Ep 2. Be A Pal

Lucy and Ethel are waiting for their husbands, Ricky and Fred, to return home from their dance practice so they can go out to dinner together. However, the group is running low on funds, and Lucy proposes that they all go "Dutch" and split the bill. Fred agrees to this plan, but Ricky is too proud to let his wife pay for his meal. Lucy, feeling guilty, decides to find a way to make some extra money so they can all enjoy a nice dinner without Ricky feeling emasculated.

Lucy's solution to this problem is to try selling a new health tonic called "Vitameatavegamin", which promises to cure all ailments from tuberculosis to "organs that just won't behave." She enlists Ethel's help and films a commercial for the product, which they plan to sell to a local drugstore. During the commercial shoot, however, Lucy discovers that Vitameatavegamin contains a whopping 23% alcohol, causing her to become increasingly inebriated with each take.

The rest of the episode follows Lucy's antics as she attempts to sell the tonic to skeptical drugstore customers while battling her own drunkenness. Along the way, she accidentally feeds Ethel and a local child some of the tonic, leading to hilariously disastrous consequences that leave Lucy both embarrassed and defeated.

Despite the setbacks, Lucy's determination to provide for her friends and have a nice dinner with her husband ultimately pays off. By the end of the episode, she manages to sell all of her remaining Vitameatavegamin bottles by embracing her drunken persona and convincing customers that they too can be as "peppy" as she is by taking the tonic. The group is finally able to enjoy a meal together, with Ricky ultimately admitting that he's proud of his wife for her resourcefulness and hard work.

Be A Pal is a classic I Love Lucy episode that showcases Lucille Ball's unmatched comedic talent and pays tribute to the power of friendship and perseverance. Despite the absurdity of her situation, Lucy's desire to provide for her friends and husband is relatable and endearing. Additionally, the episode highlights the tension between traditional gender roles and modern aspirations, as Ricky struggles to let go of his pride and allow his wife to contribute to their lifestyle. Overall, Be A Pal is a hilarious and heartwarming episode that remains a staple of television comedy to this day.