Ep 16. Lucy Misses the Mertzes

Lucy Misses the Mertzes is the sixteenth episode of the sixth season of the classic sitcom I Love Lucy. The episode originally aired on February 6, 1956, and was directed by James V. Kern.

The episode begins with Ricky, Lucy, Fred, and Ethel watching a film in their living room. The film is a Western picture that stars a famous actor named Monte Montana. Lucy is not a big fan of Westerns and is unimpressed by Montana’s performance. She jokingly says that she could do a better job of being a cowboy than Montana.

Ricky sees this as an opportunity to teach Lucy a lesson and decides to make a bet with her. He bets her that she can’t last a week without seeing Fred and Ethel, their neighbors and best friends. Lucy, confident in her ability to make it a week without seeing them, accepts the bet.

Starting the next day, Lucy tries to distance herself from Fred and Ethel. She refuses their invitations to come over and play cards, declines their offer to go to lunch, and even avoids looking out the window when they’re outside. However, as the week progresses, Lucy begins to miss Fred and Ethel more and more.

Ordinary activities around the house, like doing laundry and cooking, become unbearable for Lucy without Fred and Ethel’s company. She even starts to hallucinate, seeing their faces in everything she does. Lucy realizes that she has become dependent on her friends and that they are an integral part of her life.

After five days without seeing Fred and Ethel, Lucy finally gives in and calls them to come over. She tries to act nonchalant about it, but it’s clear that she’s happy to see them. Fred and Ethel are excited to be invited over but are confused as to why Lucy has been avoiding them all week.

Lucy admits to her misstep, and the three of them make up. They play cards, make lunch together, and catch up on each other’s lives. Later, Ricky comes home from work and congratulates Lucy on winning the bet. However, Lucy tells him that she lost the bet because she missed Fred and Ethel too much. Ricky, amused by Lucy’s stubbornness, tells her that it was all just a joke, and that he’s happy she’s friends with Fred and Ethel.

The episode ends with the four of them sitting on the couch, watching a Monte Montana film, and laughing together. It’s clear that the bond between the Ricardo’s and the Mertz’s is stronger than ever.

In Lucy Misses the Mertzes, the series explores the importance of friendship and how even the most independent people need others in their lives. It’s a heartwarming episode that showcases the comedic talents of Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley. It’s a classic example of the kind of wholesome, family-friendly entertainment that made I Love Lucy such a beloved show, even 65 years after it first aired.