User Reviews

This episode mostly revolves around Edith's visit to a laundromat, as she's picked to star in a commercial, although I can't recall the exact reason why, but it has something to do with a famous cleaning brand that I don't think she even uses. For those who remember Morris the cat, Archie mentions him to Edith, who stupidly won't "lie" and choose the cleaning detergent the company wants her to choose in the commercial; this had me yelling at the screen at Edith, because she just cost her and Archie future residuals anytime the commercials comes on again. This is a decent episode with many clunkers to follow, even though Archie isn't the main subject here, but he does offer some funny lines. Darryl Hickman is funny as gay director Peter Grey, who calls Archie "precious" at one point; Archie asks the man if he's gay, to which the director responds, "are you?", to which Archie says emphatically, "no", then the director says "I'm so relieved!". You may recognize Frank Aletter, who portrays Mr. Prescott, the supervisor. Both men are at their wits' end with idiotic Edith, and so was I, to be honest. She goes from a lovable, honest woman to an unrealistic buffoon in a matter of moments. If I was Archie, I might have her walk home alone after that idiocy.

The opening clip of "The Commercial" started with Edith Bunker entering a laundromat. She sorted out her dirty clothes -- on a typical day -- and placed them in the washer. Little did she know that Archie Bunker's shirt from Walt Disney World -- while on vacation -- was ripped into two halves. She chose the brand of detergent that removed stains better than the other product. For her trouble: she earned 50 dollars for appearing in front of the cameras for the taping of the commercial. Not Bad!!

Mr. Prescott eventually came to the Bunker household to have his wife appear in the commercial. Archie had balked at the idea of Edith appearing in front of the television cameras. He later reconsidered the notion and allowed Edith to participate in the taping. At first, Edith was so sure about choosing the right brand of detergent in the commercial. All she had to do was to pick the right brand. She would later hesitate in front of the director's cameras for the taping of the commercial. The director acted quite impatient after Edith did not follow through with her role in choosing the right detergent in the taping.

Eventually, Edith Bunker was released from any further responsibilities in the commercial. She would earn an additional 218 dollars for her trouble. Edith disappointed herself in not choosing the right detergent in the taping of the commercial. Even so, she maintained a principle that money was second to needs at home. I rated the following episode a 10.5 from back in the 1977-1978 Television Season. Enjoy!!