Ep 21. Impractical Joker

In The Flintstones season 2 episode 21, titled "Impractical Joker," the audience is in for a treat as Fred Flintstone takes center stage in a series of hilarious pranks and practical jokes.

The episode opens with Fred and Barney heading out for a day of work at the quarry, where they both operate heavy machinery. However, Fred's mind is preoccupied with thoughts of practical jokes, as he has just received a book on the subject from a fellow prankster friend. He can't wait to test out some of the tricks on his unsuspecting co-workers.

Fred's first victim is Mr. Slate, the tough and gruff foreman of the quarry. Fred substitutes Mr. Slate's toothpaste with cold cream, leading to a hilarious scene in which Mr. Slate's mouth is covered in a thick white foam. The other workers, including Barney, can barely suppress their laughter as they witness the spectacle.

Next, Fred decides to play a trick on his wife, Wilma. He convinces her that a wealthy old aunt, whom she has never met, has bequeathed her a large sum of money. However, Fred's plan backfires when Wilma, thinking the money is real, decides to donate part of it to charity. Fred must come clean and confess that it was all a joke, much to Wilma's chagrin.

As the day wears on, Fred becomes increasingly bold in his pranking, but his antics begin to cause trouble and even danger at the quarry. For instance, he riggs the water cooler with a tiny fish and then accidentally makes the fish get into the quarry's water tank, something that may compromise the entire work operation.

Even as his jokes create chaos, Fred cannot resist pulling another one on his nemesis, Barney. He disguises himself as a mummy at the Bedrock Museum of Natural History, hoping to frighten Barney when he visits with his wife, Betty. However, Fred's plan is foiled when Barney recognizes his voice and proceeds to turn the tables on his unsuspecting friend.

As the day comes to a close, Fred realizes that his pranks have gone too far. He apologizes to Mr. Slate and other co-workers for his behavior, and makes things right with Wilma by buying her a gift to make up for his false aunt joke.

The episode ends with Fred and Barney having a good laugh about the day's events, but also realizing that sometimes practical jokes can have unintended consequences and may not be worth the trouble.

Overall, "Impractical Joker" is a hilarious episode that showcases Fred Flintstone's mischievous side. While his practical jokes may not always land as intended, they make for plenty of laughter and hijinks in Bedrock.