Ep 11. It's a Bundyful Life (1)

In the fourth season of the classic sitcom Married...with Children, the Bundy family continues to struggle against their various personal and financial issues. In episode 11, titled "It's a Bundyful Life (1)," the show takes a twist on the classic holiday tale A Wonderful Life.

In this episode, Al Bundy (played by Ed O'Neill) has grown tired of his bleak and monotonous life, so an angel named Franklin (played by Sam Kinison) appears to him, offering Al a glimpse at what his life would have been like had he never been born. As it turns out, Al's absence would have drastically altered the lives of his family members.

Peggy Bundy, played by Katey Sagal, would have never married, and therefore her children Kelly and Bud would have never been born. Peggy would have been a spinster living alone in a dingy apartment. Marcie, the neighbor played by Amanda Bearse, would have also never married and would have been a drunken mess.

Additionally, Al's co-workers at the shoe store would have all gone on to successful careers, leaving his boss Gary to be much happier without him around. Meanwhile, the Bundy's house would have been occupied by the D'Arcys, played by Ted McGinley and Beverly Archer, who appear to be a perfect family but are deeply unhappy.

As Al continues to witness the alternate reality, he becomes increasingly panicked and realizes that his presence has affected those around him more than he ever imagined. Eventually, he decides that he wants to return to his old life and do everything he can to improve it, despite its flaws.

The episode is filled with the classic Married...with Children humor and charm, but also incorporates poignant moments as Al reflects on his impact (or lack thereof) on those around him. And like many holiday episodes of classic sitcoms, it ultimately has a heartwarming message about the importance of family, even if it's not always perfect.