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Majority Complete |
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Signposts Only |
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Major Characters |
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Partial |
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Author: |
Oppenheimer, J., Pugh, M., Carroll, Jr., B. | |
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Harris, W.G. (1991). Lucy & Desi: The legendary love story of television's most famous couple. New York: Simon and Schuster. Oppenheimer, J., Pugh, M., & Carroll, Jr., B. (1952). Lucy is enceinte (W. Asher, Director). In J. Oppenheimer (Producer), I Love Lucy. Hollywood: Desilu. | |
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Genre: |
Domestic Situation Comedy | |
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Setting: |
Lucy and Ricky Ricardo's apartment; Ricky's club--The Tropicana | |
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Period: |
Early 1950's | |
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Analysis by: |
Katharine E. Monahan Huntley |
Comments:
"Lucy is Enceinte," aired 12/8/52, was the first time television dealt with the subject of pregnancy. Although approximately 24-26 minutes, this is a complete story. Because of the episode's economy of storytelling and relatively short length, one event is often satisfying on many different levels.
Brief Synopsis:
Blockbuster Video description: Lucy informs Desi of her pregnancy.
Name: Lucy Ricardo
ID: Main Character
Gender: Female
Description:
Impulsive, zany, red-headed housewife
Role: Wife
Characteristics:
Motivation: Feeling; Uncontrolled; Disbelief
Methodology: Proaction
Name: Ricky Ricardo
ID: Impact Character
Gender: Male
Description:
Cuban, struggling, suave band leader
Role: Husband
Characteristics:
Motivation: Logic; Control
Methodology: Reaction
Name: Ethel Mertz
Gender: Female
Description:
Affectionate and loyal
Role: Best Friend
Characteristics:
Motivation: Faith; Support
Name: Fred Mertz
Gender: Male
Description:
Gruff, yet lovable
Role: Best Friend
Characteristics:
Motivation: Oppose
Name: Little Ricky
Gender: Male
Role: bundle of joy
Nature as it relates to Actual Dilemma:
Lucy is experiencing a true dilemma. If she remains steadfast in her desire to tell Ricky the news of her pregnancy in a special way and at the right moment, she takes the chance of him finding out from another source (Fred, Ethel, doctor), or Ricky finding out what he will deem to be too late.
Essence as it relates to Negative Feel:
The story has a negative feel as it appears Lucy is never going to have the opportunity to tell Ricky the news of her pregnancy in the way she has always imagined. She refuses to give up her plan to directly tell him, risking his disappointment in finding out much too late or from another source.
Tendency as it relates to Willing:
Lucy's imagination and experience in pursuing what she wants spurs her on to achieve the goal.
Reach as it relates to Female:
Females, especially with the 1950's mindset, will empathize with Lucy choosing not to take the direct approach to deliver important news to her husband, but to wait for the right time to share the glad tidings with him in a special way.
Main Character Resolve as it relates to Change:
Lucy changes from attempting to tell Ricky the news about the baby in a private moment, to allowing him to find out during his nightclub act.
Impact Character Resolve as it relates to Steadfast:
Main Character Growth as it relates to Stop:
Lucy needs to stop waiting for the right moment and perfect way to tell her husband the good news.
Main Character Approach as it relates to Do-er:
Lucy attempts several different ways to divulge the news to Ricky about her pregnancy, and does not give up until she has accomplished her goal.
Main Character Problem-Solving Style as it relates to Intuitive:
Lucy evaluates her environment in terms of time, especially when it comes to telling Ricky about their baby in a timely manner.
Story Driver as it relates to Action:
Lucy decides how and when to tell Ricky the news after a visit to the doctor determines her pregnancy; after hearing about the problems that have arisen in his absence, Ricky decides to go back to work early; Ethel decides to reveal Lucy's secret to Fred even after Lucy asks her not to; Fred decides to make a gift of his baseball treasures to the unborn child upon hearing the news; and so forth.
