Ep 22. My Mother the Countess

Oliver Wendell Douglas is a successful New York City lawyer who has inherited a run-down farm from his late uncle. Despite his wife Lisa's reluctance, Oliver decides to give up his law career and move to Hooterville to become a farmer. In season 3 episode 22, titled "My Mother the Countess," Lisa's mother comes to visit and surprises everyone by claiming to be a countess.

Lisa's mother, who has a history of exaggerating her achievements, arrives in Hooterville with her butler, a man named Gerhardt who speaks only German. She tells everyone that she is a countess and expects everyone to treat her accordingly. However, Oliver and the locals are skeptical about her claims and are not impressed by her snobbish attitude.

Despite Lisa's embarrassment and attempts to downplay her mother's behavior, the countess insists on asserting her authority over the locals. She orders the Hooterville mayor to greet her like a queen and dictates how everyone should behave in her presence. Oliver, who is not used to dealing with such behavior, tries to humor her but is also frustrated by her demands.

Meanwhile, Arnold Ziffel, the Douglas' pet pig, becomes fascinated by Gerhardt and starts following him around. Gerhardt, who is used to serving wealthy clients, finds it amusing that a pig is treating him like a butler and tries to train Arnold to fetch things for him. However, all his attempts fail as Arnold is more interested in eating than working.

As the episode progresses, the countess' behavior becomes more and more outrageous. She orders the local store owner to provide her with exotic foods and insists on riding on a horse, even though she has no experience. Her antics come to a head when she goes on a fishing trip with Oliver and the locals and refuses to use a fishing rod, instead opting to use her gloves as bait.

The episode concludes with the countess leaving Hooterville after realizing that her behavior has caused embarrassment to Lisa and Oliver. She apologizes for her behavior and decides to return to her life in New York City. Oliver and Lisa are relieved when she leaves and make a promise to never let her visit again.

"My Mother the Countess" is a lighthearted episode of Green Acres that showcases the clash between rural and urban lifestyles. It also highlights the challenges of dealing with overbearing parents and their eccentric behavior. The episode's comedic moments and witty dialogue make it an entertaining addition to the series.