Ep 5. Den Mother

Danny Thomas was an American sitcom that was a pioneer in the sitcom genre during the 1950s. This show was created by Danny Thomas himself and starred him in the titular role. The show ran from 1953 to 1964 with a total of eleven seasons, and The Danny Thomas Show season 4 episode 5 is named "Den Mother."

In this episode, we see Danny Thomas as Danny Williams, a loving husband, and father, taking on the role of a Den Mother. He is helping out his son Rusty's Cub Scout pack because their regular Den Mother, Mrs. Barrington, is away on vacation. Danny is a proud father and wants to help make the experience enjoyable and memorable for the boys.

The episode starts with Danny running around the house preparing all sorts of Scout paraphernalia, including a Scout uniform, a whistle, and a rope. Meanwhile, Rusty's friends begin to arrive, and Danny's wife, Margaret, suggests that he calm down before Rusty and his friends get there.

Once everyone is there, Rusty introduces his friends to his father, who is dressed in his Scout uniform. Danny initially struggles to assert his authority as Den Mother, but he soon gets the hang of it. He leads the boys in a series of Scout activities and games, including tying knots, identifying trees, and using a compass.

One of the boys named Phil (played by Terence Krey) seems to be causing trouble throughout the day. He is always the first to interrupt Danny, and he argues and fights with the other boys. Danny quickly realizes that Phil's disruptive behavior may have to do with the fact that he never had a father or father-figure in his life.

Danny gets closer to Phil and finds out that he is a talented artist. Danny later gets Phil to express his talent by drawing an emblem design for the Cub Scouts. The boys loved it, and it won the approval of Danny and the other leaders. Danny also makes Phil feel valued and important by praising his art talent. This inspires Phil to channel his energy and talent into more positive pursuits.

In the end, the entire Scout pack is having a great time, and Danny has proven to be a capable Den Mother, even though he was a little hesitant at the start. He has also formed a bond with Phil, and Danny has helped him move past his issues by focusing on his talent and recognizing his potential.

The episode is filled with humor, heartwarming moments, and a positive moral message about fatherhood and mentorship. The show was a favorite among families during the '50s and '60s, and it's easy to see why it has remained a classic to this day.

In conclusion, The Danny Thomas Show season 4 episode 5, "Den Mother," is a delightful episode that showcases the humor and heart of the series. Danny brings his signature charm to the role of a Den Mother, and the episode has an important message about the importance of fatherhood and mentorship. Overall, this episode is a must-watch for fans of classic sitcoms and family-friendly entertainment.