Ep 4. Lucy and Mannix are Held Hostage

Lucille Ball returns as Lucy Carter in Here’s Lucy, the wildly popular sitcom that debuted in 1968. Lucy plays the matriarch of the Carter family, a widow raising her two children, Kim and Craig, in Los Angeles. Lucy’s brother-in-law Harry represents her in his talent agency, while her wacky friend Mary Jane is her receptionist. In the fourth season episode ‘Lucy and Mannix are Held Hostage,’ Lucy is accidentally taken hostage by a bank robber who finds himself in the same building as Lucy’s own kidnapping scheme.

The episode begins with Lucy, Harry, and Mary Jane plotting to kidnap Lucy’s son Craig for his own safety. A string of kidnappings have been making headlines in the area, and Lucy fears for Craig’s safety. They plan to teach Craig a lesson and show him the dangers of strangers by pretending to kidnap him, but their plans are quickly derailed when a real bank robber enters the scene.

The robber, played by actor Robert Reed, takes Lucy and Craig hostage along with several other bank employees. One of them happens to be actor Mike Connors, who played Mannix in the detective drama of the same name. Mannix is also taken captive, and Lucy is thrilled to meet the actor in person.

While Lucy tries to keep her cool and appease the robber, Mannix reveals himself as a tough negotiator. He demands that the robber release one hostage at a time in exchange for food and supplies, a tactic he used to survive his own hostage situation in a past episode of his show.

As the hours tick by, Lucy and Mannix form an unlikely bond. They share stories, play games, and even dance together to keep their spirits up. Lucy is enamored by Mannix’s bravery and charisma, and Mannix is impressed by Lucy’s quick thinking and humor.

Meanwhile, Harry and Mary Jane grow increasingly frantic as they search for Craig and Lucy. They enlist the help of Craig’s girlfriend and neighbor, who inadvertently reveal the location of the actual kidnapping scheme to the police. The news spreads quickly, and the police storm into the building just as Mannix is about to make his move on the robber.

The episode ends with Lucy, Craig, and Mannix safely reunited with their loved ones. Lucy is thrilled to have met Mannix and even asks for his autograph. Mannix, in turn, thanks Lucy for keeping his spirits up during their ordeal. While the plot addresses serious issues of crime and kidnapping, the episode is infused with humor and heart, showcasing the talents of both Lucille Ball and Mike Connors.

‘Lucy and Mannix are Held Hostage’ is a memorable episode of Here’s Lucy, demonstrating the show’s winning blend of slapstick humor, heartwarming moments, and celebrity guest stars. Fans of Lucy, Mannix, or classic television in general will surely enjoy this exciting and entertaining episode.