Ep 2. It's Not Easy to Be a Mother

It's Not Easy to Be a Mother is the second episode of season 5 of Petticoat Junction. The episode begins with Uncle Joe's new girlfriend, a dignified and well-to-do woman who doesn't fit in with the rustic surroundings of the Shady Rest Hotel. Meanwhile, Billie Jo is feeling overwhelmed with her duties as a mother to Steve, the youngest of her three sons. Kate sympathizes with her granddaughter's plight and offers to take care of Steve for the day so that Billie Jo can have a break.

While Kate spends time with Steve, she realizes the difficult task that Billie Jo faces every day as a single mother. This leads her to reflect on her own experiences as a mother, including the time when Billie Jo was born and Kate had to care for her alone while her husband was away at war. Kate's memories evoke strong emotions and she becomes determined to help Billie Jo in any way she can.

Back at the Shady Rest, Uncle Joe's girlfriend is causing quite a stir among the residents. Her sophisticated ways make them feel insecure about their own lifestyles and they start to snub her, much to Uncle Joe's dismay. He tries to convince them to give her a chance, but they refuse to budge. This creates tension between Uncle Joe and his girlfriend and ultimately leads to a heartfelt conversation about their differences and how they can work together to find a way to make their relationship work.

Meanwhile, Kate is taking care of Steve and learning a lot about what it takes to be a mother in the modern world. She struggles to keep up with Steve's energy and quickly realizes how much work it is to take care of a young child. She also sympathizes with Billie Jo's lack of support and the fact that she has to do everything on her own. Kate decides to take action and rallies the other women in the town to help Billie Jo out.

The women come together and create a schedule to take care of Steve, allowing Billie Jo time for herself and to pursue her dreams of becoming a songwriter. The men eventually come around to Uncle Joe's girlfriend, realizing that she is a kind and generous woman who is just a bit out of their league. In the end, the episode concludes with a heartwarming scene of the women taking care of Steve and Billie Jo finally having the break she deserves.

Overall, It's Not Easy to Be a Mother is an episode that explores the difficulties of motherhood, both past and present. It highlights the importance of support and community, and shows how people from different backgrounds can come together to support each other. The episode features strong performances from the cast, with Kate taking on a more central role and showcasing her wisdom and compassion. Fans of the show will appreciate the warm and uplifting tone of this episode, which is a hallmark of Petticoat Junction.