All In The Family Season 9 Episode 28

Alright, let's talk All in the Family. Specifically, season nine. And even more specifically, episode 28. "Too Good Edith." I know, I know, late-season All in the Family gets a bad rap.

But hear me out. I actually kind of… like it? At least, I find it fascinating.

A Touchy Subject, Lightly Handled

This episode tackles a really sensitive topic: menopause. Edith is, well, being Edith. Only, she’s also being forgetful and a bit… emotionally all over the place.

Archie, bless his heart, is clueless. He just thinks Edith is being extra "dingbatty," as he so eloquently puts it. We know Archie Bunker would not show compassion easily.

Gloria and Mike, meanwhile, are trying to be supportive. They're navigating the tricky territory of helping Edith without making her feel worse.

The "Unpopular" Opinion

Here’s where I might lose some of you. I think this episode does a decent job of showing Edith's struggle. Especially considering the time it aired.

Was it perfect? Nope. Did it have moments that make you cringe a little? Absolutely. But it also had moments of genuine warmth and understanding.

Plus, let's be honest, Jean Stapleton could make anything watchable. Her portrayal of Edith, even in these later seasons, is always heartwarming.

Archie, the Unintentional Comedian

Of course, a lot of the humor comes from Archie's ignorance. He stumbles through the episode, saying all the wrong things.

He’s like a walking, talking stereotype of the clueless husband. But that’s kind of the point, isn’t it? We're laughing at Archie, not Edith.

And there are moments when you can see he genuinely cares. He's just… not very good at expressing it. Which, again, is classic Archie Bunker.

A Sign of the Times?

It's easy to criticize this episode through a modern lens. The language is dated, the attitudes are sometimes problematic.

But remember when it aired. Menopause wasn’t exactly a frequent topic of conversation on TV.

The show dared to address it. And they tackled it with a mix of humor and sensitivity that was probably groundbreaking for its time.

Beyond the Laughs

“Too Good Edith” isn’t the best episode of All in the Family. I won't pretend it is.

But it shows a family trying to navigate a difficult situation. It shows Edith’s vulnerability and strength. It showcases Jean Stapleton’s amazing talent.

And honestly, it makes me appreciate the show's willingness to tackle real-life issues. Even when it wasn’t always perfect.

Final Thoughts: Give It Another Shot

So, next time you're scrolling through streaming services, give "Too Good Edith" another look. You might be surprised.

It might not be laugh-out-loud funny from start to finish. But you might find something relatable. You might even find something… touching.

And if nothing else, you can laugh at

Archie Bunker's