Ep 9. Murray and the Liquor Board

Set in the late 1970s, Archie Bunker's Place is a television sitcom about the lives of a middle-class family living in Queens, New York. In season 1 episode 9, titled "Murray and the Liquor Board," tensions arise when a local liquor inspector visits Archie's bar and grill to investigate a complaint, months after Bunker's Place opened its doors.

Archie, played by Carroll O'Connor (who co-created the show), is the owner of the establishment and a retired dockworker with conservative views. He hires his old friend Murray Klein (Martin Balsam) as his partner, who is more laid back and optimistic. Together, they run the bar and grill, surrounded by their regular customers.

As the episode begins, Murray is gearing up for his big date with his girlfriend, but Archie presses him to stay and make a quick run to the liquor store with him. When they arrive back at the bar, they find a local liquor inspector waiting for them. Murray is caught off guard when the inspector informs him that they have received a complaint about underage kids drinking at the establishment and they have to follow up immediately. Murray is sure that there must be some mistake because they have always been careful about checking ID's of their customers.

While Archie and Murray wait for the liquor inspector to complete his assessment, customers keep arriving, including another old friend of Archie's named Pinky Peterson. Pinky is a lively character, and he provides some comedic relief as he reminisces with Archie about their past adventures together. However, Pinky also becomes a thorn in Murray's side when he starts drinking more than he should and starts acting foolishly. In addition to Pinky's antics, Murray is also upset because he is missing his date.

As the inspection drags on, Murray becomes more anxious, and things suddenly take a turn for the worse when the inspector finds an unlabeled bottle of liquor in the stockroom. The inspector warns Archie and Murray that they will have to appear before the Liquor Board to explain the situation, which could result in them losing their liquor license. Murray is devastated, as losing the license could mean the end of the bar and grill.

As the night wears on, Archie and Murray debate what to do. Archie suggests that they should bring in a lawyer to help them deal with the Liquor Board hearing, but Murray is reluctant to spend the money. Pinky, who has overheard their conversation, offers his help, claiming to know a lot about the legal system. Archie and Murray are skeptical at first, but Pinky turns out to be more knowledgeable than they thought, and he starts preparing them for the hearing.

Pinky's unexpected help is just the boost they need, and they start to feel more Hopeful about their chances of keeping their liquor license. However, their confidence is shaken again when they learn that the inspector who is bringing the complaint against them is a tough ex-cop who is known for being ruthless in court. Now, they will have to figure out how to convince the Liquor Board that the unlabeled bottle was a simple mistake and not an attempt to thwart the law.

In the end, Murray, Archie, and Pinky put together a solid defense, arguing that their mistake was an honest one and that they have always been careful to enforce the age limits. They also present character witnesses who testify to their honesty and integrity. While the Liquor Board doesn't exonerate them completely, they do agree to let them keep the liquor license with a warning not to make any more mistakes.

In conclusion, season 1 episode 9 of Archie Bunker's Place deals with the stress and anxiety associated with owning a bar and grill. Archie and Murray's friendship is tested as they grapple with the prospect of losing their liquor license, but they ultimately come out on top with the help of an unexpected ally. The episode features excellent performances from the cast, witty writing, and a satisfying conclusion that leaves viewers feeling Hopeful for Archie and Murray's future.