Ep 9. The Thing

Oliver gets a strange package in the mail and discovers a mysterious creature inside that he calls "The Thing." The creature is small, furry and resembles an overgrown hamster. While trying to figure out what it is, Oliver and Lisa become very fond of "The Thing" and decide to keep it as a pet.

However, their new pet starts causing chaos around the farm. It eats all of the crops and escapes from its cage in the house. To make matters worse, Hank Kimball accidentally lets "The Thing" loose in the Pixley Cafe, causing a panic among the patrons.

The situation becomes even more complicated when a group of scientists arrive in Hooterville, looking for "The Thing." They claim to have accidentally created the creature in a laboratory and want to study it and take it back to their lab. Oliver and Lisa refuse to hand over their beloved "Thing," leading to a showdown with the scientists.

Amidst the chaos, Oliver and Lisa begin to wonder if keeping "The Thing" is the right thing to do. They start to realize that as cute and entertaining as it is, "The Thing" doesn't belong on a farm and would probably be better off in a laboratory where it can be properly cared for.

Ultimately, Oliver and Lisa decide to hand over "The Thing" to the scientists, but not before a heartfelt goodbye. As they watch the scientists drive away with their quirky creature, Oliver and Lisa reflect on the lesson they've learned: sometimes, even the most adorable pets can be a handful, and it's important to do what's best for the animal, even if it's difficult.

"The Thing" showcases the charming and zany humor of Green Acres, as well as the show's trademark heart. Oliver and Lisa's dilemma highlights a universal issue that many pet owners face and is sure to resonate with audiences of all ages.