The Flintstones - S1E4 - No Help Wanted

 The Flintstones

Season 1

Episode 4

"No Help Wanted"
Original Airdate: 10/21/1960

Opening Teaser: The screen opens up to a new character golfing out of a sand trap.  Fred is waiting next to the hole.  The golfer smacks the ball, and it goes up through the ground and into the hole.  We then head to credits with a shot of Fred crying.

Synopsis: Following the credits, we return to Fred walking back into the house after work.  Wilma sees Fred walking up, and lets their pet Dino know who excited runs outside, tackles Fred, and licks his face.  Fred laughs ticklishly as Dino continues to go crazy at his arrival.  As Fred finally gets back up, Wilma welcomes him home, and mentions how Dino was super happy to see him come home and gave him a big welcome home tonight.  Fred comments how Dino always gives him a big welcome home every night.  

Wilma is cooking dinner as Fred stands behind talking to her.  He tells a story about going to see Barney's boss as the "Collective Bargaining Organizer".  He then mentions making some demands, and afterwards he sent Barney to go talk to his boss.  Fred complains how he hasn't seen him since, suggesting he is living it up without him.  He considers this a good thing.  He keeps saying things implying that this really bothers him, despite his pleas to the contrary.  He then looks down at his plate, and loses his cool.  There is a single small smelt on his plate.  He yells at Wilma, and demands to know where the dinosaur steaks he bought the night before are.  She tells him that he gave it to Betty and Barney.  Fred takes this as not only is Barney getting a raise from his doing, but now has to mooch food off his wife.  He sets off to go see Barney.  Wilma stops him, and informs him that his actions have cost Barney his job.  She gave the steaks to them because they haven't have a decent meal in a week.  Fred feels super guilty about this, and with Wilma's encouragement, agrees to help Barney find work again.

Fred goes over to Barney's house to apologize, and help Barney.  Barney and Betty are very tense about talking to Fred.  They stutter their voices, and seem uneasy about the visit.  After some awkward small talk, Betty sends them into the den to talk while she looks for a snack (if any) to make them.

In the den, Fred apologizes, and tells Barney he will help him out.  He explains to Barney that he's playing golf with a very important person the next day, and should have a lock for getting him a new job.

The next day on the golf course, Fred explains to Barney that he will be the caddy for his golf pidgin.  Barney remarks on how nice the course looks and asks Fred how he affords it.  Fred says he can't, but he never loses so he always gets invited back.  He then devises a scheme where Barney (who doesn't know one club from another) will select the clubs for his opponent to use, giving Fred an unfair advantage.

Mr. Edgar Boulder, Fred's golf pidgin, shows up and is introduced to Barney.  They hit it off quickly as Edgar appreciates Barney's sense of humor.  Fred mentions how Barney will be caddying for Boulder today, because he needs the money.  Boulder shows an element of surprise at this as he's always heard about them, but never met one.  Barney states that there are many like him, while Boulder considers his "rich and sheltered" lifestyle.

Fred begins to tee off, and yells "FORE!".   Mid-swing, Barney asks Fred what this means.  Fred, now having his concentration broken, yells angrily at Barney to never do that, and to be quiet when someone is teeing off.  Barney makes an under the breath comment to Boulder as Fred yells at him to be quiet.  Fred hits the ball so hard, it boom-a-rangs back at them, and smacks Fred on the head, before landing back on the tee.

Next, we see Barney instructing Boulder to use a putter to drive the ball with.  Thinking Barney is a professional caddy, he takes his advice, and uses the putter to sink a hole-in-one.  Fred yells out and stares in disbelief at what has happened.  Boulder thanks Barney, as Fred mutters on.

Fred's next shot, ricochets off a rock, and gets lodged in Fred's right eye.  Barney laughs, as Fred looks makes comments back at him.

Now we see Boulder has become stuck in a sand trap.  He asks Barney for advice, and Barney hands him a driver.  Boulder is a little unsure, but takes his advice. We now go back into the scene from the teaser.  Fred chuckles at Boulder using the driver in a sand trap, and bets him double or nothing on the hole.  Boulder hits the ball out of the trap, through the ground, and into the hole.  Fred breaks down crying at this, and regrets making it double or nothing.

In the next scene, we see Boulder counting the money he won from Fred in the game.  As this happens, Barney reminds Fred about the job.  Fred asks Boulder to give Barney a job, implying that he's not all there.  Boulder rejoices at this, and says he would do anything for Barney.  He tells him to call him by his first name Edgar, and to go and see his friend Rocky Stone, who will set him up with employment.  He gives Barney his card with the address on the back.  Barney thanks him again, and Edgar says his farewell, while telling Fred he will see him next weekend.  

Fred laments his loss, but states it's only fair that Boulder should win at least once in a while.  As Fred continues to look somber, Barney asks what's wrong.  Fred states that the money he lost in double or nothing was supposed to pay the delinquent payment on the television set.  He cannot tell Wilma about his irresponsibility.  Barney says he will go look into the job right away, and thanks Fred for his help.

