Ep 3. Bachelor Mothers

In the second season of Laverne & Shirley, the third episode titled Bachelor Mothers depicts the two lead characters, Laverne and Shirley, in their usual and quirky spirits. The show revolves around the lives and adventures of these two best friends, living in the late 1950s and working as bottle cappers at Shotz Brewery in Milwaukee.

The episode Bachelor Mothers starts with a thrilling action of Laverne and Shirley running around the busy streets of Milwaukee, chasing after a candy truck. The scene is set to be comical but also highlights the childlike nature and innocence in these two women. Upon leaving the candy truck and heading back to work, they notice a mother and her baby stumbling into the Shotz brewery, looking for its father. With no one to help, the two women take it upon themselves to take the baby and help look for its father, who just so happens to be their handsome boss, Mr. Shotz.

The episode takes an interesting turn as Mr. Shotz shares with Laverne and Shirley that he was married and had a child with this mother, who left without a trace. The responsibility immediately falls onto the two lead women of the show to take care of the baby and ensure Mr. Shotz himself is not impacted negatively by this news, as he is due for an important meeting.

What ensues is a delightful plot of Laverne and Shirley pretending to be the baby's mothers, juggling work and childcare, feeding the baby, and changing its diapers, all while keeping its existence hidden from their boss's "important" meeting. The episode throws in subtle hints of feminism, as the women take charge and responsibility, showcasing their independent and capable nature despite the constraints of the time.

The comedy is intense as the two women go into full motherly mode, baking pies, sharing breastfeeding tips, and even contending with sudden pregnancy urges. The entire cast is witty, with Mr. Shotz portraying a man struggling to come to terms with the responsibilities and emotions attached to fatherhood. The quick commentary of the side cast adds to the charm of the show by introducing characters such as the burger flipper, who Laverne and Shirley try to bribe to keep their secrets.

The episode Bachelor Mothers also portrays the common practices of that era, where women were seen as the primary caregivers, and men were only responsible for bringing in the money. This is highlighted in Mr. Shotz's behavior, which Laverne and Shirley adorn in admiration, as he shows his deep affection and love for his newfound baby boy.

The child actor in this episode plays a significant role in bringing in a sense of vulnerability and innocence, portrayed in the different scenarios such as the baby crying, baby in danger, and baby blissfully sleeping. The show manages to bring out the importance of family values, not only in the context of a nuclear family but also in the sense of a community, where Laverne and Shirley come together with the Shotz family to bring joy and love to a seemingly broken home.

In conclusion, the episode Bachelor Mothers stands out as an extraordinary piece of television, mixed with the usual witty and comedic elements of the show and the layering of emotions of the primary characters. It stands as a powerful commentary on the societal norms of that time, highlighting the capabilities of women and their importance in childcare. Laverne and Shirley depict the struggle of balancing work and personal life, something still prevalent today. It is a feel-good episode, bringing in a sense of nostalgia and the importance of human connections.