User Reviews

This "MWC" episode "Shoeless Al" from season 9 episode 27 from May of 1995 was funny and far out a real laugh out loud and crazy one. Al and the guys are playing and challenging in a bowling tournament. Al must keep his strong hand up, but the episode twist when a guy with a gun robs Al in the shoe store as Al is tied up and has his mouth taped shut all night! He then is stressed, yet has a plan as he wants to collect insurance money from the mall for personal stress damages. So Al can't wear shoes, yet he still wants to bowl for his team only Al choses heart over money and decides to bowl and win , he doesn't get the millions and he stays a poor and stubborn shoe salesman! Overall funny memorable episode.

In the same way that NO MA'AM and American sports usually guarantees that I won't enjoy an episode, so ten pin bowling almost certainly ensures that I'll have a good time (no, ten pin bowling does not count as a sport!). Al's seriousness while in the alley, his focus, his lack of sportsmanship: it all adds up to lots of fun, and this one is no exception.

After Al is held up at gunpoint in Gary's shoe shop, Jefferson suggest that he feigns PTSD and sues the mall for damages. Suspecting a scam, the mall hires a private investigator to stay at the Bundy's home for a week to try and rumble Al's plan. Al sticks to his guns, avoiding shoes, but comes unstuck when the final of the Puggy Weaver Memorial Cup is moved forward. Unable to wear bowling shoes, Al talks Bud into taking his place...

The comedy is consistently good throughout, but this episode is particularly hilarious at the end when the game rests on Bud's final two balls. Al muttering 'Gee, I wonder what is going to happen next' is pure brilliance (that gag never gets old) and, sure enough, Bud bowls a split, prompting Al to put on his bowling shoes to win the match.

Lots of fun, and I'm liking Kelly's new hairdo: she looks good with her hair short. And long. And bald.