Ep 21. Son of Lafe Returns
- February 19, 1964
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8.0 (85)
The Beverly Hillbillies season 2 episode 21, "Son of Lafe Returns," centers around the return of Lafe Crick's son, Jethro's childhood best friend. Lafe Crick was a family friend of the Clampett's and Son of Lafe, as he is known, grew up playing with Jethro on the farm. The episode begins with Jethro receiving a letter from Son of Lafe inviting himself and his wife to come visit Jethro in Beverly Hills.
Jethro is thrilled at the prospect of seeing his old friend again and sets out to prepare for their arrival. Meanwhile, the rest of the Clampett family is skeptical of their intentions, worried that they may be coming to mooch off their wealth or scam them in some way. Despite their concerns, Jethro insists that Son of Lafe is a good man who would never do anything to harm them.
When Son of Lafe and his wife arrive in Beverly Hills, the Clampett's are surprised to find that they are a sophisticated and well-educated couple. Son of Lafe is now a successful businessman, while his wife is an accomplished artist. The Clampett's are impressed by their sophistication and enjoy spending time with them, but struggle with finding common ground due to their different upbringings.
As the two families spend more time together, tensions begin to rise as Son of Lafe and his wife start to express their discomfort with their new surroundings. They begin to long for their simple life back in the countryside and start to resent the luxury and excess that they see in Beverly Hills. Meanwhile, Jethro realizes that he too misses his old life and starts to feel like he doesn't fit in with his wealthy, city-slicker friends.
The episode explores themes of identity and belonging as the Clampett family and Son of Lafe navigate their different upbringings and lifestyles. It also touches on the idea that money and success do not necessarily lead to happiness and fulfillment.
Overall, "Son of Lafe Returns" is a heartwarming and thought-provoking episode of The Beverly Hillbillies that explores the complexities of relationships and identity. It is sure to delight fans of the series and leave them with a deeper appreciation for the show's timeless message.