Ep 22. Fred and Ethel Fight

Lucy and Ricky's next-door neighbors Fred and Ethel Mertz are in the midst of a big argument that threatens to strain their friendship. The couples are supposed to go out to dinner together, but Fred and Ethel refuse to speak to each other. Lucy, anxious to rekindle their friendship, tries to play mediator and figure out the cause of their argument. However, every time she brings up the subject, they both start bickering again.

Determined to find out what started the fight, Lucy invites both Fred and Ethel to dinner separately. She then proceeds to ply them with alcohol, hoping they will let their guard down and reveal what's really bothering them. However, her plan backfires when both friends become too drunk to hold a conversation.

Defeated, Lucy goes to bed frustrated, but the sound of Fred and Ethel's continued argument keeps her up all night. The next morning, she finally discovers the cause of their fight: Ethel sold some of Fred's prized possessions at a garage sale without his permission.

Realizing that their argument is small and can be easily resolved, Lucy hatches a new plan. She tells Fred that Ethel is sorry and wants to make things right by cooking him his favorite meal, and she tells Ethel the same thing about Fred. Fred and Ethel both agree, and Lucy and Ricky cook the meals. However, Lucy pulls a sneaky trick and swaps the meals before giving them to Fred and Ethel.

During dinner, Fred and Ethel are both so impressed with the meal the other has cooked that they apologize and make up. Lucy is overjoyed that her plan worked and the couples are friends again.

The episode is full of classic comedic moments, such as when Ethel gets drunk and begins eating everything in sight, or when Lucy pretends to take a phone call in order to eavesdrop on Fred and Ethel's argument. The audience is also reminded of the strong friendship between Lucy and Ethel, who are willing to go to great lengths to help their friends. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and the strength of long-lasting friendships.