[Responsibility2nd]

The creator of “All in the Family,” Norman Lear, knew exactly what he was doing when he wrote and directed the pilot for the show. He went out of his way to cast a pleasant-looking actor for the part and to situate him in a loving, if boisterous, family.

 

No, he actually didn't.  He developed the Archie character as one to be hated and reviled as a bigot. He was clueless and had no idea people would LOVE Archie and embrace his "America, Love it or Leave it" attitude.

[LisaFab]

You are so right!

[Borges]

Lear did want Archie to be somewhat relatable. Writers in TV know that “Love to Hate” characters can’t be TOO hateful. Otherwise people won’t want to spend time with them.