Mike and Gloria's departure from the series was fairly recent to this episode. Yet, the episode plays as if a more significant amount of time had passed. Having Mike and Gloria on the verge of separation created a very dramatic and emotional situation. However, one may question what the point of this really was. The Stivic characters had already been written out of the show. Why have them make a temporary return, just to reveal that they're about to divorce? Perhaps, the show's ratings were declining at this point. Something strong might have been needed to revamp people's interest in the show. The episode is well acted, but ends without a clear resolution. In any case, Archie was right about one thing. Mike shouldn't have shaved off his moustache.
Review of California, Here We Are
