Okay, let's talk All In The Family. Specifically, Season 9 Episode 10: "California Here We Are: Part 1." It's a big one. The Bunkers are heading west!
Now, I know this episode is a classic. A turning point! But... confession time.
I have some unpopular opinions. Ready? Here we go.
The California Dreamin' Dilemma
The whole premise is Edith wants to be near Stephanie. Totally understandable! Grandparents are like that.
But did anyone else think the move was a bit... sudden? One minute, Archie is yelling about "commies" and the next he's packing boxes for sunny California.
The transition felt rushed. Like the writers needed a plot device, stat!
Goodbye, Dingbat!
Let's be honest, Gloria and Mike are... well, they're Gloria and Mike. They're moving to California too!
But their California dream? Some weird commune thing? I never really bought it.
Did anyone truly picture the "Meathead" happily chopping vegetables in a co-op? Me neither!
It felt like a convenient way to write them out. To usher in a new era of All In The Family.
Archie's Westward Woes (Maybe?)
Okay, so Archie Bunker in California. The potential for hilarious culture clashes is HUGE.
But part of me missed the old neighborhood. The familiar bar. Barney Hefner!
Was taking Archie out of his element a good thing? I'm still not entirely convinced. It's like taking Homer Simpson out of Springfield. Sacrilege!
And don't even get me started on the spin-off, Archie Bunker's Place. Another can of worms!
Edith's Sunshine State Smile
The best part of "California Here We Are"? Seeing Edith Bunker happy.
Jean Stapleton always brought such warmth to the role. Her joy was infectious.
Even if the plot felt a little forced, seeing Edith get her sunshine made it almost worthwhile.
My (Slightly) Contradictory Conclusion
Look, I love All In The Family. It's a groundbreaking show.
But this episode? It always felt a little...off. A bit of a jump-the-shark moment.
Maybe I'm being too harsh. Maybe I just miss the old days at 704 Hauser Street.
Perhaps I'm simply not ready to accept change. I'm basically Archie Bunker when they try to change the beer at Kelsey's!
Ultimately, "California Here We Are" is a necessary episode. It's a bridge to the show's later years.
It just... could have been smoother. Right?
Don't get me wrong; I still watched. Still laughed. Still cried (a little, during the sappy parts).
But deep down, a part of me always wondered what would have happened if the Bunkers had stayed put. What do you think?
Is that an unpopular opinion? Maybe. But I'm sticking to it!