Barney goes to Rocky Stone, and explains how Mr. Boulder sent him down to get a job.  Stone speaks highly of Boulder, and hires Barney on the spot.  When Barney asks what he'll be doing, Stone vaguely describes the job in unorthodox terms.  He shows Barney a picture of people being thrown to lions, and tells him to keep that in mind while working.  He then tells Barney he will be a Furniture Repossessor.  Barney seems unsure of this, but Stone talks him into it, by looking at them being victim because the client did not pay their bill as promised.  Barney agrees and takes his oath, before he sets out on his first assignment: repossessing a TV.

As Barney walks towards his first assignment, he thinks about starting small, and going big.  When he checks the name on the card, he is remorseful to see he has become the collector on Fred's TV set, since Fred is the one who got him the job in the first place.  

Barney takes a seat underneath a tree, and weighs his options.  Fred is his best friend, and he could never do something to him that would hurt him. On the other hand, he and Betty are broke, and he needs the money.  After some thought, he considers his oath, and then devises a plan to get Fred to pay.  

Fred is at home watching TV, when Barney shows up.  Fred invites him in, and offers him a drink.  As they talk, Barney mentions the importance of the TV, to which Fred pledge extreme loyalty to his TV shows.  He even states he would give his right arm for his programs.  This depresses Barney as it makes it more difficult on him.  Barney then talks about the delinquent payment, and tries to suggest different ways Fred could pay it.  Fred irritable tells him to quiet down, because he doesn't want Wilma to know where he stashes money.  Fred then questions the interrogation, and flat out states that he is broke.  He then begins questioning Barney about the new job.  Barney sadly tell him that he is quitting because it goes against his values.  Fred flat out rebukes this, and tells Barney he went out of his way to get him the job, and he will keep it.  He then launches into a huge lecture about being ruthless in the business world, only chasing money, and having no other aspiration to get in the way.  Fred inspires Barney to go and complete his job regardless of what it may call for.  Barney thanks Fred for the pep talk, and grabs the TV as Fred holds the door for him.  

Next, Fred is sitting looking at a TV Guide, when he notices his TV is missing.  He then goes chasing after Barney, and asks him why he took his TV.  Barney then tells Fred that his new job is a Repossessor, and he needs to collect Fred's TV Set for lack of payment.  Fred forces him back towards the house, while Wilma comes outside to see what all the commotion is about.  She asks Fred what he and Barney are doing with the TV.  Fred says they're "airing out the aerial".  Wilma rejects this answer, and demands that they both bring it back inside the house before it gets damaged.  She is not wise to the fact that Fred did not pay off the delinquent fee.

Barney and Fred move the TV back into the house, and Fred forces Barney out the door.  All the excitement has made Fred hungry, so he goes into the kitchen to make a sandwich, and get some more tiger milk.  While distracted, Barney sneaks into the house to repossess the TV.  Fred comes back into the living room with his snack.  Barney sees Fred coming, and puts the TV down, and jumps inside of it to hide.  Fred is confused about the TV being off of the stand, and resigns the fact that he didn't actually do it.  

Fred places the TV back on the stand (with some help from Barney).  He turns it on, and Barney does his own commercial encouraging viewers to pay up on their late bills.  Fred gets irritated, and order Barney out of the TV set.  He begins to shake it, and then slams it down before going for his golf clubs.  Barney, while wearing the TV set, runs out the door.  Fred begins pursuit of him, unsuccessfully.

We then come to Fred seeing a kid playing outside.  He asks if he's seen a television running?  The kid repeats the question confused.  Fred tells the kid "never mind", since he sees Barney.  The kid then mentions how the more he sees of grown-ups, the more he wants to stay a child.

Fred chases Barney into the TV store.  Fred walks amongst many TVs searching for his own.  A salesman asks him if he is finding everything ok.  Fred tells him what he is looking for, and the salesman, taking him literally, breaks down crying, thinking he doesn't have the right TV for Fred.  After Fred finds Barney and his TV, the salesman responds happily realizing he did have what Fred wanted after all.

Fred then runs Barney out of the TV store, and after catching up to him, beats him out of the set.  Wilma sees this, and asks Fred why they are both downtown with their TV set.  Fred gives up trying to hide the truth from her, and asks Barney to tell her the whole story.  

After telling her the story, Wilma is very disappointed in Fred.  She scolds Fred for taking his anger out on Barney, when it was Fred's fault to begin with.  She gives the TV to Barney, so that he can complete his job, and tells him no hard feelings for it.  Barney thanks her for the help, and attempts to make amends with Fred, who grumbles in return.  Wilma then informs Fred that he is going with her, so that she can keep an eye on him.

Back at the Flintstone house, Fred is grumbling about Barney "stealing" his TV as he carries groceries into the house.  He looks at the TV as he grumbles, but then suddenly drops the groceries, and goes running back to it.  He is shocked and in awe that it has returned.  Wilma discovers a note from Barney that states he got an advance on his first week's salary, and has paid Fred's TV bill.  He tells him not to worry about the money, as he values Fred's friendship above all.  Fred feels embarrassed and ashamed that he has been belittling his friend the entire time, only for him to come through for him in a pinch.  Barney then drops by the house, where he and Fred make amends, and Wilma invites him in for some Sabertooth Tiger Milk.  Barney tells Fred how he was just doing his job, and informs him that he is there to collect on another late item: Fred's golf clubs.  Fred becomes enraged at this, and kicks Barney out of the house, threatening to beat him up if he persists.  Wilma comments on the short-lasting peace being "par for course", before fading out to the end credits.

