by Hal Erickson
synopsis
In the conclusion of a three-part story arc, the Bunker household is relieved that Archie Bunker, reported missing from his lodge convention in Buffalo, has been found. It turns out that he had "one too many" with his buddies, and spent two days sleeping it off (as good an explanation as any for the absence of series star Carroll O'Connor, who had actually briefly walked off the set due to a salary dispute). In anticipation of Archie's return, the family holds all sorts of celebratory contests, with Gloria and Mike attempting to hold a kiss until Archie walks through the front door. Written by Lloyd Turner and Gordon Mitchell, "The Longest Kiss" originally aired on November 16, 1974.
