Ep 14. Mama's Baby, Papa's Maybe

In the episode "Mama's Baby, Papa's Maybe," from season 3 of Sanford and Son, viewers are treated to yet another hilarious and heartwarming adventure with the titular characters, Fred and Lamont Sanford. The episode begins with Fred receiving a surprise visit from a woman named Mama Lois, who claims that he is the father of her child. Fred is initially skeptical, as he doesn't recall ever meeting the woman before. However, Mama Lois insists that they had a brief fling many years ago and that her son, Gregory, is his son.

Despite his protestations, Fred finds himself becoming attached to the boy and begins doting on him, much to Lamont's chagrin. Lamont is convinced that Mama Lois is a fraud and that the whole situation is a scam. However, Fred refuses to believe it and insists that they do everything they can to help Gregory.

As the episode progresses, Lamont becomes increasingly suspicious of Mama Lois and her motives. He does some investigating of his own and discovers that Mama Lois has been pulling this kind of scam on other men in the area. Lamont confronts Mama Lois and tells her to leave, but she refuses. Eventually, she reveals the true reason for her visit: she needs money.

Despite his anger and disappointment, Fred feels sorry for Mama Lois and agrees to give her some money. However, just as he's about to give her the cash, Mama Lois is exposed as a fraud. In a shocking twist, it turns out that Gregory is not Fred's son after all. Instead, he is the son of one of Mama Lois's former lovers.

Fred is heartbroken at the realization that he was not a father after all, but he takes comfort in the fact that he did the right thing by trying to help Mama Lois and Gregory. In the end, everyone learns a valuable lesson about honesty and integrity, and Fred and Lamont are left to ponder the meaning of family and what it truly means to be a father.

Overall, "Mama's Baby, Papa's Maybe" is a classic episode of Sanford and Son that showcases the show's trademark blend of humor and heart. Fans of the show will love seeing Fred and Lamont navigate this tricky situation, and the clever writing and sharp comedic timing make this episode a standout in the series.