The Beverly Hillbillies Season 1 Episode 23 Jed Buys the Freeway

The Beverly Hillbillies is a classic American sitcom that aired from 1962 to 1971. Season 1, Episode 23 is entitled "Jed Buys the Freeway" and features the Clampett family's patriarch, Jed, making a bold and unusual decision.

The episode begins with Jed and his kin still settling into their new life as wealthy residents of Beverly Hills. Despite their newfound riches, the Clampetts remain true to their country roots and often find themselves baffled by the strange customs of their new surroundings.

One day, Jed is driving home from the bank when he discovers that the freeway he uses to get to and from his estate has been closed. He pulls over to ask a police officer what's going on, and the officer informs him that the government is planning to build a new stretch of highway that will bypass the existing freeway.

Jed is immediately alarmed by this news. He's grown accustomed to his daily commute along the old freeway, and he doesn't want to adjust to a new route. He decides to take matters into his own hands and approaches the government officials in charge of the project.

To everyone's surprise, Jed offers to buy the entire freeway. He reasons that, if he owns the road, he can keep it open and avoid the inconvenience of the new highway altogether. The government officials are skeptical but agree to consider Jed's offer.

The rest of the episode follows Jed's attempts to secure funding for his ambitious purchase. He visits various banks and tries to persuade the loan officers to lend him the money he needs. However, Jed's lack of business experience and his folksy mannerisms make it difficult for him to convince anyone.

At one point, Jed even considers selling some of his possessions to raise the necessary funds. He turns to his old friend and neighbor, Granny, for advice. Granny suggests that he sell his prized souvenir from Paris, an Eiffel Tower-shaped pepper mill. However, when the time comes for Jed to part with the item, he finds that he can't bring himself to do it.

Eventually, Jed's persistence pays off. He secures a loan from a bank and makes the down payment on the freeway. The government officials are astonished, but they honor their agreement and sell the road to him.

In the end, Jed gets his way and is able to keep driving along his beloved old freeway. The episode highlights the Clampetts' determination and resourcefulness, as well as the clash between their homespun values and the unfamiliar world of big business.

Overall, "Jed Buys the Freeway" is a charming and lighthearted episode that showcases the enduring appeal of The Beverly Hillbillies. Its combination of slapstick humor and heartwarming moments has made it a fan favorite over the years.