Ep 17. Mr. Empty Pants

Married...with Children season 7 episode 17 titled "Mr. Empty Pants" follows the daily lives of the dysfunctional Bundy family, consisting of Al and Peg Bundy and their two children Kelly and Bud. In this episode, Al (played by Ed O'Neill) suddenly starts experiencing a midlife crisis, leading him to feel empty and unfulfilled in his life. He begins to question the meaning of his existence and starts to feel like he never really accomplished anything meaningful in his life.

As Al sinks deeper into despair, he tries various ways to fill the void in his life. His first attempt involves buying a flashy red sports car which he believes will make him feel young and vibrant again. However, the car quickly turns out to be a lemon, and Al is overcome with buyer's remorse.

He then turns to his family for comfort and support, but they are too self-centered to notice his pain. Peggy (played by Katey Sagal) is too busy with her own problems while Kelly (played by Christina Applegate) and Bud (played by David Faustino) are wrapped up in their own lives. This only adds to Al's feelings of emptiness and isolation.

Desperate for a win, Al decides to try his hand at a new career. He quits his job as a shoe salesman and takes up modeling, convinced that he has the looks to be a commercial success. However, his modeling career takes a humiliating turn as he is reduced to modeling men's underwear for a seedy catalogue.

Throughout the episode, Al spirals into depression and despair, feeling that he has failed at every turn. However, his family finally realizes his pain and rallies around him, reminding him of the importance of the love and support he has from his loved ones.

"Mr. Empty Pants" is one of the more poignant episodes of Married...with Children, as it deals with themes of midlife crisis, depression, and the effects of a lack of self-worth. Ed O'Neill gives a touching performance as Al, conveying the pain and loneliness of a man struggling to find meaning and purpose in his life. The episode is also notable for the absence of the series' usual snarky humor and sarcastic commentary, allowing for a more serious and somber tone.

Overall, "Mr. Empty Pants" is a testament to the enduring appeal of Married...with Children, which managed to tackle serious themes with sensitivity and heart while still delivering the raunchy humor and biting social commentary that made the show a cult classic.