Desi's Growth as a Perfomer

There's no denying that Desi Arnaz was one of the most unique TV personalities of all time.
Aside from his enormous sex appeal (that pajama top scene, brief and tame though it is,
stills resonates with a bang in this viewer), his musical talent and eye for early TV production
are awesome, even by today's standards.

In the first year (when he was at his trimmest and most physically appealing), he was
considered little more than Lucy's "straight man." Viewers in those days really couldn't
appreciate or understand his genius and vision (many dismissed him as "Lucy's husband").
With time, of course, people were educated by his tremendous "behind-the-scenes"
talent.

But it takes more than the first season or so, to really see his COMIC talent. And with
each passing year (and, sadly, as his looks slowly faded), he became funnier and funnier.
As a kid, I had a huge crush on him, and as a teen, I drooled over him. But it took me
many years into adulthood to really appreciate what he adds to the show.

Think about it: Arnaz was so unique, and his relationship to Lucy so personal, that, unlike
Dick York on Bewitched, ILL could've NEVER survived a recasting of "Ricky."

Certainly his very first episodes coast on charm and a sort of wooden presence. But his
last episodes, show an almost rubbery perfection! For instance, in "Building a Barbecue",
"Ricky" has had so many disastrous run-ins with Lucy, that he's almost NUTS when
accuses her: "I-don't-know! But-it-just-so-happens-that-whenever-something-goes-
wrong-'round-here-I-know-where-to-start-looking!!!!" Lol!

So let's give the Cuban his due, and start naming some of HIS funniest bits!