This superb episode epitomizes why this show was, and is, so great, and why the humor has held up two thirds of a century later. Ralph Kramden, ever-dreaming, frequently blowhard everyman, sees his hopes and dreams shattered by his own uncontrollable emotions and resulting rash actions. In this case, his desire for the status and perks of convention manager for the Raccoon Lodge's upcoming convention is threatened by, what else, another fight with his best pal, Ed Norton, resulting from a dust-up over a malfunctioning vacuum cleaner. Unfortunately for
Ralph, Ed holds the deciding vote at the lodge's election for convention manager.
As always, Gleason is terrific, the boisterous boy barely grown-up in big boy clothes, acting alternately the ebullient winner, the sulking loser nursing resentment over a perceived betrayal, the enraged man exploding with irrational anger- leading to irrational, and ultimately self-defeating, actions. And Carney is right there with him, as always the perfect foil for Ralph's cascading emotions. And of course, Audrey Meadows is impeccable as Ralph's long-suffering, wise, and stoic wife Alice. Also a nice turn in a bit part by George Petrie, veteran character actor whose 14 appearances in the one-season run of the stand-alone "Honeymooners" sitcom (as opposed to the recurring skits in Gleason's various comedy-variety shows through the years) was the record for any actor besides the core four performers.