I vaguely remember this show from when I was a kid. I'm not sure it aired in its entirety over here in the UK, but I've watched these clips and they're pretty funny. I've always believed in the power of good writing and fiction to move societies forward - part of the reason I became a playwright and screenwriter, and it's great to see this in action. That final scene between Roland and Blanche is masterfully written - tackling a complex subject with a mix of heartfelt monologues and well timed humour.

I have a different interpretation to you (shocker I know). I don't see this as Roland schooling Blanche. It's a scene of slow realisation for both characters - they agree to meet their views in the middle. They both give ground on their character objectives... and they bring each other to a place of mutual understanding but difference. This is symbolically represented by the formal stiff handshake (her culture), the informal handshake (his culture) and the hug (a universal culture). It's a beautiful moment and still carries an emotional resonance a few decades later.

I think I'm going to have to dig up the rest of this series. I'm not quite so caught up on my classic American sitcoms. If you're looking for a similar British equivalent then do a search for Alf Garnett and 'Til Death Do Us Part' from the 1970s. Does a similar skewering of British bigotry in a clever way. Lovely to read your stuff as always and thanks for the inadvertant transatlantic recommendation.