The argument (which was alarmingly well-acted by Robert Young and Jane Wyatt) allows the audience to realize that there may be some underlying tension in the Anderson household that doesn’t always get acknowledged by fans of the show. The surprising complexity in characterization is not just limited to the children and often allows matriarch Margaret an opportunity to be challenged in unusual circumstances. Sometimes, matriarch Margaret knew best, and sometimes the children are left to their own devices to resolve their problems. Moreover, Jim’s response to Betty’s efforts to resolve (...)