Ep 15. Archie in the Hospital (aka Archie Goes to the Hospital)

Archie in the Hospital is the fifteenth episode of the third season of the popular American sitcom All in the Family. First aired on January 15, 1973, this episode features Archie Bunker, the main character, facing a health scare that lands him in the hospital.

In this episode, Archie, who is known for being stubborn and resistant to medical care, suddenly falls ill. He struggles with symptoms that include chest pain and difficulty breathing, and eventually, Edith, his wife, is forced to call an ambulance.

The episode takes viewers through the experience of Archie's hospitalization. We see him being admitted to a busy emergency room and then transferred to a hospital room. Throughout this process, Archie grumbles and complains, insisting that he does not need medical attention. However, as the episode progresses, we witness a different side of Archie, one that is vulnerable and scared.

As Archie waits for test results and medical attention, his family members visit him in the hospital. His daughter, Gloria, and her husband, Mike, try to comfort him, but Archie remains skeptical about the quality of care he is receiving. Meanwhile, Edith, who is notorious for being an overly anxious patient, struggles to cope with the stress of her husband being hospitalized.

The episode also features several other characters, including a fellow patient who is overly chatty and a nurse who is a bit rough around the edges. These characters add moments of levity to an otherwise serious episode.

As the plot unfolds, Archie is eventually diagnosed with stress-induced gastritis, a condition that is exacerbated by his unhealthy lifestyle and diet. This news serves as a wakeup call for him, and he resolves to take better care of himself moving forward.

Overall, Archie in the Hospital is a poignant episode that deals with serious themes. It gives viewers a glimpse into the flaws and vulnerabilities of a beloved character and shows the importance of taking care of one's health. The episode also tackles larger issues related to the healthcare system and the challenges that patients and medical professionals face. It is a well-written and well-acted episode that continues to resonate with audiences today.