When I think about my pre-teen TV habits in 70’s, one of the first shows that pops into my head is “All in the Family.” Every week I’d tune in to watch Archie Bunker get himself into and out of some of the funniest situations and say some of the most outrageous things. Brilliantly played by Carroll O’Connor, the character of Archie was either loved or hated by the masses. Loved by those who got the joke by simply having a sense of humor and an open mind. Hated by those who misinterpreted the character as nothing more than a hate-mongering bigot. Utilizing humor that very few shows could get away with in today’s climate of ‘political correctness’, “All in the Family” allowed us to be shocked, it made us laugh and ultimately taught a little something about the ridiculous nature of prejudice. Through its nine seasons, it dealt with issues ranging from discrimination, menopause, and towards the end of its successful run, sadly, death.

Back in 2002, those of you who had scrambled over the years to try and tape all the episodes off the TV, found that you no longer had to continue the struggle. You just needed to be patient. Sony / Columbia Tristar released the first season, and there was much rejoicing (‘yay’). Then in 2003, they hit us with the second season. But then, for some reason there was an interminable wait for the third. Almost a year and a half has gone by and the third season is finally being released. At a time when full season sets are being released for various series generally no longer than 6 months apart (but in a lot of cases, much faster than that), I’m really curious as to what the time issue is for “All in the Family.”

Well, I guess I can’t really complain; at least they are being released. And of all the shows that came out of the 70s, “All in the Family” is probably the most deserving. During its time, there were numerous Emmys and Golden Globes, which of course was due in part to the terrific writing and directing, but also the characters as they were brought to life by the cast. Along with O’Connor, Jean Stapleton’s funny and at times touching performance as Edith won our hearts. And the show would never have been what it was without Rob Reiner as Mike Stivic and Sally Struthers as Gloria. They made such an impression on most people on America as to become synonymous with these characters to this day in spite of anything else any of them have ever done in their careers since.

The third season delivered 24 more episodes, all of which could be considered classics. And like previous seasons, no topic was considered taboo to approach. “Archie and the Editorial” serves up an eloquent lesson about gun control, even though admittedly I didn’t agree with all of its observations. The two-part episode that took a look back at Mike and Gloria’s wedding was equal parts hysterical and uncomfortable. Who knew families could be so embarrassing? “The Bunkers and The Swingers” speaks for itself. Even the subject of rape wasn’t off-limits with the episode “Gloria, The Victim” dealing with the near sexual assault on Gloria (the subject would be re-visited in a later episode, only with Edith.).

There is little in the way of disappointment with the DVD releases of “All in the Family”, other than the long wait between seasons, and the lack of extra features. Having had one of the finest casts of any series from the 70’s, interviews or commentaries would be most welcome. I would be curious to hear some of the actors thoughts on the subjects they broached, and whether or not their feelings have changed over the years.

Well, being that “All in the Family” was such a great show, all I can say about watching these episodes again after so many years is, “Those were the days…”

Episodes:
Archie and the Editorial
Archie’s Fraud
Gloria and the Riddle
The Threat
Lionel Steps Out
The Bunkers and the Swingers
Mike’s Appendix
Edith Flips Her Wig
The Locket
Mike Comes Into Money
Flashback: Mike & Gloria’s Wedding, Part 1
Flashback: Mike & Gloria’s Wedding, Part 2
Edith’s Winning Ticket
Archie is Branded
Archie and the Bowling Team
Archie in the Hospital
Oh, Say Can You See
Archie Goes Too Far
Class Reunion
The Hot Watch
Everybody Tells the Truth
Archie Learns His Lesson
Gloria, the Victim
The Battle of the Month

Starring: Carroll O’Connor, Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers
Studio: Sony / Columbia Tristar
Specifications: Full Screen
Release Date: 7/20/2004
Region 1
Website

We'll give All in the Family: Season 3 a B.