Maude

Bea Arthur's outsize personality so well used in Golden Girls got a start as Edith Bunker's cousin Maude visiting Archie and Edith in All In the Family. Maude proved so popular and such a worthy adversary for Archie that Norman Lear gave Arthur her own show and the title role in same. It ran for six seasons. In the 70s Norman Lear could practically do no wrong.

Maude was a liberated woman, liberated in fact from three previous husbands before settling down and marrying Bill Macy. The family also had Adrienne Barbeau living with them and her son as well. Barbeau was Maude's daughter by marriage number 2.

Maude's hero was Eleanor Roosevelt and like Eleanor she lived in upstate New York in the rich suburb of Tuckahoe. From there she debated and worked for various liberal causes always indulged in by her husband. She didn't need Archie Bunker to debate her issues, she had wealthy Repubican doctor Conrad Bain next door. Bain had a lot more education than Archie did and he was a more formidable adversary.

I always liked Bill Macy in this show. The ever patient Walter Findlay who decided that the other three husbands had it wrong and he should just go with the flow. He did, but he also said some wise things every so often that brought up his outspoken wife very short.

Bea Arthur bought some real life into this character. She and Macy were a matched pair. And Maude was wonderful viewing.

"Maude" was a chance for the people of "All in the Family" to tackle the female side of the issues... by creating a powerful, subtle and humorous woman that had just as strong views as Archie Bunker.

Bea Arthur has since become well known for her humor and the looks at the camera... she was the perfect choice for Maude... noone else could have pulled it off.

Throughout the years "Maude" tackled many issues and caused controversial uproars, just as it's parent show "All in the Family" did.

When naming a list of the most memorable shows, "Maude" should be listed at the top... although it hasn't earned the respect as it should have now.

If you get a chance to watch this series... do it...

I am only 15 years old and was not even thought of when Maude was on CBS but I love to watch this show on TV Land. It is so funny! I am a Bea Arthur fan and I like to watch The Golden Girls and Mama's Family too so I know Bea Arthur and Rue McClanahan from Golden Girls and Rue McClanahan from Mama's Family. When I first tuned in to Maude, I was suprised because I saw Rue McClanahan and her mouth was moving and I heared a womans voice but through my TV Speakers, it didn't sound like her! I eventually got used to her northeast axcent she was doing on Maude. I was so used to a southern axcent from The Golden Girls and Mama's Family. My favorite character on Maude (Other than Maude obviously) is Mrs. Naugatuck. She is too funny! I think we all recognized Hermione Baddley from Mary Poppins! She seems to be always playing a maid but I really liked the episode when Mrs. Naugatuck first came, she and Maude were useing the word "Oppinion" alot when they weren't getting along at first.

Mrs. Naugatuck: "You're very oppinionated!" Maude: "That's your oppinion."

and so on! We were filling out a survey at school on our favorite TV shows so I filled out a less obvious show for me and put Maude. Some kid in the next desk looked over at my ballet and sayed "Maude? What's that?!" My algebra teacher sayed "Oh, that's some messed up TV show in TV land. That actress is a witch! I hated her on Maude and I especially hated her on The Golden Girls," he sayed. "Also, that show is a knock off to All in the family." What I was trying to say by that is, I am glad I found positive comments on Maude because not many people in my town like that show. There is only one lady I know of that likes it, she is also a Golden Girls fan. I have alot of Golden Girls fans at my school but none for Maude. Alot in my town say they like The Golden Girls but they don't like Dorothy. I just don't understand. Well, I hope TV Land never ever ever takes Maude off the air because there is really no place else that would air it! LONG LIVE MAUDE!

I love Bea Arthur and this show is the only one that tops "The Golden Girls." The show was controversial, but greatly written, and carried it off with fantastic acting! Norman Lear is a television dynasty within himself. I wish I could have been old enough in the seventies to appreciate the first run of these episodes...however, I can deal with the re-runs just fine!

If you don't watch this show, that is. I must admit, I love All in the Family, however for me this is just a bit better.

Bea Arthur was PERFECT in her role as the tough-spirited yet gullible Maude Findlay. Bill Macy was the perfect husband for her, playing Walter to a T. Conrad Bain and Rue McClanahan were wonderful as well, playing the slightly nutty Harmon's, and watching their relationship develop was a testament as to how the writers could bring two characters believably together. Rounding out the cast were Adrienne Barbeau, and the late Esther Rolle and Hermoine Baddeley.

This show also tackled as many serious subjects as All in the Family. From abortion to alcoholism, Maude and family dealt with it in a fashion that was not only informative but humorous and tasteful as well.

Maudie is back!