Ep 26. Grandpa's Diet

In season 2 episode 26 of The Danny Thomas Show, titled Grandpa's Diet, viewers are introduced to a typical American family living in the 1950s. The central character, Danny Thomas, plays himself, a successful comedian who is dealing with the everyday challenges of family life alongside his wife Margaret (played by Jean Hagen) and his two children Rusty (played by Rusty Hamer) and Terry (played by Sherry Jackson).

As the title suggests, this episode focuses on the character of Danny's grandfather, played by Hans Conried. Although he is a much-loved member of the family, Grandpa is also notoriously difficult when it comes to his dietary habits. He is constantly eating unhealthy food, much to the frustration of Danny and Margaret who are keen to keep him healthy and happy.

The episode opens with Danny and Margaret trying to convince Grandpa to start eating a more balanced and healthy diet. However, their efforts are met with resistance, as Grandpa insists that he is too old to change his habits. This leads to a humorous argument between the three characters, with Grandpa refusing to give up his beloved hot dogs and soda.

As the story unfolds, Danny and Margaret decide to take matters into their own hands and come up with a plan to sneak healthy food into Grandpa's diet without him noticing. They enlist the help of Grandpa's caregiver, a sweet old lady named Mrs. Muldoon (played by Amanda Randolph), who is all too happy to help them with their scheme.

Over the course of the episode, viewers see Danny and Margaret trying out a variety of different tactics to get Grandpa to eat healthy food. They disguise vegetables as ice cream sundaes and sneak bran flakes into his breakfast cereal. Things come to a head when Danny and Margaret decide to cook a healthy dinner for the whole family, but Grandpa stubbornly refuses to eat anything except his own food.

As the episode progresses, viewers also get to see some of the other challenges facing the Thomas family. Rusty has a crush on a girl at school and is trying to figure out how to get her attention, while Terry is dealing with a school bully. Danny and Margaret offer advice and support to their children, demonstrating the love and care that underpins this close-knit family.

Throughout the episode, there are plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments, as viewers see the Thomas family dealing with the ups and downs of everyday life. Grandpa's Diet offers a fun and wholesome snapshot of family life in mid-century America, capturing the warmth and humor of a bygone era.

Overall, season 2 episode 26 of The Danny Thomas Show is a charming and entertaining installment in this much-loved series. With its relatable characters, humorous plotlines, and heartwarming moments, it is a testament to the enduring appeal of this classic TV show.