This one is different. None of the usual plots. There is a female burglar on the loose in the neighborhood . Lucy and Ethel through some confusing situations thinks they other is the infamous Madam X as she has been coined. They are all pretty much in character but Lucy and Ethel in particular are doing things they wouldn't normally do setting each other up to find out the truth , spying and for a change not confiding in each other. They instead collaborate with their husbands. Ricky and Fred have strong reservations that their wives are right. They still provide their wives with help and a little sanity! The end has Fred running in the opposite direction of Madame X , Lucy confronting who she thinks is Ethel and Ricky catching the burglar as he comes home. Interesting both Fred and Ricky are braver when they think Madame X is Ethel and Lucy! When they realize it isn't they panic! It's hilarious! Lucy and Ethel realize they were wrong about each other and actually are still good with one another. I think they were both relieved to be wrong.
4 Reviews
Underrated great episode
angelahptrio13 February 2021
I consider this one of the best episodes of the show. It's underrated and probably not one people say as classic episode. I love the misunderstandings between the wives thinking the other is Madam X. I think it's a well written episode from start to finish. Anytime I see it I love it more. It deserves more love.
Underrated classic
sheepandsharks17 May 2023
This episode doesn't ever get cited among the classic Lucy episodes, but it definitely should! It's a masterpiece of the sitcom staple: the misunderstanding. Lucille Ball delivers some great rapid-fire tongue twisters in this one ("a pretext is when..."), and the premise of the cat burglar is a unique one that allows for all 4 cast members to get in on the sleuthing.
This show had a strangely high number of episodes involving burglars, and this episode ranks second only to "The Great Train Robbery." The lack of big physical comedy moments is probably why this one doesn't get mentioned among the all-time classics, but I've never met anybody who doesn't love this episode.
This show had a strangely high number of episodes involving burglars, and this episode ranks second only to "The Great Train Robbery." The lack of big physical comedy moments is probably why this one doesn't get mentioned among the all-time classics, but I've never met anybody who doesn't love this episode.
Highly recommended
rgxdzrybr20 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
While not a typical episode it's a fast paced episode that provides some big laughs and a lot of misunderstandings. Ethel and Lucy get the idea in different ways that the other is the infamous Madam X pulling neighborhood robberies. When Ethel tells it to Fred he has a great comeback "I've been waiting for this, your brain has gone bye bye" . There is just enough scheming in this one that makes them seem mistrustful of each other but they really want to help each other. Fred and Ricky join in without fully getting on board with the idea . Ultimately Madam X ends up in the Ricardo's apartment and Lucy and Ethel reveal why they seemed so suspicious.
An episode that grows on me more and more. I think it's creeping into my top ten.
An episode that grows on me more and more. I think it's creeping into my top ten.
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