Story Limit as it relates to Optionlock:
Lucy feels she has exhausted the personal ways she had planned to tell her husband about their impending bundle of joy, and allows him to discover the news while singing in front of an audience.
Story Outcome as it relates to Success:
Ricky comes to the happy realization he and Lucy will become parents in nine months time; Fred and Ethel understand they are chosen as godparents of the Ricardo's baby; Ricky's and his band's performance meets with resounding applause; and so forth.
Story Judgment as it relates to Good:
Although not in the way she had planned, Lucy is ultimately able to convey the information to Ricky they are about to become proud parents.
Overall Story Name: "Lucy is Enceinte"
Throughline Synopsis:
After eleven years of marriage, Lucy discovers she is pregnant. With Fred and Ethel's encouragement, Lucy sets about telling her husband the news in the special way she has always imagined. Interruptions and interference sabotage her plan, and she eventually changes her approach. Ricky is finally able to comprehend the situation, much to the delight of everyone.
Backstory:
Throughline as it relates to Activity:
Lucy endeavors to tell Ricky the news of her pregnancy; Ricky manages a nightclub; the band rehearses for the evening's show; and so forth.
Concern as it relates to Understanding:
Lucy must grasp the fact she is pregnant; Fred and Ethel understand they will be the godparents; Lucy tries to make Ricky understand he is a father; Ricky understands managing a club is problematic; and so forth.
Issue as it relates to Interpretation :
Lucy construes her malaise as a temporary case of the blahs; Ethel interprets her observations of Lucy's behavior as Lucy being pregnant; Ricky translates his observations of Lucy's solicitous actions as a cover-up for one of her many indiscretions; and so forth.
Counterpoint as it relates to Senses :
Thematic Conflict as it relates to Interpretation vs. Senses:
Problem as it relates to Inequity:
Lucy does not want Fred (or anyone else) to find out she is having a baby before she tells Ricky, as she thinks it would unjust to her husband; Ricky is outraged by the union's unreasonable demands; the band members feel Ricky is unfair when he cancels their five minute break; and so forth.
Solution as it relates to Equity:
Although he is not the first to know, Ricky does find out about his impending fatherhood the same day as Lucy; despite Ricky's concerns, his show at the Tropicana is a success; and so forth.
Symptom as it relates to Chaos:
Lucy attempts to break the news of her pregnancy to Ricky amid ringing telephones, buzzing doorbells, and uninvited guests; Ricky is trying to prepare for opening night betwixt and between union troubles, disgruntled musicians, and a wife who continually interrupts him; Fred and Ethel create turmoil for Lucy when they barge in on the Ricardos at an inopportune moment; and so forth.
Response as it relates to Order:
Lucy has arranged Ricky's luncheon to be conducive to telling him the glad tidings; Ricky feels the only way he can make opening night a success is to be on hand to organize his musicians and union workers; Lucy directs Fred and Ethel out of her house so she may speak to Ricky in privacy; and so forth.
Catalyst as it relates to Instinct:
When Lucy complains of lethargy and weight gain, Ethel's first impulse is to ask if she is pregnant. Lucy's automatic response is to dismiss the idea, yet Ethel's suggestion compels her to begin to think about the possibility; Lucy instinctively knows it will be detrimental to her relationship with Ricky if she doesn't let him in on the news of the baby as soon as possible, forcing her to hurry along with the plan to tell him.
Inhibitor as it relates to Sense of Self:
Although Lucy has experienced the symptoms of pregnancy, she does not take them seriously and does not immediately visit the doctor because it is her perception that she cannot conceive a child, impeding the understanding she and Ricky are, in fact, to have a child.
Benchmark as it relates to Doing:
The more Ricky is able to handle the problems at the club, the more he feels his show will be a success; and so forth.
Goal as it relates to Understanding:
The goal of common concern is for Ricky to understand he and Lucy are going to have a baby.
