A Televisual Feast

Archie worries about his job in another short present action episode–two hours or so. The episode really feels like a play here, which isn’t a bad thing and it’s an interesting format for a sitcom. Humor possibilities are limited–for instance, I was actually glad when annoying neighbor Clara shows up, just because the episode definitely needs some new things thrown into the mix.

The best part of the episode is Archie and Edith worrying, talking about things. It’s a short scene, probably only lasts a minute, but it gives some real perspective on the characters. There’s also the odd condemning (for lack of a better word) of Mike. He is, in this episode, a definite meathead. Until the end, when he has an interaction with a drunken cop, it’s all about Archie and sympathizing with Archie, something relatively new for the series.

It’s a fine, sturdy episode. No hiccups, no bumps… nothing exciting. Given Lear worked on the script and Lear tends to turn in the better episodes, I’m sort of surprised, but it’s a fine go. Even if the guest stars do all feel awkward, like interlopers on the set.

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