Character Introductions:

Edgar Boulder - Successful Businessman, and Fred's golf pidgin at the Gravel Beach Golf Course every weekend.  He becomes fast friends with Barney, and sends him to Rocky Stone for employment.

Dino - The Flintstone's pet dinosaur.  He functions like a pet dog.

Rocky Stone - Owner of Rocky Stone Inc.  A repossession company.  He is friends with Mr. Boulder, and gives Barney a job.

Kid on the Street - Child Fred meets on the street while chasing Barney.  After talking with Fred, he has even less faith in becoming an adult some day.

TV Salesman - Employee of the TV Sales store.  He attempts to help Fred find a TV.

Bedrock or Bust:

6 different locations:
- Flintstones House

- Rubbles House

- Gravel Beach Golf Course

- Rocky Stone Inc. Building

- TV.Sales Store

Best Jokes:

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Fred: I'm broke.  B-R-O-K broke.

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Fred: What could be wrong with a job that you've had for an hour?

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TV Salesman: Any particular model you're looking for?

Fred: Yeah, one with human legs.

TV Salesman: Ugh...what a business.  I try to keep a big stock.  The customers always want something else.

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Shakespeare Reference:

Rocky Stone: "TV...or not TV".  

Yabba-Dabba-Doo Counter: 0 (2)

None this episode

Bedrock Inventions:

TV Guide: Stone slate

Violence Counter: 2

Fred Violence #1 (9)

Reason: Barney hides in Fred's TV while trying to repossess it

Violence: Fred shakes the TV violently with Barney's feet sticking out, then slams it down hard.

Fred Violence #2 (10)

Reason: Barney is trying to repossess Fred's TV, and has hidden inside of the set

Violence: Fred catches the set, and beats Barney out of it.

Threat Counter: 8

Fred Threat #1 (13)

Reason: He believes Barney is mooching off him via Wilma after Fred gets him a "huge raise"

Threat: To squeeze his ungrateful head

Wilma Threat #1

Reason: Fred's actions against Barney's boss, caused Barney to be fired.

Threat: If Fred doesn't help Barney, he will be eating smelt all month for dinner.

Fred Threat #2 (14)

Reason: For Barney helping Fred's pidgin win the golf game

Threat: "You're losing me" after Barney says he's making a friend in Mr. Boulder.

Fred Threat #3 (15)

Reason: Barney stating he wants to quit the job Fred got him because it goes against his grain

Threat: To rub the knuckles against the grain of [Barney's] wooden head.

Fred Threat #4 (16)

Reason: Barney has repossessed his TV, after Fred tells him to be ruthless at his new job

Threat: "Ruthless?  You bring this set back or you'll be toothless!"

Fred Threat #5 (17)

Reason: Barney won't leave his house after trying to repossess his TV

Threat: He order Barney to retreat, or else they'll be blowing "Taps" for him.

Fred Threat #6 (18)

Reason: Barney has been running away from Fred with his TV

Threat: I've got a good mind to smack you on the schnozzola.

Fred Threat #7 (19)

Reason: Barney has come to repossess Fred's golf clubs

Threat: "Touch one golf club in my bag, and I'll mash your head in with a mashie!

Rocky Stone Inc Repossessor Oath:

"Nor rain, nor snow, nor threats of tears, shall deter this collector from the completion of his contemptible duty."

Flintstone Proverb:

"He who steals my TV, steals all."

Barney Inventions: None this episode

Notable Notations:

- Episode Runtime: 26:22

- The episode uses the original theme music for the opening title

- Dino, the Flintstone's pet dinosaur, debuts in this episode.  Up to this point in time, we have only seen him during the opening and closing credits.

- Barney's biggest handicap is living next door to Fred

- This episode shows the first hole-in-one Mr. Boulder ever hit, and with a putter at Barney's recommendation no less.

Words of Wisdom from Fred Flintstone: "It's not winning the game that counts, it's collecting the dough."

- The Flintstones live at 201 Cobblestone Lane, Bedrock

- Fred stashes money away for sweepstake tickets

- Fred drinks Sabertooth Tiger Milk

- Fred hides money in his bowling ball.

- The Flintstones keep their Sabertooth Tiger Milk in a large-sized container

Conclusion:

I really love how this episode played around the entire theme of golf, even up to Wilma's comment to close out the show.  The show does a great job showing how the ruthlessness of business can tear people apart when they consider conflicts of interest, especially in the business of repossession.  This works two ways as golf and business tend to go hand in hand together.  It also had a good lesson on the issues with dishonesty.  In the long run, Fred could have saved himself a lot of trouble by taking the honest way out.  But then, there'd be no show.  

4/166