Ep 4. Class Struggle

In the third season of The King of Queens, the show's central couple Doug and Carrie Heffernan continue to navigate their marriage alongside their families and friends. Episode four, titled "Class Struggle," brings to light some of the struggles the Heffernan family is facing as they try to move up the social ladder.

The episode begins with Doug and Carrie heading to a fancy charity auction with her boss, where they bid on and win an expensive antique mirror. However, when the mirror is delivered to their house, they realize it's too big for their tiny apartment. This is a source of frustration for both of them, but it's especially difficult for Carrie, who feels like they can never keep up with her boss and his wife.

Meanwhile, Doug's friend Deacon is excited to have been invited to his first golf game with his wealthy new boss. As a lower-class man, he's thrilled by the opportunity to potentially move up in the world. However, Doug is skeptical of Deacon's chances, especially since he doesn't know the first thing about golf.

As these two plotlines unfold, "Class Struggle" explores the ways in which class differences can create tension and anxiety in relationships. For Carrie and Doug, the antique mirror serves as a metaphor for their desire to appear wealthier and more sophisticated than they actually are. They're happy to hobnob with Carrie's boss and participate in charity auctions, but they don't have the resources to actually live the lives they want.

Similarly, Deacon's desire to impress his boss and fit in with his coworkers speaks to a larger cultural pressure to achieve upward mobility. He wants to succeed in the upper echelons of society, but he's hindered by his lack of experience and background.

Throughout the episode, the characters grapple with their own insecurities and anxieties about their social class. At times, their attempts to fit in are played for laughs, such as when Doug and Carrie pretend to be art collectors to impress their boss. However, the underlying issues are always present, making for a complex and nuanced exploration of class differences.

Overall, "Class Struggle" is a thoughtful and entertaining episode that tackles a difficult topic with honesty and humor. The show's talented cast, led by Kevin James and Leah Remini, brings the characters to life in a way that's both relatable and endearing. Fans of The King of Queens will appreciate this episode's blend of social commentary and witty banter, and those who are new to the show will find it a great introduction to the series.