Ep 16. Mama Mania
- October 9, 1987
Mama's Family season 4 episode 16 titled "Mama Mania" is a classic sitcom episode that follows the hilarious and zany antics of the Harper family. The episode starts with Mama (played brilliantly by Vicki Lawrence) being invited to be a guest on a popular TV talk show called "To Tell the Truth".
Mama is a bit apprehensive about appearing on the show, but her family and friends encourage her to do it. The talk show is not just any show, it is a game show where Mama will have to try and convince the celebrity panel that she is the real Mama Harper while two imposters also try to pass themselves off as Mama.
As Mama prepares for her big appearance, her family is divided on how to help her prepare for the show. Her daughter Vint (Ken Berry) and his wife Naomi (Dorothy Lyman) think Mama needs to focus on her appearance, while her son Bubba (Allan Kayser) thinks she should focus on her personality.
Mama's competitive streak comes out as she prepares for the show. She is determined to win and starts practicing her "Mama-isms" to convince the panel that she is the real Mama. Meanwhile, Vint and Naomi try to give Mama a complete makeover, which she is not too thrilled about.
As the day of the show arrives, Mama is nervous but excited. Her family and friends accompany her to the studio and watch from the audience as Mama takes the stage. The celebrity panel is introduced, and Mama confidently introduces herself as Thelma Harper, but her competitive streak takes over, and she starts exaggerating her Mama-isms, much to the chagrin of her family.
The other imposters take their turns, and the panel starts asking questions to figure out who the real Mama is. Mama continues to exaggerate and gets herself into some humorous situations. The audience and her family start rooting for her to win.
The panel makes their final guesses, and the host reveals the real Mama. Was Mama successful in fooling the celebrity panel? Did her makeover help or hurt her chances? Tune in to Mama's Family season 4 episode 16 to find out!
The episode is a fun-filled 30 minutes of classic sitcom humor. Vicki Lawrence's portrayal of Mama Harper is delightful, and the supporting cast provides plenty of laughs. The Mama Mania game show format is a clever twist on the typical sitcom episode structure, and the episode delivers on the laughs and hijinks that fans of the show have come to love.
