Ep 5. Mother Jefferson's Fall
- TV-PG
- October 11, 1975
- 24 min
-
8.1 (127)
The Jeffersons is a popular American sitcom that was aired from 1975 to 1985. The show revolves around the everyday lives of an African-American family, George and Louise Jefferson, who have moved from Queens to the wealthy Upper East Side in Manhattan. In season 2 episode 5, the title "Mother Jefferson's Fall" refers to the dramatic incident that takes place during the episode.
The episode begins with George and Louise receiving the news that their beloved Mother Jefferson has had a fall in her apartment. Sheriff, the doorman at the Jeffersons' building, informs them that their friend has been taken to the hospital. George and Louise are understandably worried, and decide to visit her at the hospital.
When they reach the hospital, they find Mother Jefferson lying in a hospital bed with a broken ankle. She admits to George and Louise that she was trying to change a light bulb by herself and had fallen from the stepstool. George, being the ever-vigilant son, immediately tells Mother Jefferson that she needs to move in with them because it is not safe for her to live at home alone. However, Mother Jefferson is not too happy about the prospect of moving in with her son and daughter-in-law.
Meanwhile, Tom and Helen Willis, George and Louise's closest friends, come to visit at the hospital. They suggest that Mother Jefferson move in with them, as they have an extra room in their house. Mother Jefferson is thrilled with this idea and agrees to move in with the Willises. This causes a bit of friction between George and Louise, as they feel that they should be the ones taking care of Mother Jefferson.
As Mother Jefferson settles into her new home, Tom and Helen begin to experience some growing pains in their relationship with their new houseguest. Mother Jefferson is a very demanding and controlling woman, and the Willises find it hard to deal with her. They try to be patient and accommodating, but it seems like Mother Jefferson isn't happy with anything they do.
Meanwhile, George and Louise visit Mother Jefferson at the Willises' house and find her in a state of deep depression. She tells them that she feels useless and unwanted, as she has lost her independence and is unable to do the things she used to do. Louise tries to cheer her up by suggesting that she take up some hobbies or activities, but Mother Jefferson is not interested.
The episode then takes a comedic turn when Mother Jefferson is invited to a meeting of the local senior citizens' group. At the meeting, she is made the president of the group and is given the task of organizing the annual bake sale. Mother Jefferson is thrilled with this opportunity and throws herself into the task with gusto. With the help of the other seniors, she manages to put together an amazing bake sale that raises a lot of money for the group.
Overall, The Jeffersons season 2 episode 5 is a heartwarming and entertaining episode that deals with the theme of aging and independence. Mother Jefferson's fall and subsequent move to the Willises' house is a catalyst for the characters to explore their relationships and attitudes towards aging and taking care of the elderly. The episode handles the subject matter with sensitivity and humor, making it a joy to watch.