Ep 26. Jed Cuts the Family Tree

Jed Cuts the Family Tree is the twenty-sixth and final episode of the first season of the classic American sitcom, The Beverly Hillbillies. This beloved series aired on CBS from 1962 to 1971 and enthralled audiences with its hilarious depiction of the Clampett family's rags-to-riches journey.

In this particular episode, the Clampetts find themselves grappling with a rather peculiar predicament. As always, the resilient hillbilly patriarch, Jed Clampett (played by Buddy Ebsen), is at the helm, navigating his family through this humorous and unexpected turn of events.

The episode kicks off with Jed's cousin, Pearl Bodine (played by Bea Benaderet), paying a visit to the Clampett mansion in Beverly Hills. Pearl brings along her son, Jethro Bodine (played by Max Baer Jr.), who is known for his dimwitted yet endearing nature.

With Pearl's arrival, she reveals an astonishing family secret to Jed. She explains that the Clampetts have a long-lost cousin named Bessie Sue, who resides in Bugtussle, their hometown in the Ozarks. This revelation piques Jed's curiosity, as he had always believed the Clampetts to be the last remaining members of their family.

Intrigued by this newfound information, Jed decides to explore his family lineage further. Sensing an opportunity for an adventure, he takes it upon himself to travel back to Bugtussle to unearth the truth about their family tree. Naturally, the rest of the family, including Jed's daughter Elly May (played by Donna Douglas) and their loyal family friend, Miss Jane Hathaway (played by Nancy Kulp), come along for the ride.

Upon their arrival in Bugtussle, the Clampetts are greeted by a tight-knit and eccentric group of townsfolk. They soon meet Bessie Sue, who is thrilled to discover the existence of her long-lost hillbilly cousins. The reunion is filled with laughter and joy, as they embrace their shared heritage and reminisce about their simple life in the Ozarks.

However, as the Clampetts delve deeper into their family history, they stumble upon a shocking revelation. The truth about their ancestors turns out to be quite different from what they had imagined. Their family tree is filled with illustrious names from history, including royalty, inventors, and even legendary figures like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

This astonishing discovery leaves the Clampetts in complete disbelief. They struggle to reconcile their newfound aristocratic legacy with their humble beginnings as Ozark hillbillies. Although they have become accustomed to their extravagant new life in Beverly Hills, this revelation prompts them to question their true identity and values.

As the episode progresses, the Clampetts find themselves torn between their newfound high society lineage and their cherished hillbilly roots. Despite the allure of their aristocratic heritage, they ultimately realize that their genuine happiness lies in the simplicity of their former lifestyle and the unconditional love they share as a family.

Jed Cuts the Family Tree concludes the first season of The Beverly Hillbillies on a heartwarming note, reaffirming the importance of family bonds and staying true to oneself. Through its delightful blend of slapstick humor and genuine emotional moments, the episode captures the essence of the series and leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the adventures that lie ahead for the Clampett family. So tune in to this lighthearted and feel-good episode to witness the wild and endearing journey of the Clampetts as they navigate the quirks of newfound aristocracy and rediscover the true treasures in life.