All in the Family Season 1 Episode 104 Those Were The Days: The Second Pilot
- October 13, 2014
All in the Family is an American sitcom that premiered on CBS in 1971. The show follows the lives of Archie Bunker, a working-class family man, his wife, Edith, their daughter, Gloria, and Gloria's husband, Michael Stivic, as they navigate the changing social and political landscape of the 1970s.
Season 1 episode 104, titled "Those Were The Days: The Second Pilot," is a unique episode for the series as it serves as a re-creation of the show's very first episode. The original pilot of All in the Family was shot in 1968, but it failed to impress audiences due to its controversial content. The network shelved the pilot for two years until it was reworked into what became the show's second pilot. This episode, therefore, serves as a reenactment of the original pilot, shot with the same script and characters, but with a few minor changes.
The episode begins with Archie and Edith Bunker sitting at the dining room table, drinking coffee and reading the newspaper. They are engaged in a conversation about their daughter, Gloria, who has just married a man named Michael. Archie is annoyed that Michael is a college boy and a liberal, which puts him at odds with Archie's conservative views. Edith is more accepting of Michael, but Archie dismisses her as being "meathead-ed."
Gloria and Michael soon arrive at the Bunker household, and Archie wastes no time in insulting Michael and belittling his views. Michael tries to defend himself, but Archie is unreceptive, leading to a heated argument between the two men.
Despite the tension, Edith tries to make peace by suggesting they all sit down and watch television. As they flip through the channels, they come across a black man singing on a variety show. Archie is outraged, accusing the network of forcing black people down their throats. This leads to a discussion about race, with Michael and Gloria arguing that everyone should be treated equally, while Archie maintains that white people are superior.
The conversation becomes increasingly heated, and it becomes apparent that Archie's views are rooted in ignorance and prejudice. Edith tries to interject, but Archie cuts her off, calling her stupid and dismissing her as being too emotional. Michael eventually storms out of the house, leaving Archie, Edith, and Gloria alone.
The episode ends with Archie alone in the living room, reflecting on the day's events. He realizes that his views may be outdated and that he needs to be more open-minded. Edith comes into the room and tries to comfort him, but Archie brushes her off, not quite ready to admit that he may have been wrong.
Overall, the episode is a powerful commentary on the social and political climate of the time, highlighting the widespread ignorance and prejudice that existed in American society. The show's unique format, revisiting its original pilot, allows audiences to see how much the characters and their views have evolved over the course of the series. The performances by lead actors Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, Sally Struthers, and Rob Reiner are all superb, conveying the complex emotions and tensions of the characters' interactions. For fans of the show, "Those Were The Days: The Second Pilot" offers a fascinating glimpse into the series' early days and a powerful reminder of its enduring relevance.
