All in the family is probably one of the most iconic American Sitcoms of all time. The sitcom is notable for tackling the big issues of the day such as racism, homophobia, feminism, Vietnam, Watergate and even rape. The sitcom is at its best when it tackles these big issues.
Fact: The opening sequence of Family Guy is a tribute to All in the Family
Cousin Liz (Season 8 Episode 8)
This is my personal all time favourite episode of All in the Family. The writing is simply perfect - the script did in fact win an Emmy.
The episode is very simple in nature. Cousin Liz dies and Archie wants to sell her fancy tea set. However, they find out that Cousin Liz's flatmate Veronica is in fact her partner and the tea set means a lot to her. Edith is very sympathetic to Veronica and forgets about the teapot however Archie is not so sympathetic.
The episode is important in a cultural sense as it aired at the time were Californians were voting on the Briggs Initiative. This would have banned anyone who was gay or lesbian or who supported gay rights from working in schools. Norman Lear believed that the episode had a major role in defeating the amendment.
Edith's 50th Birthday (Season 8 Episodes 3 and 4)
This episode really shows that Jean Stapleton has talent (the actress who plays Edith Bunker). In fact, it is one of the best performances of any actress in anything, ever.
In the episode Edith is sexually assaulted and has to deal with the aftermath. The quality of the performance was so good that the episode is used to train law enforcement personal. Though it is not easy to watch it is a must watch.
Sammy's Visit (Season 2, Episode 21)
In the episode Sammy Davis Jr visits the bunkers and, as you would expect, Archie is somewhat racist. The episode features some of the best writing of the entire show and a perfect ending.
