With Billie Jo off to Springfield to audition for a singing engagement at the Flamingo Room, and Betty Jo anxious to learn to cook for whatever husband the future may bring her, Kate Bradley is reminded once again that "It's Not Easy to Be a Mother," particularly one raising three daughters all looking like they won't be kept down on the farm much longer. Executive producer Charles Stewart penned this peek into Kate's Shady Rest Hotel that turns on her misinterpretation at the narrative climax with the gentle warmth and innocent--though not necessarily naïve--humor that makes "Petticoat Junction" a cozy family comedy.
Which is not to say that Stewart's script doesn't keep up with the times. When Kate discovers the skimpy outfits Billie Jo is taking to her nightclub gig, she insists on coming with her, and when Billie Jo is (willingly) stripped to her one-piece bathing suit for Flamingo Room owner Barney Morgan (Herb Vigran), Kate is similarly aghast over and above the contemporary songs her daughter will be performing. (And in the context of this series, it is still eyebrow-raising to see actor Peter Leeds disrobe alluring Meredith MacRae.) Meanwhile, with Kate away, Betty Jo tries out her cooking on the clan, with Mike gamely sampling her "blackened macaroni and cheese" with adverse gastric results. But when Kate calls Sam Drucker for an update, she misunderstands the classic sitcom misdirection he feeds her--thinking that Betty Jo had decided to get married, she rushes to get home as fast as she can.
With total conviction in her character, Bea Benaderet had the comedic chops to make such hoary routines seem fresh and funny, truly earning her status as the series linchpin. MacRae, also pursuing a career in music, gets a spotlight at the close with the Lesley Gore-inspired soft-rocker "Who Needs Memories of Him." Vaudeville veteran Herbie Faye joins supporting stalwart Vigran to lend the Flamingo Room scene grimy show-biz authenticity in this merry, lively distraction.
Which is not to say that Stewart's script doesn't keep up with the times. When Kate discovers the skimpy outfits Billie Jo is taking to her nightclub gig, she insists on coming with her, and when Billie Jo is (willingly) stripped to her one-piece bathing suit for Flamingo Room owner Barney Morgan (Herb Vigran), Kate is similarly aghast over and above the contemporary songs her daughter will be performing. (And in the context of this series, it is still eyebrow-raising to see actor Peter Leeds disrobe alluring Meredith MacRae.) Meanwhile, with Kate away, Betty Jo tries out her cooking on the clan, with Mike gamely sampling her "blackened macaroni and cheese" with adverse gastric results. But when Kate calls Sam Drucker for an update, she misunderstands the classic sitcom misdirection he feeds her--thinking that Betty Jo had decided to get married, she rushes to get home as fast as she can.
With total conviction in her character, Bea Benaderet had the comedic chops to make such hoary routines seem fresh and funny, truly earning her status as the series linchpin. MacRae, also pursuing a career in music, gets a spotlight at the close with the Lesley Gore-inspired soft-rocker "Who Needs Memories of Him." Vaudeville veteran Herbie Faye joins supporting stalwart Vigran to lend the Flamingo Room scene grimy show-biz authenticity in this merry, lively distraction.
