put into question by Ralph's all too evident back pain. There is a fine line between comedy and tragedy, as slipping on a banana peel usually illustrates. Then too, Gleason's an excellent actor whether feigning anger, humor, or pain. Seems ironic that his acting skill would get a mixed response to this episode. Nonetheless, there're still many funny parts, as when Alice catches big boy in his bowling jacket. All in all, however, it's a matter-of-taste 30-minutes.
Reviewer Desapio has a point. The series' standard humor is put into question by Ralph's all too evident back pain. There is a fine line between comedy and tragedy, as slipping on a banana peel usually illustrates. Then too, Gleason's an excellent actor whether feigning anger, humor, or pain. Seems ironic that his acting skill would get a mixed response to this episode. Nonetheless, there're still many funny parts, as when Alice catches big boy in his bowling jacket. All in all, however, it's a matter-of-taste 30-minutes.
