‘704 Hauser’ Braces for Race Issue : Television: Norman Lear’s latest sitcom, from Archie Bunker’s old house, may ruffle feathers when it debuts on CBS next week.

In Norman Lear’s new series “704 Hauser,” the punch lines come fast and furious, and the studio audience sounds as if it’s having a rollicking good time roaring at the antics of the combative Cumberbatch family.

The show even has a comic pedigree: The title address is the same house where Archie Bunker fought son-in-law Meathead during the 1970s on Lear’s “All in the Family.”

But many African Americans who tune in may find their funny bones rubbed in the wrong direction.

Some of the people associated with “704 Hauser” predict that black viewers might be less than pleased with the political views expressed by one of the main characters--an ultraconservative who disdains liberals, believes blacks are too promiscuous, claims black people blame too much of their problems on white people, and proclaims that the black church focuses too much on victimization and injustice rather than on motivation and self-empowerment.

Oh, and the character espousing the views is black: Thurgood Marshall (Goodie) Cumberbatch (portrayed by T. E. Russell), a college student who lives at home with his liberal parents.

He is the flip side of Rob Reiner’s Meathead character in “All in the Family,” constantly arguing with his blue-collar father, Ernie Cumberbatch (John Amos), over his political views and his relationship with his idealistic white Jewish girlfriend, Cherlyn Markowitz (Maura Tierney). Trying to hold the family together, even though she also disapproves of her son’s interracial relationship, is Rose Cumberbatch (Lynnie Godfrey), a caterer with strong church ties.

One of the show’s key behind-the-scenes players and one of the models for Goodie says it will suit him just fine if the character angers black viewers.

“Black people need to be made mad,” said Armstrong Williams, a prominent African American conservative who is a creative consultant on “704 Hauser,” which premieres Monday on CBS. With Williams, Spike Lee’s motto, “Do the right thing,” takes on a whole different flavor.

“The truth always hurts,” Williams said by telephone from Washington, where he hosts a twice-weekly radio show, “The Right Side With Armstrong Williams.”

“Black people need to be made uncomfortable. This show never forgets it’s a comedy, but it also looks at how black people can complain about their problems. There’s too much focus on victimization and ‘blame whitey,’ and not enough focus on helping ourselves and self-motivation.”

Williams and producer Lear say that while Goodie may initially provoke black viewers, he ultimately will be accepted and admired by the audience.

“Goodie has something to believe in and he stands by it,” said Williams, who also writes columns for USA Today and the Wall Street Journal.

“He believes in abstaining from sex. He doesn’t smoke or drink. He doesn’t see himself as a victim. Even though some of his belief system is not fully developed yet because of his youth, I think it is Goodie’s ideas that will move black people forward. Most Americans in the long run will identify more with him than with his father.”

Williams and Lear may look, at first glance, to be strange bedfellows to collaborate on a series. Lear is one of the more prominent liberals in the entertainment industry, lending his name to numerous causes. But both men said they truly respect each other’s views, and that all the characters in the show--liberal and conservative--come across as strong and truthful.

“Certainly a lot of this will anger some people, but I don’t think folks will turn it off,” Lear said. “ ‘All in the Family’ got people mad too, but they were interested in engaging in debate.”

Russell, who plays Goodie, said he did not have difficulty relating to the character even though he is not affiliated with any particular party.

“Goodie just wants what’s best for African Americans, and I agree with him on that,” the 23-year-old actor said.

But Russell does part from his character in one major respect--he is not a member of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ fan club.

“I really don’t know what that brother’s problem is,” Russell said. “Sometimes I wonder what country he’s grown up in. I don’t know about his decisions. But Goodie really looks up to him.”

Despite his identification with Goodie, even Williams has trouble with aspects of the character--particularly his white girlfriend and his shaved head, a style that is not considered typical for young black conservatives.

“I’m really not so high on him having a white girlfriend,” Williams said. “My parents had a problem with interracial dating, and even though it’s the wrong way to think, it’s deeply embedded in me.”

Nevertheless, he said he understood Lear’s reasoning that a white girlfriend would provide even more potential for conflict in the household.

Williams would also prefer that Goodie had a conservative haircut rather than no hair at all. “A lot of us have a problem with that. But, hey, nothing is ever going to be perfect.”

Russell said he shaved his head as a concession to Lear and network executives who felt his receding hairline made him look too old for the part. “Goodie is just a regular brother who doesn’t come in any prescribed package,” the actor explained.

No matter what the public perception of “704 Hauser” ends up, Williams believes the show is a step forward from images presented on television shows such as “Martin” or “In Living Color.”

“Those shows have no redeeming social values,” Williams said. “I hope parents sit down with their kids to watch our show. They can point to Goodie and say, ‘Kids, you have a new role model.’ ”

* “704 Hauser” premieres Monday at 8:30 p.m. on CBS (Channels 2 and 8).