Ep 32. The Young Matchmakers

The Young Matchmakers follows the wealthy Selby family as they visit Hooterville for a weekend stay at the Shady Rest Hotel. Three young Selby kids take it upon themselves to play matchmaker for their Aunt Clara, who is single and looking for love. They enlist the help of the Bradley girls (Bobbie Jo, Betty Jo, and Billie Jo) to set their aunt up with the town's only eligible bachelor, railway executive Homer Bedloe.

As the kids try to orchestrate a romantic meeting between Homer and Clara, the adults in town have their own plans for the railway executive. Kate Bradley, the owner of the Shady Rest Hotel, wants to convince Homer to reroute the railway through Hooterville and increase business for the town. Meanwhile, Uncle Joe wants to get back at Homer for constantly trying to shut down the local steam engine, nicknamed the Cannonball.

Despite the meddling of the townspeople, the young matchmakers and their plan seem to be working. Clara and Homer hit it off and share a romantic picnic together. However, when the Selby family leaves town and Homer returns to his normal routine, Clara begins to have doubts about their relationship.

Back in Hooterville, Kate and Uncle Joe's plans to manipulate Homer hit a snag when he discovers their true intentions. Feeling betrayed, Homer decides to cut off all ties with the Bradley family and use his power to reroute the railway away from Hooterville.

In the end, the young matchmakers learn the valuable lesson that meddling in other people's relationships is not always a good idea and that sometimes, it's best to let things happen naturally. Clara realizes that she wasn't truly in love with Homer, and the townspeople come together to find a way to keep the railway from abandoning their beloved Hooterville.

Overall, The Young Matchmakers is a heartwarming episode that explores the themes of love and community. The young Selby children add a playful element to the storyline, while the adults deal with more serious issues such as business and betrayal. Fans of Petticoat Junction will enjoy this episode for its memorable characters and feel-good plot.