All In The Family Season 9 Episode 20
Remembering That Time Edith Joined a Cult (Sort Of)
Okay, let's talk All In The Family. Specifically, Season 9, Episode 20: "The Brother-in-Law."
This is the one where Edith gets kinda, sorta, maybe sucked into a pseudo-religious self-help group. You know, the kind that promises enlightenment and sells you overpriced scarves.
I've got an unpopular opinion. This episode? Underrated gold.
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Meathead's Skepticism: A Little Too Much?
Mike, bless his liberal heart, is SUPER skeptical. He sees right through the leader, Reverend Chou. Mike thinks Chou is a con man.
He's probably right! But honestly, Mike's constant sneering gets old. Just let Edith have her moment of... zen adjacent-ness.
I mean, the guy probably is a charlatan, but she's getting something out of it! A little peace, maybe?
Archie Being... Well, Archie
Of course, Archie's reaction is classic Archie. Loud, judgmental, and filled with malapropisms.
He calls it a "coot". It's gold! You gotta love it.
He doesn't understand any of it and frankly doesn't WANT to. Archie thinks any deviation from his worldview is COMMUNISM.
Edith's Journey: The Heart of the Episode
But let's be real, Edith is the MVP here. She's genuinely trying to find some inner peace.
She just wants to feel good. Can we blame her?
Jean Stapleton is brilliant. She plays Edith's sincerity perfectly. You root for her, even when she's wearing a ridiculous robe.
The "Enlightenment" Session: Awkward City
That group session where they all chant and hug? So cringey! But also, kinda funny.
Especially when Archie gets dragged in. Talk about a fish out of water!
Imagine Archie Bunker trying to "connect with his inner child." Shudders.
My Unpopular Opinion: It's Kinda Relatable
Here's where I might lose some people. I think there's a relatable element to this episode.
We've all been there, right? Looking for something to fill a void.
Maybe not a full-blown cult, but a new hobby, a self-help book, a questionable diet... We all chase happiness in weird ways. It is human.
The Ending: A Little Too Neat?
Okay, the ending is a bit predictable. Edith realizes the Reverend is a phony.
She comes back to her senses and everything's back to normal. A bit too neatly wrapped up for my taste.
But hey, it's a sitcom! What are you gonna do?
Final Thoughts: Give It a Watch!
Seriously, if you haven't seen "The Brother-in-Law" lately, give it a watch. It's a reminder that even the Bunkers were searching for something more.
And it's got some great Archie moments. What's not to love?
I'm sticking by my unpopular opinion. This episode is a gem.
"Stifle yourself!" - Archie Bunker (Probably)