Consequence as it relates to Developing a Plan:
If Lucy is unable to convey the news of their changing family status in a timely manner to Ricky, and if he is unable to understand she wishes to share information of importance in privacy, they will have to envision a future that lacks sound marital communication.
Cost as it relates to Memories:
Ricky's recollections of Lucy's screwball behavior makes it difficult for him to take her seriously. Even though Ricky knows Lucy wishes to discuss a certain matter with him, he feels he can put her on hold, losing an early opportunity to share in the news of the baby and causing frustration for his wife.
Dividend as it relates to The Past:
Lucy and Ricky are able to put their past misfortune of not conceiving a child behind them; unlike former times, Ethel is the first to know about a baby, "I've never been let in on it so soon" (Oppenheimer, Pugh, Carroll, 1952).
Requirements as it relates to Doing:
Ricky must be informed of the pregnancy; Fred and Ethel must keep quiet; and so forth.
Prerequisites as it relates to Playing a Role:
Lucy must be pregnant; Fred and Ethel must act like they don't know anything; and so forth.
Preconditions as it relates to Impulsive Responses:
At Lucy's behest, Fred and Ethel must stay their impulse to blurt out the news to Ricky; and so forth.
Forewarnings as it relates to How Things are Changing:
The way things are going, Ricky will either find out he is to become a father from an inappropriate source, or much too late. And, if he and Lucy are not able to share in this important information, their future of sound communication within their marriage is bleak.
Main vs. Impact Story Name: "We're Having a Baby, My Baby and Me"
Throughline Synopsis:
Lucy attempts to convey important news to Ricky. Although he is willing to listen to what she has to say, he does not take her too seriously, nor allows for the time or privacy she needs to tell him. The conflict is resolved when Lucy finds a way to let Ricky figure the news out for himself.
Backstory:
Throughline as it relates to Manipulation:
Lucy and Ricky each think in the manner 1950's society has defined for them as husband and wife, each fulfilling a role that does not cross over to the other's:
Ricky: You should be happy you're a woman...I know you think that you know how tough my job is but believe me, if you traded places with me, you would be surprised.
Lucy: Believe me if I traded places with you, you would be surprised. (Oppenheimer, Pugh, Carroll, 1952)
Concern as it relates to Developing a Plan:
Lucy has spent many years imagining the perfect way to tell Ricky they're going to have a child; conflict occurs when Ricky doesn't have the time to take part in the implementation of her idea.
Issue as it relates to Circumstances :
Lucy wants to tell Ricky they are about to become a family of three under what she feels are the optimum conditions and at the right moment which, of course, never occurs.
Counterpoint as it relates to Situation :
Thematic Conflict as it relates to Circumstances vs. Situation:
Problem as it relates to Perception:
Conflict between the Ricardos is created when it appears to Lucy that Ricky is not giving her a chance to tell him important news, and Ricky discerns Lucy's thoughtful acts as an attempt to soften a confession about one of her silly escapades.
Solution as it relates to Actuality:
Ricky discovering the true state of affairs (Lucy's pregnancy) solves the problems between the two.
Symptom as it relates to Chaos:
Ricky is befuddled by Lucy's actions. She prepares an elegant lunch and changes his usual eating place from the kitchen to the living room, yet when he attempts to enjoy his meal, she sits on his lap and asks him to gulp it down so she may talk to him. He is further confused when Lucy slams the door on their best friends, and after Ricky invites them in, it is not long before Lucy rudely asks them to leave. When Lucy visits him at the Tropicana, she makes it clear she has important news to share but cannot among the flurry of activity. When he quiets all activity, she mystifies her husband by only asking for the correct time.
Response as it relates to Order:
Lucy arranges Ricky's luncheon to be conducive to breaking the news of her pregnancy to him; Ricky brings the activity in his club to a halt so he may listen to Lucy; and so forth.
