Ep 17. Have It Mama's Way

Mama's Family is an American sitcom that aired from 1983 to 1984 on NBC and from 1986 to 1990 in syndication. The show revolved around the chaotic and dysfunctional Harper family, led by the ornery matriarch, Thelma "Mama" Harper.

In season 3, episode 17, titled "Have It Mama's Way," Mama gets a taste of power when she becomes the temporary manager of a local fast-food restaurant. When the regular manager falls ill, Mama is asked to step in and keep the restaurant running smoothly.

Despite her initial reluctance, Mama quickly takes to the job and starts implementing her own rules and procedures. She introduces a new signature sandwich to the menu, which she calls the "Mama Burger," and insists that every customer must order it. She also enforces strict cleanliness standards and makes sure that all the employees are dressed and groomed to her liking.

As Mama becomes more involved with the restaurant, she starts neglecting her other responsibilities. She misses an important doctor's appointment and forgets to pay the bills at home. Her family members start to feel neglected and annoyed, especially when Mama insists that they come to the restaurant to eat her new burger.

Meanwhile, Mama's strict management style starts to rub the employees the wrong way. The cooks and cashiers feel micromanaged and unappreciated, and they start to rebel against Mama's rules. When Mama refuses to back down, one of the employees threatens to quit, which prompts Mama to take a step back and reconsider her approach.

In the end, Mama realizes that running a fast-food restaurant is harder than she thought, and that balancing work and family is a delicate task. She steps down from her position as manager and returns to her normal routine, much to the relief of her family and the employees at the restaurant.

"Have It Mama's Way" is a lighthearted episode that showcases Mama's stubbornness and strong personality. It explores the challenges of taking on a leadership role and the importance of balancing work and personal life. The episode also features some comedic moments and heartwarming scenes between Mama and her family.