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Madly Odd

The Audience Can't Stop Laughing When Archie Bunker Makes a New Friend

Two men in blue pajamas lie in bed, one appearing tired, the other smiling.

'All in the Family' tackled challenging issues and stereotypes in many of its episodes. No topic was too sensitive for Archie and his family. In season three's episode 'Archie in the Hospital,' Archie strikes up a friendship with his roommate, unaware that he is black.

A woman in a patterned coat leans over a man in a hospital bed, holding a stethoscope.

Edith, Mike, and Archie are in a hospital because Archie is hurt. Archie says to his new hospital friend, 'This is my real wife right now, Johnny.' She goes over to say hello, and he says hello in French with an accent.

Edith is surprised and comically says, 'He doesn't look French.' Edith asks if the doctors know what's up with Archie's back, and Mike says, 'I still think it's psychosomatic.' Archie looks at him and says, 'You know what I think? Shut up!' Archie's back starts to hurt, and Mike yells, 'It's all in your mind. Think of something else.'

A woman in a green jacket leans over a man in a hospital bed, both smiling.

At the same time, Archie yells, 'Get away from me!' Edith runs for a doctor. Johnny, his roommate, and Archie talk about how Archie can deal with pain because he was in WWII. Archie says, 'When I saved your country.' Johnny says, 'Maybe one day we can return the favor.'

They begin to talk about work, and Archie talks about how he dislikes the new kid who thinks he knows it all. Johnny asks if Archie thinks the young kid is trying to steal Archie's job. Archie gets suspicious and says, 'That's very presumptuous of you, Johnny. You're a smart man. Why would you say that?' Johnny says, 'I heard your son say it.'

A man in a blue hospital gown lies in a bed, appearing relaxed or asleep.

Archie says, 'Oh, he's stupid. He doesn't know anything.' Then, Archie invites him for dinner, and Johnny says that won't happen because 'We are like two ships that pass in the dark.' Archie denies that, and he gives him his address. Johnny needs to write it, so he gets up to grab the pen, finally appearing before Archie's eyes and says, 'Ready.' Archie realizes Johnny is a black man and stares at him with a confused look as the audience roars with laughter.

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