This episode contains what had to be one of the most emotional moments in all of television. Ironically, the great moment was based on the unfortunate decision for Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers to leave the show. The second half of the episode is best. Try not to get emotional when the Stivics and the Bunkers say goodbye. Archie and Mike both seem to acknowledge that all their past arguments never meant very much. Gloria never looked more beautiful than she does here (even while crying her eyes out). Archie finally breaks down at the end. Again, there was nothing positive about Mike and Gloria departing the show, but the situation was handled in a most excellent way.
3 Reviews
REALLY Should Have Been The FINAL Episode.
McGannahanSkjellyfetti23 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
The three part story of "Mike's New Job"-"The Dinner Guest" comes to a dramatic conclusion with "The Stivics Go West." This emotional episode could have been the perfect way to send this iconic legendary show into the sunset in dramatic style.
Both couples renew their vows with "Reverend Ching- Chang-Chong-Whatever." (Too funny!) From there, we get the final goodbyes. The big highlights were the moments where Mike confronts Archie and tells him despite all the arguments and disagreements they had over the years, he always loved him. Archie, naturally, holding back all his emotions,felt the same way. Very touching scenes.
This show, after the fourth season, had it's ups and downs. Some good episodes and some not so good episodes. This would of been the perfect way to send the show off into the sunset. I understand that Norman Lear wanted to have this be the finale, but the network wanted to drag it out further. It's just too bad they went that route.
Both couples renew their vows with "Reverend Ching- Chang-Chong-Whatever." (Too funny!) From there, we get the final goodbyes. The big highlights were the moments where Mike confronts Archie and tells him despite all the arguments and disagreements they had over the years, he always loved him. Archie, naturally, holding back all his emotions,felt the same way. Very touching scenes.
This show, after the fourth season, had it's ups and downs. Some good episodes and some not so good episodes. This would of been the perfect way to send the show off into the sunset. I understand that Norman Lear wanted to have this be the finale, but the network wanted to drag it out further. It's just too bad they went that route.
Incredible Farewell
GarakStarkX13 June 2022
Excellent and poignant acting by the four leads. The last regular appearance of Sally Struthers and Rob Reiner. I just learned that Norman Lear wanted this to be the final episode of the series. But Carol O'Connor wanted it to continue and they convinced Jean Stapleton to return while Struthers and Reiner left.
What an incredible show. There are other great shows (Breaking Bad, The Sopranos, The Wire) but few have such iconic characters and such relatable situations to ordinary life. No many people have close contact with the illegal drug trade or organized crime. But , we can all relate to the lives of Archie, Edith, Mike and Gloria.
What an incredible show. There are other great shows (Breaking Bad, The Sopranos, The Wire) but few have such iconic characters and such relatable situations to ordinary life. No many people have close contact with the illegal drug trade or organized crime. But , we can all relate to the lives of Archie, Edith, Mike and Gloria.
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