Ep 7. Mike's Hippie Friends Come to Visit

In All in the Family season 1 episode 7, titled "Mike's Hippie Friends Come to Visit," the Bunkers receive an unexpected visit from Mike's group of hippie friends. With their long hair, unconventional clothing, and relaxed attitudes towards social conventions, Mike's friends seem to be a stark contrast to Archie's traditionalist, hard-working values.

The episode begins with Mike informing his parents that his friends will be arriving soon and that they are quite different from what the Bunkers are used to. Gloria, who is excited to meet new people, welcomes the idea of having guests over, while Archie is initially hesitant and skeptical. However, when Mike's friends finally arrive, Archie is instantly put off by their appearance and demeanor.

The hippies immediately make themselves at home, sitting on the floor and asking for food and drink. Archie is annoyed by their apparent lack of manners, while Gloria is fascinated by their "bohemian" lifestyle. The episode is filled with humorous moments that highlight the generation gap between Archie and his son, as well as their differing worldviews.

As the day wears on, tensions rise between Archie and the hippies. He becomes increasingly frustrated by their eccentric behavior, while they are amused by his uptight and conservative attitudes. Meanwhile, Gloria bonds with Mike's friends and learns more about their countercultural beliefs, which further widens the gap between her and Archie.

The climax of the episode occurs when Archie and one of the hippies get into a heated argument about the Vietnam War, reflecting the simmering tensions of the time period. The tense discussion quickly becomes personal, with insults being hurled back and forth. The situation eventually gets so out of hand that Gloria has to intervene to calm things down.

In the end, the hippies leave and the Bunkers are left to reflect on their differences. The episode serves as a commentary on the generational divide that existed during the 1960s, as well as the clash between traditionalism and countercultural movements. The Bunkers and their visitors represent two different worldviews, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The episode does not offer any clear resolution to these conflicts, but rather serves as a snapshot of a moment in time.

Overall, "Mike's Hippie Friends Come to Visit" is a classic All in the Family episode that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The clash of cultures depicted in the show is still relevant today, making it a timeless piece of television history.