All In The Family: The Complete Fourth Season (1973) On DVD

Breaking new ground in a TV-land that still bore a resemblance to the rose-tinted, apple-pie version of America that dominated screens in the 1950s and 60s, ALL IN THE FAMILY debuted in 1971 and proceeded to address its controversial issues with humor and a refreshing candor. Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor) was the openly bigoted and rude patriarch, with conservative views and a stodgy outlook that placed him at odds with almost everyone he encountered. His slightly ditzy wife Edith (Jean Stapleton) was his foil, providing an open-minded and cheerful foundation for the family. Their daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers) also lived in Bunkers' home in Queens, along with her liberal, scholarly husband Mike (Rob Reiner). The storylines broached topics prescient to the times, incorporating politics and racial issues by addressing the Vietnam War, economic injustice, and prejudice with an open humor, framing these topics in bold new ways. Other plots touched upon rape, death, women's issues, homosexuality, and even introduced a scatological humor to the small screen. In season four, a Mexican family moves into the neighborhood, much to Archie's chagrin, and Archie and Edith celebrate their 25th anniversary, rediscovering their love in the process. Edith also finds out that she may have breast cancer. Episodes include "Archie, the Gambler," "The Taxi Caper," "Lionel's Engagement," and "Gloria Sings the Blues."