The Carol Burnett Show: The Lost Episodes Season 4 Episode 9 Family Show
- November 9, 1970
- 22 min
In season 4 episode 9 of The Carol Burnett Show, titled "Family Show," Carol and her talented cast of performers showcase their comedic skills in a series of sketches centered around the theme of family.
The episode opens with a spoof of the popular game show "Family Feud," in which Carol plays the host, asking absurd questions to the competing families. This segment sets a playful and irreverent tone for the rest of the show, as the cast takes on a range of topics related to family life.
One sketch features Tim Conway as an overzealous father who insists on attending his daughter's dance class and inserting himself into the performances, much to the chagrin of her embarrassed fellow dancers. Meanwhile, Harvey Korman plays a beleaguered husband who is struggling to put together a crib for his impending child, leading to some slapstick physical comedy as the pieces of the crib fall apart in his hands.
In another segment, Carol plays a mother attempting to teach her daughter how to bathe properly, leading to some absurd misunderstandings and miscommunications. Meanwhile, Vicki Lawrence and Lyle Waggoner play a married couple whose nerves are frayed after a long day of dealing with their bickering children, leading to a hilarious back and forth of snide remarks and passive-aggressive jabs.
Musical guests The Jackson 5 appear on the show, performing their hit song "ABC" and charming the audience with their youthful exuberance and infectious energy.
The episode also features recurring sketches like the "Went With the Wind" parody, which sees Carol donning her famous Scarlett O'Hara gown for a hilarious send-up of Gone With the Wind. And of course, the show features the beloved "Charwoman" character, played to perfection by Carol herself, who offers witty commentary and sly observations on the various skits throughout the episode.
Overall, "Family Show" is a standout episode of The Carol Burnett Show, showcasing the incredible talent and chemistry of the show's ensemble cast. With its clever writing, sharp performances, and off-the-wall humor, this episode is sure to leave viewers laughing and wanting more.