Ep 6. Lucy Goes to the Hospital
- TV-PG
- January 19, 1953
- 25 min
As soon as Lucy finds out that she is pregnant, she starts to worry about the birth. Her concerns are exacerbated by an upsetting dream in which she gives birth to a kangaroo. Although Ricky tries to calm her down, he finally gives in and arranges a trip to the hospital to allay Lucy's fears.
Lucy's misadventures start in the waiting room, where she meets several mothers who share their stories of excruciating pain. Her terror escalates, and when she can't find Ricky, she accidentally locks herself in a linen closet. When she is finally found, she is trembling with fear, and takes a comedy tumble on the way back to the waiting room.
The nurses take Lucy to a ward where she meets several other pregnant women, including a boozy Southern belle and a Scandinavian who speaks little English. Later, Ricky explains that he can't go into the delivery room with Lucy, and she begs him to reconsider.
Once Lucy is in the delivery room, things go from bad to worse; her contractions are so bad that she's screaming for drugs before labor even begins. When one of the nurses offers her gas, Lucy takes a deep breath and promptly passes out.
After Lucy wakes up, she's even more terrified than before. She runs through the halls of the hospital in her hospital gown, and tries to escape several times, but to no avail. Finally, Ricky comes to her rescue, and they share a tender moment as Lucy prepares to give birth.
The birth of Little Ricky is a moment of high tension, even though it's played for laughs. Lucy's comically extended labor and delivery of the baby are a classic moment in television history, and it's easy to see why this show has remained so beloved for so long.
Overall, "Lucy Goes to the Hospital" is an iconic episode of "I Love Lucy," showcasing Lucille Ball's incredible comedic timing and physical comedy skills. The episode is a hilarious romp through the joys of pregnancy and childbirth, and is sure to leave viewers laughing and crying in equal measure.