Episode:	IT’S A BUNDYFUL LIFE, pts. 1 & 2

Reviewed By:  John P. Stevenson


	I have a theory as to why MWC strikes a chord with those of us who are true fans: We
 watch it because, for a half-hour at a time, no matter what’s going on in our lives, we can 
 see someone who is definitely worse off than us, and still struggles on. Yes, I refer to our
 hero, a contemporary everyman, Al Bundy.  Few episodes demonstrate this as well as this
 Christmas-time send-up of Frank Capra’s "It’s a Wonderful Life."

	MWC usually had it’s best moments when it focused on the main characters, instead of 
 on guest stars and supporting players.  This, however, is an exception to that rule. Very few
 comedians can go head-to-head with Ed O’Neill’s Al Bundy and come off favorably; many have
 tried in the series’ 11-year run, and most have come off second best.

	But Sam Kinison, without a doubt, does more than hold his own:  He steals the show!  
 All the elements we Sam Kinison fans loved about his act are here (except for the profanity, 
 of course):  The irreverence; the jokes about married life; the manic personality.  Everything
 that made Kinison great is on display in this episode, and it’s definitely a treat.

	But don’t think that O’Neill is asleep on the job.  This is definitely his episode, and
 he makes full use of the extra half-hour as we see Al, through no fault of his own, disappoint
 his family on yet another Christmas.  His struggle to close the shoe-store in time to get to 
 the bank is hilarious, and the look on his face as the security barrier is lowered, cutting 
 him off from the chance of a successful holiday, is priceless. The recitation of the Bundy
 version of The Night Before Christmas is classic, as is his "kiddie corral".

	But it’s the second part of the episode that truly raises this to the level of greatness.
 The interplay between O’Neill and Kinison is superb, as they trade insults and comebacks like 
 a verbal tennis match.  Both have brought their "A" games, and we’re the winners.

	There are too many high points in this episode to describe them all:  Kinison ‘goosing’
 Peg; seeing Kelly as a frigid virgin; Kinison’s reaction when he meets Al, these are just a few
 of the comedic gems in this episode.  If you haven’t seen it yet; don’t wait until Christmas -
 watch it as soon as you can.  If you have seen it before, then watch it again.  Believe me, it
 holds up well to repeated viewings.  I should know -- I’ve certainly watched it more than once!


RATING: 	***** out of Five!