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Introduction
When it comes to iconic television, The Beverly Hillbillies stands as one of the most beloved sitcoms of the 1960s. Its unique blend of down-home simplicity and the absurdities of high-society life made it a comedic goldmine. Season 1, Episode 7, titled “The Servants,” takes this humor to new heights, focusing on the Clampett family’s bewilderment when they discover that their Beverly Hills neighbors expect them to hire servants. This article will dive deep into the plot, the social commentary, and the enduring humor that makes this episode a fan favorite.
H1: Overview of The Beverly Hillbillies S1E07 “The Servants”
In “The Servants,” the Clampetts continue to adjust to their new life in Beverly Hills. They are still unfamiliar with the customs and expectations of the upper class, and this becomes evident when the family’s new neighbors are shocked to learn that the Clampetts have no servants in their mansion. The Clampetts, coming from a simple life in the Ozarks, see no need for such luxuries, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings.
The Cultural Clash Between Rural Life and High Society
At its core, The Beverly Hillbillies is a show about the clash between rural simplicity and high-society extravagance. This theme is front and center in “The Servants,” where the Clampetts’ unpretentious lifestyle starkly contrasts with the expectations of their wealthy neighbors.
The Clampetts’ Humble Origins
The Clampetts are simple folk who lived off the land back in the Ozarks. They are used to taking care of themselves, and the idea of hiring servants to do tasks like cleaning and cooking is foreign to them. This episode highlights the humor that comes from their refusal to conform to the lifestyle expected of Beverly Hills millionaires.
The Neighbors’ Expectations
The Clampetts’ neighbors, particularly the Drysdales, cannot fathom how a family as wealthy as the Clampetts could function without a full staff of servants. In their world, wealth and servants go hand in hand, and the fact that the Clampetts don’t see the need for help is both baffling and amusing to them.
Granny’s Take on Servants
One of the funniest parts of the episode is Granny’s reaction to the idea of servants. Granny, who prides herself on her ability to cook, clean, and care for her family, sees the idea of hiring servants as ridiculous. To her, having someone else do what she’s perfectly capable of doing feels like an insult to her abilities.
Granny’s Self-Reliance
Granny is fiercely independent and believes that hard work is a virtue. She’s spent her entire life taking care of the family, and she sees no reason to stop just because they’ve come into money. This independence is a key part of her character, and it’s one of the reasons why fans love her.
Jed’s Practical Approach
Jed Clampett, as always, takes a more practical approach. While he doesn’t see the need for servants, he’s willing to consider it if it will make his family’s life easier. However, Jed’s practicality often comes with a heavy dose of common sense, which leads to humorous misunderstandings when he tries to navigate the complicated world of high-society expectations.
Jed’s Conversations with Mr. Drysdale
Throughout the episode, Jed has several conversations with Mr. Drysdale, the family’s banker and neighbor, about the need for servants. These conversations are a source of great humor, as Jed’s down-to-earth perspective clashes with Drysdale’s high-society mindset. Jed’s simple questions and observations often leave Drysdale at a loss for words.
Elly May and Jethro’s Reactions to Servants
Elly May and Jethro, the younger members of the Clampett family, also have their own unique reactions to the idea of hiring servants.
Elly May’s Love for Animals Over People
Elly May, who has a special connection with animals, doesn’t quite understand why anyone would need servants when she has her beloved critters to keep her company. She’s far more interested in caring for her animals than worrying about the high-society conventions of having a maid or butler.
Jethro’s Naïveté
Jethro, the lovable but somewhat naïve cousin of Elly May, is equally baffled by the idea of servants. In his innocent way, Jethro wonders why anyone would want someone else to do their work for them, when it could be a fun way to show off his “superior strength.” His comic misunderstandings add to the episode’s charm.
The Drysdales and Their Attempt to “Civilize” the Clampetts
The Drysdales, particularly Mrs. Drysdale, play a significant role in the episode as they attempt to help the Clampetts “adjust” to their new wealthy status. Mrs. Drysdale, who is always concerned with appearances, takes it upon herself to introduce the Clampetts to the concept of having a household staff.
Mrs. Drysdale’s Snobbery
Mrs. Drysdale’s snobbishness is a perfect foil to the Clampetts’ humble nature. Her obsession with status and wealth creates plenty of comedic moments, especially when her attempts to “improve” the Clampetts backfire in hilarious ways.
Social Commentary on Wealth and Class
While The Beverly Hillbillies is primarily a comedy, it also offers subtle social commentary on the nature of wealth and class. “The Servants” explores how wealth doesn’t necessarily change a person’s values or habits, and it critiques the assumption that money should automatically lead to a more extravagant lifestyle.
The Clampetts as a Representation of Humility
The Clampetts serve as a reminder that money doesn’t change who you are at your core. Despite their newfound wealth, they remain true to their simple, hard-working roots, and they don’t feel the need to adopt the pretensions of the upper class. This is a refreshing contrast to the materialism often associated with wealth in the show’s setting.
A Critique of High Society’s Priorities
Through the Drysdales and other wealthy characters, the episode subtly critiques the priorities of high society. The obsession with appearances, status symbols like servants, and the need to conform to societal expectations are all mocked through the Clampetts’ honest, straightforward approach to life.
The Humor in Everyday Situations
One of the reasons The Beverly Hillbillies remains popular to this day is its ability to find humor in everyday situations. In “The Servants,” the show highlights the absurdity of wealthy customs through the Clampetts’ eyes, turning what might seem normal to high society into something hilariously strange.
The Absurdity of Over-Complication
For the Clampetts, many of the customs of Beverly Hills seem needlessly complicated. This episode plays on that absurdity, showing how the simple act of living can be turned into something elaborate and over-the-top when wealth is involved.
Why “The Servants” Remains a Fan Favorite
“The Servants” is one of those episodes that stands out not only because of its humor but also because of its heart. The Clampetts’ refusal to change who they are, even in the face of immense wealth, makes them relatable and endearing to audiences. This episode perfectly encapsulates what makes the show special.
The Legacy of The Beverly Hillbillies
The Beverly Hillbillies may have been a product of the 1960s, but its themes of family, humility, and the absurdity of wealth remain relevant today. Episodes like “The Servants” showcase the show’s unique ability to blend comedy with social commentary, making it a timeless classic.
Conclusion
The Beverly Hillbillies S1E07: The Servants offers a hilarious and insightful look at how wealth doesn’t necessarily change a person’s core values. Through the Clampetts’ interactions with their Beverly Hills neighbors, the episode explores themes of class, wealth, and the importance of staying true to yourself. It’s a standout episode in a show filled with laughs, and it continues to resonate with audiences today.
