A Televisual Feast

Even though the episode is predictable–the only thing more apparent would be a subplot with Archie lusting for a girl and it turns out she’s dating Mike and Gloria’s friend Roger (who Archie is convinced is gay)–there are some great moments. Archie and Mike’s initial, first act discussion of gays gives Archie a lot of great lines (and some for Edith). Later, Mike finally stoops to Archie’s level, kicking off the third act, but also giving some much-needed humanity to Mike.

In fact, this episode uses guest stars well–something the series has had problems with so far (except Lionel)–and fills the episode to a degree. Not all the way unfortunately… there’s still some awkward time killers, little tidbits turned into scenes and these scenes don’t have much to do with the episode as a whole.

And then the last scene is weak, dismissing the bigger issues the episode explores and following up on the second cheapest detail. The result is an odd mix, funny but not quite successful. It doesn’t help the most important guest star isn’t a very good actor either.

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