Ep 5. The Ugly Duckling

The Ugly Duckling is the fifth episode of the second season of Green Acres. The sitcom premiered on CBS in 1965 and ran for six seasons, completing 170 episodes. The show revolves around a wealthy couple Oliver and Lisa Douglas, who choose to move out of glamorous New York City and settle in a rural, country farm setup. Throughout the season, the couple tackles multiple challenges while trying to adapt to their new lifestyle.

In The Ugly Duckling, Oliver brings a white swan to Hooterville, which he assumes to be a peaceful creature. However, the swan turns out to be a mischievous one. Lisa suggests that they swap the swan for a more tranquil and gentle one. They visit Mr. Haney's pet store in Pixley to make the exchange. Mr. Haney makes a deal to swap the swan for a camel. However, once the deal is made, the couple realizes that a camel isn't practical living on a farm, and they are plagued with second thoughts.

The episode tries to address the issues of how city life and country life require different sets of skills and knowledge. Oliver tries to prove that he has a good deal of knowledge handling animals in the city and can use it in the country as well. However, the dynamics of wildlife and the unexpected threats from the animals in the countryside lead to multiple problems for them to solve. Lisa and Oliver share their worries, but their constant bickering only adds to their problems.

The tone of the show is light-hearted and tongue in cheek humor. The characters' eccentricities and quirks are often played for laughs. The show managed to find a wide range of audiences, the city-dwellers resonated with the characters' dilemmas, and people from the countryside found the show amusing and relatable.

The Ugly Duckling adds to the unique personality of the show. The episode's plot is relatively simple; however, it's the way it's handled that makes it a joy to watch. Pat Buttram's performance as Mr. Haney, the shrewd and wily salesman, is always a delight. The scenes when Lisa and Oliver continuously argue about the swan are amusing to watch. The show set the standards for sitcoms that followed it, often exploring themes that were considered new and unconventional for its time.

The show has acquired a cult following over the years and continues to develop new fans. It enjoys repeated screenings on television, and its episodes are widely available on online streaming services, making it accessible to a broader audience. The show's influence can also be seen in the creation of shows like The Beverly Hillbillies and Petticoat Junction, which are considered some of the quintessential sitcoms of the 1960s.

In conclusion, Green Acres' The Ugly Duckling is a delightful episode that showcases the wacky humor and eccentricities that are hallmarks of the show. It's a masterclass in comedic timing and establishes the show as one of the classics of American sitcoms. The laugh-out-loud moments are sure to keep the audience entertained and leave them with a smile on their faces.