Having scored a hit with her earlier
All in the Family appearance as Edith's ultraliberal cousin, Maude,
Bea Arthur returned to the role in this episode, which originally aired on March 11, 1972. Archie and Edith are invited to Long Island to attend the wedding of Maude's daughter, Carol. Thugh Maude is able to match wits with Archie (mainly because she has twice the ammunition), she may not succeed in pulling off the wedding, which threatens to unravel at the seams long before Carol marches down the aisle with her Jewish fiance, David (
Bob Dishy). Written by Rod Parker, "
Maude" served as the pilot for the series of the same name; William Macy co-stars as Maude's latest husband, Walter Findlay, while
Marcia Rodd is seen as Carol, a role ultimately played in the series proper by
Adrienne Barbeau. "
Maude" was also the final episode of
All in the Family's second season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide