Ep 12. Where's the Boss

Married...with Children season 1 episode 12, titled "Where's the Boss", revolves around the Bundy family's encounter with some peculiar characters. The episode opens with Al Bundy and his co-worker Luke, talking about their general dissatisfaction with their jobs at the shoe store. Al is particularly upset that he can no longer go home and relax since his wife Peg has taken on a job as a cosmetics salesperson to supplement their income.

Meanwhile, Peg is at the mall trying to sell cosmetics to anyone who will listen. She spots a potential customer in a woman named Heather McCoy, who is dressed in a suit and carrying a briefcase. Peg eagerly approaches Heather, assuming she's a businesswoman who could use some makeup to enhance her look. Heather is initially reluctant but eventually agrees to come to Peg's house for a makeup consultation.

When Al gets home, he is reminded that Peggy's job has taken over their house as there are cosmetics everywhere. He decides to head to his friend's home and watch a game show on television, rather than spend time with her. Shortly after, Heather McCoy arrives at the Bundy residence for the consultation dressed and carrying the briefcase. Peg shows Heather around the house, and Heather takes an interest in the ductwork for the house's air conditioning system.

Luke calls Al from his home and informs him that he has quit his job at the shoe store. While Al is on the phone, Heather McCoy sneaks a look at some plans for the shoe store that Luke left behind. She quickly leaves without purchasing any makeup and without telling Peg about her need to see the plans.

The next day, Al and Peg are surprised to learn from the store’s advanced manager, Gary that Luke had stolen those same plans for the store. However, while Al is trying to fix the air conditioning system, he realizes that part of their ductwork has been disconnected, and that's where Al starts to get suspicious. Al reconnects the ductwork and then deliberately mentions the store’s plans in front of his wife, hoping that Heather will overhear and reveal herself.

Peg does eventually mention Heather in their conversation and reveals that the woman was more interested in their air ducts than makeup. At that point, Al confronts Heather, identifying himself as the shoestore manager, and accuses her of stealing the plans.

Heather admits to having taken the plans to give to her boss, who she believes will try to buy out and ultimately put Al’s store out of business. Al, however, reveals that the plans were fake, and that he had been suspicious the whole time. When the company that Heather worked for learns that their employee has gotten caught, he decides to fire her, leaving her with no job and no prospects.

In the end, Al tries once again to call Luke, who still has not returned to work. He leaves a message, encouraging him to come back and work at the store. However, Luke has already found a new job and politely declines Al’s offer. The episode closes with Al's continuing dissatisfaction with his job, as he watches television instead of spending time with Peg.

Overall the episode deals with themes of work, ambition, and betrayal. While Al and Luke are dissatisfied with their job, they also understand that they need the store to make ends meet. Heather goes to great lengths to steal plans to put Al's store out of business, only to be ultimately thwarted by Al's elaborate plan. Ultimately the episode serves as a commentary on the fickle nature of business and the lengths people will go to get ahead, even if it means betraying others.