The Commercial (8 Jan. 1978)

Honest Edith just can't lie during a detergent commercial.

Director:

Paul Bogart

Writers:

Norman Lear (developed by), Johnny Speight ("Til Death Do Us Part" created by),

Stars:

Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner

Cast

Episode cast overview:
Carroll O'Connor	...	Archie Bunker
Jean Stapleton	...	Edith Bunker
Rob Reiner	...	Michael 'Meathead' Stivic
Sally Struthers	...	Gloria Bunker-Stivic (credit only)
Frank Aletter	...	Mr. Prescott
Darryl Hickman	...	Peter Grey
Alan Hamel	...	Ricky Buffano
Thomas H. Middleton	...	Arnold Shaffer

Storyline

While doing the family's laundry at the laundromat, a man walks up to Edith and starts pouring ketchup all over the clothes. Edith is shocked and infuriated until she realizes that the man is secretly auditioning her for a detergent commercial. She gets the job, which will pay $250 whether she does the commercial or not. Archie is not happy, especially since the man ruined the shirt he got from Disney World (signed by Mickey Mouse), but is happy with the prospect of the money. However, during the commercial shoot, Edith is asked which pile of laundry looks cleaner and keeps choosing the other brand because she is too honest to tell a lie even for money. The director cancels the commercial and Archie is flummoxed because it means that no residuals will be coming.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Details

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 January 1978 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Metromedia Square - 5746 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Tandem Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

Edith Bunker's Appearance On Television!!

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!!