There was nothing like All in the Family before it debuted in 1971 on television and honestly nothing like it has been able to duplicate the excellent casting, writing, and directing. This show was a phenomenon in the 1970s and it's affect on popular culture is still with us today. We all know about "All in the Family" with the beloved Carroll O'Connor as bigoted Archie Bunker, his dingbat wife Edith played by the wonderful Jean Stapleton, his daughter played by Sally Struthers, and his son-in-law played by actor turned director Rob Reiner. The show had guest appearances by Oscar winning actress Estelle Parsons, Betty Garrett, Philip Carey, Isabel Sanford, Sherman Helmsley, Beatrice Arthur, etc. This show spawned off "The Jeffersons" which was equally famous in it's own right and lasted just as long. Beatrice Arthur's character Maude became her own show and her maid played by the beloved Esther Rolle would star in her own sitcom, Good Times, which was famous as Maude as well. All in the Family had it's problems but I think the cast and characters truly loved and respected each other. Norman Lear gave birth to a phenomenon which remains untouched to this day. Archie Bunker may have had his prejudices at least in language and attitude but not so much in behavior. No different than most men of his time. In some ways, he reminds us a little of our fathers. Archie Bunker was an American original who was not Father knows Best. He was a real character with a very narrow point of view which I don't really believe he was every that prejudiced. He did allow the Jeffersons into his home and family life. He allowed Edith to work and have a transsexual friends. He also showed that despite the obvious character flaws that ARchie was truly human. He was still a good father, a loving husband, and grandfather. He may have argued and called his son-in-law "a Pinky Meathead," but he did it with love. I think the show should have ended when Jean Stapleton left because I didn't like them killing her off.
Review of All in the Family
