The Bus Came Back: Or more aptly, the bus came to California, with Archie, Edith and Stephanie as passengers, to visit Mike, Gloria and little Joey. Both Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers were credited guest stars.
Christmas Episode: Continuing with the theme of unease and not-necessarily positive happenings on what's supposed to be the best day of the year, here Archie and Edith learn that Mike and Gloria have separated and seriously considering divorce.
Divorce Is Temporary: For Mike and Gloria, their agreement to seek one is temporary.
Exiled to the Couch: It is revealed that Mike and Gloria have not been sleeping in the same bed - or in the same house, for that matter - the past few months.
Generation Xerox: Joey does the Bronx cheer just like his grandpa Archie usually does, and Stephanie refers to Mike as Meathead (which, notably, Archie does not do this time).
Happy Marriage Charade: Mike and Gloria agree to put one of these up for the folks. Doesn't work.
Housewife: In part, what led Gloria — who has been unable to find work, and has a 3-year-old son to look after to boot — to have her affair.
Took a Level in Jerkass: Mike grows to resent Gloria so much he insults her, first by telling her that the 5 years they spent together - very happily, for the most part - were the most miserable in his life, then by telling her she got fat. He's also very callous - and, indeed, happy - about her having to sleep in an uncomfortable chair while he sleeps on Gloria's comfortable bed. In the midst of all this, he has the gally to recall her he's only there to make her a favor.
