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!

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.

Lady Godiva was a freedom rider...

And when the country was falling apart, Betsy Ross had it all sewn up...and then there's Maude (repeat,) right on Maude.

That was part of the opening theme song of this very popular show of the 1970s brought about by Beatrice Arthur visiting Archie and Edith Bunker's home on "All in the Family." Go know that Edith and Maude were cousins. The hilarity broke loose when Maude's liberal views were tested with Archie's ultra-conservative leanings. Arthur was such a success on the show that she was given her own show "Maude."

While Maude is very liberal, the film showed that her home was anything but functional. I guess that the same can be said about any liberal or conservative.

The show was highlighted by another great supporting cast with Bill Macy and Adrienne Barbeau as husband and daughter to Maude, respectively.

"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...