Tooth or Consequences is the fourth episode of season 4 of Married...With Children, also the 61st overall series episode. The episode originally aired on FOX on October 1, 1989. Directed by Gerry Cohen, the episode was written by Will Rodgers that was made into a teleplay by Sheldon Krasner and David Sailing.
Synopsis[]
Al gets a toothache and goes to a dentist, who is bitter over his wife divorcing him.
Storyline[]
A toothache forces Al to see Marcy's dentist, a divorced man that devotes as much of his time to his work as he does to his young female dental assistant, who's ironically named T.C. At the same time, Al pressers Peggy to cook a square meal for him for just one day. Al has never been to the dentist before. When he complains of a toothache, everybody including neighbor Marcy insists that he goes to the dentist. He can't even enjoy a drink of beer. When he is in the dentist's office, he takes a balloon and stuffed animal to comfort him. The sexy blonde dental assistant, played by Traci Lords, who is also the dentist's girlfriend, asks for the stuffed animal back. Al refuses. When the dentist played by SCTV alumnus Joe Flaherty, gets a look at his mouth, he is stunned to see a lot of things. The dentist reassures him that he can do all of it. In fact, he gets his dental assistant to videotape Al's mouth so they know it's human.
Recurring cast/Guest stars[]
Regulars[]
- Amanda Bearse as Marcy Rhoades
- David Garrison as Steve Rhoades
- Buck the Dog as Buck Bundy
Guest starring[]
- Joe Flaherty as Dr. Plierson
- Traci Lords as T.C.
- Scott Garrison as Bill
- Charlotte Crossley as Louise
Quotes[]
- Neighbor: [off-screen] Hey, Bundy! I'm having steak tonight. What are you having?
- Al: If I was the mailman, I'd be having your wife!
- Al: Ah, Home sweet hell...
- [Steve and Marcy are in disbelief after seeing Al and Peg examining the kids' teeth with flashlights and then promise to forge their dental records in the morning.]
- Steve: Uh, excuse me [takes a seat] but doesn't anybody know this is against the law?
- Al: So is dressing up a chicken and calling it your wife. [laughs, as Marcy gives him a dirty look]
- Marcy: I am not a chicken! [turns towards Steve and bows forward with her hands touching her sides and elbows sticking out.] Why does he keep calling me a chicken?!
- Steve: [pats Marcy's hand] Now, Marcy, don't get your feathers ruffled. [laughs]
- Marcy: Don't you understand? You are robbing your children of one of life's great experiences. I love to go to the dentist! [begins acting out her fantasy and gradually becomes more excited] A man in white hovering over me while I'm trapped helpless in a chair. He cleans me, he flosses me, his instrument's alive in my mouth. And just when I think I can't take anymore... [calms down] he says, "Good girl, Marcy. You can spit now." [smiles as she gestures wiping something from her chin]
- [Al looks at Marcy in disgust, while Peg is in awe of what she just witnessed]
- Peg: Al, I want to go to the dentist. [Al quietly grumbles]
- Marcy: [excited] Well, you should. Everyone should see their dentist at least twice a month! [Steve quickly turns his head and looks at her] I mean, year!
Notes[]
Title[]
- The title of this episode is a reference to the game show Truth or Consequences and Al suffering from a toothache.
Trivia[]
- Peggy mentions that Al works 10 hours a day at Gary's Shoes & Accessories for Today's Woman.
- If Al is only off on Sundays, as mentioned in the previous episode "Buck Saves the Day," That would mean Al works 60 hours per week.
- The yellow shirt that Bud wears at the beginning is the same shirt he wears during the couch gag in the opening credits.
- Traci Lords, who played T.C. in this episode, would later play Vanessa Van Pelt in the season 6 episode, "Al Bundy, Shoe Dick".
- Kelly mentions that she wanted to get a nose ring, but her parents didn't want to let her get one.
Cultural References[]
- Al asks Peggy is she had a one night stand with the comedic duo Abbott and Costello.
Locations[]
- Bundy Residence
- Dr. Plierson's office
Sets[]
- Bundy Living Room / Kitchen
- Dental office
Goofs[]
- When Al arrives home and a neighbor calls out to him, if you look at the reflection on the window behind Al, someone with a white piece of paper walking across the set can be clearly seen just before the camera cuts in closely on Al's face.
External Links[]
Tooth or Consequences at the Internet Movie Database- Tooth or Consequences on Bundyology
- Tooth or Consequences - Transcript on albundy.net
- #62 Tooth or Consequences - MWC Podcast on Horrorphilia
