Ep 4. The Bunkers and Inflation (4) (aka Archie's Raise)

The Bunkers face a new financial challenge in "The Bunkers and Inflation (4)" (aka Archie's Raise), the fourth episode of the fifth season of the iconic TV show, All in the Family. Set in the 1970s, this episode revolves around the effects of inflation on Archie Bunker's finances and the resulting conflict in the Bunker household.

As the episode begins, we find Archie, a middle-aged blue-collar worker, returning home after work. He is visibly frustrated and upset over the rising cost of living and his inability to keep up with it. His wife, Edith, greets him warmly but can sense his disgruntlement. Archie begins venting his frustrations, blaming the government for economic issues that are hitting hardworking people like him especially.

Soon, Archie's daughter, Gloria, and her husband, Michael, arrive at the Bunker residence. Michael, known for his liberal worldview, learns about Archie's financial worries and attempts to empathize. He suggests that Archie should ask his boss for a raise to help combat the burden of inflation. However, Archie is reluctant to follow Michael's advice, fearing it would jeopardize his already strained relationship with his boss.

Despite Archie's apprehension, Gloria and Michael encourage him to pursue the raise, convinced that he deserves it for his years of service and hard work. They hope that boosting Archie's income will help alleviate the family's financial strain. While initially skeptical, Archie eventually warms up to the idea, mainly due to Gloria's insistence.

The next day, Archie musters the courage to approach his boss with the request for a raise. He visits Frank Lorenzo, his employer at the loading dock warehouse, and presents his case for an increase in pay. The subsequent conversation between Archie and Frank showcases the clash between their differing attitudes and outlooks on life. Archie represents the classic conservative viewpoint, while Frank presents a more progressive perspective.

Back at home, Archie anxiously waits for Frank's response. Edith, always supportive of her husband, tries to comfort and reassure him. Edith's unwavering loyalty is one of her defining characteristics throughout the series, often acting as a buffer between Archie and his frequent clashes with the family and society.

As time passes, tensions rise in the Bunker household. The financial strain and uncertainty take a toll on everyone, yet they still hold out hope for positive news from Frank. Meanwhile, Archie's frustration escalates, leading to disagreements with Edith and confrontations with Gloria and Michael, who are growing increasingly impatient with their father's narrow-mindedness.

In a parallel storyline, this episode also explores the struggles of Archie's neighbor, George Jefferson, and his wife, Louise, amidst inflation. The Jeffersons, who would later enjoy their own successful spin-off series, serve as a contrasting portrayal of an African American family dealing with similar financial challenges. Their experiences provide a different perspective on the hardships caused by inflation and the quest for a better life.

"The Bunkers and Inflation (4)" delves into the complexities of economic anxieties and the impact of financial hardships on family dynamics. The script brilliantly combines humor, drama, and social commentary, typical of All in the Family. Through Archie's quest for a raise, the episode explores the repercussions of inflation and captures the frustrations of ordinary working-class Americans during the tumultuous 1970s.

Will Archie succeed in securing a raise from his boss? How will the Bunker family cope with their financial struggles amidst rising inflation? To find out, tune in to "The Bunkers and Inflation (4)" and witness the comedic and heartfelt moments that make All in the Family a timeless classic.