MovieChat Forums > I Love Lucy (1951) Discussion > Ralph and Betty Ramsay

Ralph and Betty Ramsay

posted 7 years ago by AndrewHNPX (42)
5 replies | jump to latest

I was watching the season 6 Connecticut episodes again, and it really struck me how much I dislike these characters. I mean, it's not hard to see why they were initially included since the writers obviously felt there had to be other characters in Westport for the four to mingle with. However…I don't know, something about their inclusion rubs me the wrong way. The series had always focused on the dynamic between the Ricardos and the Mertzes, and then it's as if there's this third couple who are just there all of the sudden and who we're supposed to just accept as an integral part of the show. They felt to me like intruders or something. Strange though how they were totally dropped from the Comedy Hour episodes, as if they were never there.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 7 years ago

Your last two posts involve you being "rubbed the wrong way." Okay, it's your opinion.

I don't share it.

To say Ralph and Betty are "intruders" is, to me, absurd.

Naturally, Lucy and Ricky would meet/make friends with other people in their new Connecticut home. Furthermore, the
producers were brilliant in hiring two very accomplished actors who had graced the series before, so we don't feel
any animosity towards the characters they play.

The writing was realistic enough to have these characters not 'replace' Fred and Ethel, but add to the homey atmosphere.
Certainly, we needed a couple who had a young son, who would befriend Little Ricky.

It doesn't take long for Fred and Ethel to reclaim "their place" with Lucy and Ricky, so Ralph and Betty are hardly a
threat. And the episode where Ethel must accept Betty into the series ("Homecoming") is pretty classic.

[–] AndrewHNPX (42) 7 years ago

Your last two posts involve you being "rubbed the wrong way."

Yeah I guess so. I probably should have used a different turn-of-phrase.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 7 years ago

Whoops! The episode is called "Housewarming."

Also, I came across a bit nasty, which I apologize for. There's no law that says everyone has to like every character.

[–] AndrewHNPX (42) 7 years ago

Whoops! The episode is called "Housewarming."[/quote]

Oh yeah, that's the one where Ethel and Betty hit it off and Lucy feels left out. Yeah that was a good one.

[quote]Also, I came across a bit nasty, which I apologize for. There's no law that says everyone has to like every character.

That's all right. I've known you for a while on here, I know you're a decent guy. :)

[–] [email protected] (5517) 7 years ago

I just watched a few of the Connecticut episodes and I do like Ralph and Betty Ramsey. The actors were familiar faces having been in a number of ILL episodes. And yes the Ricardos needed a playmate for little Ricky. Lucky that the Ramsey's had a son his age!

It seemed natural that Lucy would want to make friends with her new neighbors. But interesting how she felt hurt and left out as soon as Betty and Ethel became friends. Ethel was her best buddy!