Ep 1. The Honeymoon

The Honeymoon is the very first episode of The Brady Bunch, which aired on September 26, 1969. The half-hour sitcom was a pioneering family show that mixed comedy with drama and explored the ups and downs of a blended family.

In the opening episode, we are introduced to the Brady family, a blended family of six children, their parents, and their housekeeper, Alice. The Bradys are a typical American family living in a suburban home and trying to navigate the challenges of raising kids of different ages and temperaments. The first few minutes of the episode set the stage for the series, with a catchy theme song and a montage of the Brady family portraits.

The episode revolves around Mike and Carol Brady's wedding and honeymoon. Mike is a widower with three young sons - Greg, Peter, and Bobby, and Carol is a divorcee with three daughters - Marcia, Jan, and Cindy. The couple had met and fallen in love while working on a project, and now they are embarking on a new life together. The children are excited about the wedding and the honeymoon, but they are also apprehensive about the changes that the marriage might bring.

The episode starts with Carol and the girls getting ready for the wedding, with Alice helping them with the preparations. Meanwhile, Mike is trying to calm his sons, who are anxious about the wedding and the prospect of having three sisters. The wedding ceremony is sweet but not lavish, with just the family and a few close friends in attendance. The Bradys exchange vows, and Mike gives a heartfelt speech about his love for Carol and his excitement about starting a new family with her.

After the wedding, the newlyweds head to a romantic honeymoon spot, leaving the kids with Alice. The children are excited about the prospect of having the house for themselves, but they soon realize that being responsible for themselves and their siblings is not as easy as they thought. The kids start to bicker and fight, with each trying to assert their authority and prove their worth. Meanwhile, Alice is struggling to keep up with the demands of the children, who are used to having their parents around.

While on the honeymoon, Mike and Carol have some time to themselves, and they discuss their hopes and dreams for their new family. They are both aware of the challenges that lie ahead but are optimistic about their ability to make it work. They also talk about the importance of respecting each other's children and treating them equally.

The episode ends with Mike and Carol returning from their honeymoon, and the kids welcoming them home with a banner and a song. The newlyweds are happy to be back with their family and are touched by the gesture of the children. The episode ends on a high note, with the Bradys feeling hopeful and happy about their new life together.

Overall, The Honeymoon is a charming and wholesome episode that sets the tone for the rest of the series. The episode introduces the characters and their dynamics and establishes the central theme of the show - the challenges and rewards of a blended family. The episode also has some poignant moments, such as when Mike talks about his late wife and Carol talks about her divorce. These moments add depth and complexity to the characters and make them more relatable and human.