Ep 3. Poke High (aka The Red Grange Story)

In "Married...with Children" season 3 episode 3, titled "Poke High" (aka The Red Grange Story), we see the Bundy kids start a new school year at Polk High. Kelly, who is now a senior, is infamous for her low grades and poor skills in the classroom. Meanwhile, her brother Bud struggles to find his niche in the school's social hierarchy.

However, things start to get interesting when their dad, Al, becomes obsessed with reliving his glory years as a high school football star. He begins to relive his past by dressing in his old jersey and surrounding himself with football memorabilia. In an effort to hang on to his youth, Al starts to attend Polk High's football games, where he becomes fixated on a young player named Lance Wilson.

In the pivotal moment of the episode, Lance is injured during a game and Al sees his chance to relive his glory days by convincing the coach to let him play in Lance's place. Despite his rusty skills and inability to keep up with the younger players, Al manages to make a few impressive plays, rekindling his love for the game. However, his moment of glory is short-lived when he is tackled and injured himself.

Meanwhile, Kelly joins the school's cheerleading squad to impress a popular boy named Brad, and Bud tries to impress a girl named Heather by pretending to be someone he's not. Both siblings struggle to fit in and be accepted by their peers.

This episode highlights the struggles of adolescence, particularly the pressure to fit in and find one's place in a social hierarchy. It also touches on themes of nostalgia and the desire to hang on to one's youth. "Poke High" is a classic episode of "Married...with Children" that showcases the show's unique blend of humor and poignant moments.