Ep 16. How Green was My Apple

How Green was My Apple is the sixteenth episode of the eighth season of Married...with Children, a sitcom that follows the lives of the Bundy family, a dysfunctional clan living in the suburbs of Chicago. Known for its satirical edge and slapstick humor, the series often tackles the trials and tribulations of the lower-middle-class American family in a comedic, if somewhat exaggerated, manner.

In this particular episode, the Bundy family, led by the lazy but lovable shoe salesman Al and his sharp-tongued wife Peggy, finds themselves embroiled in another suburban debacle, only this time it involves not just their immediate family, but the entire neighborhood. The Bundys have always had a contentious relationship with their neighbors, especially the upwardly mobile couple next door, Marcy and Jefferson D'Arcy, who contrast sharply with the Bundy's more slovenly ways.

The conflict begins with a seemingly mundane issue: a dispute over a fruit tree. In an unusual twist for the Bundys who aren't known for their interest in horticulture or environmental matters, the story reveals a deeper commentary on the themes of property rights, neighborly relations, and the American pursuit of happiness – all served with a generous helping of the show's typical irreverence.

The trouble starts when a tree, which has been a longstanding fixture in the neighborhood, suddenly becomes a point of contention between the Bundys and their neighbors. The reason for this dispute is that the tree grows exactly on the property line between the Bundy residence and the neighboring property. The apples from the tree are, to everyone's surprise, incredibly delicious, and what was once overlooked now becomes a source of envy and greed as both sides vie for exclusive rights to the bountiful tree.

As the episode progresses, the battle escalates, with Al Bundy taking charge of the situation in his usual bumbling yet determined fashion. Always looking for ways to assert his authority or come out on top, Al's involvement invariably leads to a series of misunderstandings, outrageous tactics, and comical mishaps. The disagreement over the apple tree brings out the worst (and funniest) in both parties, showcasing the pettiness that can arise over the most trivial of concerns when pride and stubbornness are involved.

Peggy Bundy, often content with spending her days indulging in daytime television and bonbons, finds herself also drawn into the conflict, bringing her own unique perspective and strategy to the mix. Her contributions to the situation tend to complicate matters further, adding to the hilarity that ensues. The Bundy children, Kelly and Bud, are not immune to the allure of the apple tree and have their own ideas about how to profit from the situation.

Meanwhile, the D'Arcys, usually the epitome of suburban sophistication in the eyes of the Bundys, find their composure challenged by the allure of the tree and the prospect of besting their neighbors once and for all. Marcy D'Arcy, the ever-straitlaced banker, shows a surprising level of cunning and determination, while her husband Jefferson, typically content to coast on his looks and charm, becomes a key player in the escalating feud.

Throughout the episode, the tension and absurdity continue to climb, with both sides attempting various strategies to claim the tree as their own. The situation is further inflamed by miscommunication, alliances with other neighbors, and the involvement of local authorities, highlighting the lengths to which the characters will go for the sake of winning a trivial neighborhood squabble.

As is typical of Married...with Children, the humor in How Green was My Apple is derived from the idiosyncrasies and shortcomings of the Bundy family and their interactions with the world around them. Satire and parody abound as the show takes a light-hearted but sharp-eyed look at suburban life, the American dream, and the often ludicrous nature of human behavior.

Of course, as is customary for the show, while the situation is absurd, the sentimental or heartwarming resolutions often found in more traditional sitcoms are notably absent. Instead, the resolution – or lack thereof – stays true to the show's roots, ensuring that viewers are left laughing at the sheer ridiculousness of the drama playing out in front of them, while also allowing for the self-awareness to reflect on their own neighborhood experiences. How Green was My Apple invites audiences to enjoy the pandemonium that ensues when covetousness and competitiveness overtake common sense, all while reaffirming the show's larger commitment to poking fun at the all-too-familiar foibles of domestic life.