Married... Without Children

The Bundys would like to get away so Al can watch a boxing match but they don't have cable. The Rhoades suggest a motel in Wisconsin for the weekend. The only problem are the kids so the Rhoades volunteer to babysit and do the things that the book suggests they do in child-rearing. Bud, Kelly, and the dog Buck come over and Kelly says "it's like death here." While the Rhoades try to play the role of parents, it's a lot more than they bargained for as Bud and Kelly are there. They are not interested in playing Trivial Pursuit with the Rhoades. Kelly asks if her friends can come over and they are a delightful group. Liane Curtis who was in Sixteen Candles plays one of her friends. They are the kind of bunch that could wreck a house. So when the Bundys announce that they are coming home early, the Rhoades allow Kelly to have a party so they wouldn't have to babysit them anymore.

Watching Married With Children reminds me of how great the late-'80s/early-90s were: no-one had mobile phones, we didn't spend all of our time on the internet, and teenagers had much better taste in music. In this episode of the show, Kelly and Bud are blasting their Beastie Boys-style rap-rock at full volume, causing Steve and Marcy to come round and complain. While chatting to a harassed Peg, Marcy comes up with the idea of babysitting Kelly and Bud while Al and Peggy have a weekend away.

Anyone who is Married With Children will appreciate Married Without Children: as much as we love our kids, a break from the stresses and strains of parenthood every now and then is very welcome, and this episode is far funnier viewed from the perspective of a parent, especially Marcy's naivety when it comes to looking after kids.

Funniest moments this episode: Steve recommending the Come and Go Motel to Al, Peggy telling Al off for moaning about Steve and Marcy ("Shut up Al, they have their uses."), and Kelly's friend Dweep announcing that "human life means nothing to me".