Ep 5. A Matter of Life and Breath

The Sanford and Son season 1 episode 5 is titled "A Matter of Life and Breath". The episode revolves around Fred Sanford, a junk dealer, who is convinced that he is suffering from a heart attack. Initially, his son Lamont dismisses his fears as another one of his hypochondriacal episodes, but soon the truth becomes apparent.

As the episode begins, Fred is seen frantically searching for a pill bottle, which he believes contains nitroglycerin tablets. He tells his son that he is experiencing pain in his chest and feels as if he is having a heart attack. Lamont is skeptical and attributes his father's condition to anxiety. However, when the symptoms persist, he starts panicking himself.

As Lamont and his father argue over the latter's condition, a local health clinic sends a nurse to check on Fred. The nurse, however, turns out to be an overly attractive young woman, much to Fred's delight. Initially, Fred hides his symptoms, pretending to be healthy, but he eventually collapses while flirting with her.

The nurse quickly calls for an ambulance, and Fred is rushed to the hospital. Lamont, meanwhile, is left alone at the junkyard, worrying about his father's fate. He tries to keep himself busy with work, but his mind keeps drifting back to the hospital. In a moment of panic, he calls up a friend to ask for advice, but the latter turns out to be even more anxious than Lamont.

While at the hospital, Fred is subjected to a variety of procedures, including an EKG and a stress test. His condition turns out to be much less serious than he initially believed, and he is quickly discharged. However, when he returns home, he finds that Lamont has been frantically trying to clean up the house, as he believed his father would be returning in a body bag.

The two men reconcile, and Fred apologizes for his hypochondria. Lamont, however, is not convinced and tells his father that he needs to start taking better care of himself.

Towards the end of the episode, the audience sees Fred sitting on his front porch, watching the sunset. His son brings out a fresh orange for him, reminding him that a healthy diet is important for his health. Fred takes a bite out of the fruit and says that he feels much better. The episode ends on a hopeful note, suggesting that while the characters may have their flaws, they also have their moments of growth and change.

Overall, "A Matter of Life and Breath" is a funny and heartwarming episode that deals with issues of health, anxiety, and family. The chemistry between the characters is excellent, and the writing is top-notch. Viewers will find themselves rooting for Fred and Lamont, even as they bicker and argue over trivial matters. This episode is a must-watch for fans of Sanford and Son and anyone who enjoys well-crafted comedy-drama shows.