Ep 20. Top of the Heap

Al Bundy, the beleaguered shoe salesman, is back in action in Married...with Children, season 5 episode 20, titled "Top of the Heap." The episode is a spin-off of the popular series and serves as a pilot for a new show with the same name.

In the episode, we meet Al's formerly estranged father, who has re-entered his life after many years. The elder Bundy is the patriarch of a dysfunctional family living in a run-down apartment building in New York City. Al's dad, Charlie (played by Joseph Bologna), is a slick-talking scam artist who always has a scheme or two up his sleeve.

Al soon discovers that Charlie has a son named Vinnie (played by Matt LeBlanc), a good-natured but not-so-bright young man who dreams of making it big in the entertainment industry. Vinnie longs to escape his humble origins and attain fame and fortune as an actor.

Charlie sees an opportunity to use Vinnie's good looks and winning personality to scam his way into high society. He enlists the help of Al to teach Vinnie how to act like a rich and sophisticated gentleman.

Al is skeptical at first, but he comes around when he sees the potential for a big payoff. He takes Vinnie under his wing and schools him in the art of looking and acting like a member of the elite.

The two set out on a journey to make Vinnie a star, but they quickly discover that the road to Hollywood is not as easy as they thought. Along the way, they encounter all sorts of obstacles and setbacks, from snooty casting directors to rival actors who will stop at nothing to sabotage their efforts.

Despite the hurdles, Vinnie remains optimistic and determined to succeed. He makes a few lucky breaks and lands a few small roles, but it soon becomes clear that he will need more than luck to make it to the top.

The episode is filled with the classic humor and irreverent style that fans of Married...with Children have come to know and love. There are plenty of one-liners, slapstick gags, and pop culture references to keep viewers entertained from beginning to end.

In addition to the comedy, the episode also touches on some more serious themes, such as the relationship between fathers and sons, the importance of family, and the challenges of pursuing one's dreams.

Overall, "Top of the Heap" is a solid installment of the Married...with Children franchise. It introduces some new characters and storylines while staying true to the irreverent spirit of the original series. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the show, or just looking for a laugh, this episode is definitely worth a watch.