I think she stays with him because whatever they were doing he was winning.
I’m still working on why Alice married Ralph Kramden; he’s poor, fat, mean-tempered and if she ever presses a point, he threatens her with physical violence. ("One of these days… to the moon, Alice.) I’ve been trying to figure that one out for 50 years.
I think they’ve done a good job portraying Claire as less than perfect. Maybe she feels she had to “settle for Phil,” and there’s some hidden resentment.
That’s a problem with sitcoms? 
You do realize if shows were like real life it wouldn’t be enjoyable to watch, right? Why don’t you try sitting in someone’s living room and watching them for a few hours. Generally speaking… not too fun.
But his threats were just that: threats. He was also kind and affectionate, and whatever he gave to her, she gave right back. Their relationship was toxic, but they genuinely loved each other.
But isn’t that part of the cycle of dysfunction that women with low self-esteem fall victim to? But Alice didn’t seem to have low self-esteem, so it doesn’t make sense to me. (It’s different than, say, Lois and Peter Griffin from Family Guy, because Lois is portrayed as more than a little nutty and craxy.)
But I’m a big fan of The Honeymooners, nonetheless, and I’m still trying to figure out the Ralph-Alice relationship. As a bonus, when I figure that one out, I’ll also solve the mystery of the relationship between Fred and Wilma Flinstone.
I agree. I don’t see why Claire and Phil are together, but I really don’t see why Cam and Mitchell are together. They don’t seem to even like each other much. Maybe the idea is just that Claire and Mitchell both turned out the same way and are attracted to their own opposites.
And Julie Bowen? I have to wince at how emaciated she is getting herself.
See, I think Cam and Mitch adore each other. Their little snipes never seem truly mean and they forgive each other instantly. Ultimately they accept each others faults, and while not necessarily liking them, seem to genuinely care about each other.
This. Every now and again it’s Clair making a groan worthy pun and then she and Phil will silently high five each other.
Claire is absurdly hot, and I appreciate the occasional gems of dialogue, but the determined immaturity of almost all the adults is something of a turn off.
Phil brings home the bacon. Enough to afford Claire the lifestyle she wants.
Plus they truly love each other.