Catalyst as it relates to State of Being:
Ricky's forthrightness and Lucy's tendency toward deception increases conflict between the two. Ricky would prefer Lucy blurt out what is on her mind, while Lucy cannot, as she feels it would detract from the romance of sharing her discovery with her husband. Lucy "beating around the bush" raises Ricky's suspicions that she has been involved in one of her many escapades.
Inhibitor as it relates to Conditioning:
Based on experience, Ricky does not to take his wife or her dilemmas seriously, impeding his understanding that his wife has important news for him; Lucy is conditioned to not directly state the truth, delaying Ricky from finding out she is pregnant.
Benchmark as it relates to Playing a Role:
As long as Ricky thinks Lucy is acting "just like a woman," there is no progress in their relationship. As soon as he realizes she is carrying their child, they are able to grow closer.
Role: Wife
Description:
Impulsive, zany, red-headed housewife
Throughline Synopsis:
Lucy discovers the happy news she is pregnant and undertakes to tell her husband in a private moment. As each attempt fails, she realizes she must give up on how she has always planned to tell him, and allows him to find out during his nightclub act.
Backstory:
Throughline as it relates to Situation:
Lucy finds herself in the "family way."
Concern as it relates to The Past:
Lucy has spent a considerable amount of time in the past devising a special way to tell her husband they are having a baby... "All my life I've dreamed about how I was going to tell my husband when we were going to have a baby" (Oppenheimer, Pugh, Carroll, 1952).
Issue as it relates to Interdiction :
Lucy feels she is constantly being interrupted while she tries to have an important discussion with her husband. Lucy makes an effort to stop her husband from attending to business so she may discuss her happy secret. When her attempts fail she interrupts his performance at the club, "the scene is cleverly written so that Ricky wakes up to the news while singing 'We're Having a Baby, My Baby and Me,' a request Lucy planted with the headwaiter before she sneaked into the audience" (Harris, W.G., 1991, p. 188).
Counterpoint as it relates to Prediction :
Thematic Conflict as it relates to Interdiction vs. Prediction:
Problem as it relates to Inequity:
Lucy doesn't feel she has a fair shake at telling Ricky about the baby "because I kept getting interrupted by telephones, sandwiches, and certain busybodies" (Oppenheimer, Pugh, Carroll, 1952).
Solution as it relates to Equity:
Lucy will have resolved the conflict she feels of only herself knowing about the baby, once she and her husband share in this knowledge.
Symptom as it relates to Desire:
Lucy is driven to reveal the news of her pregnancy to Ricky in a special way and at the right time.
Response as it relates to Ability:
Lucy's talent lies in the imaginative ways she plans to tell Ricky about the baby.
Unique Ability as it relates to Fate:
It is inevitable that Lucy will make Ricky understand they are to be parents, as pregnancy is difficult to hide.
Critical Flaw as it relates to Falsehood:
Lucy's propensity for fabrication causes Ricky not to take her seriously.
Benchmark as it relates to How Things are Changing:
The way things are going, Lucy feels "if I don't tell him soon I might as well wait and let the baby tell him" (Oppenheimer, Pugh, Carroll, 1952). Although her words are an exaggeration, they display to what degree she finds the situation as unacceptable.
Role: Husband
Description:
Cuban, struggling, suave band leader
Throughline Synopsis:
Ricky is caught up in the opening night pandemonium at the club, distracted by his wife and a myriad of production problems.
Backstory:
Throughline as it relates to Fixed Attitude:
Ricky holds the fixed attitude that he is the breadwinner of the family and his priority is to concentrate on what is happening in the workplace.
Concern as it relates to Memories:
Ricky has many recollections of his wife's crazy antics, causing him not to take her too seriously. When frustrated by the frantic pace of life in New York, he recalls the simple life in Cuba.
Issue as it relates to Suspicion :
Ricky is wary of Lucy's loving behavior, partially justified by his memories of her acting in this manner when she has something to hide. Instead of accepting her thoughtfulness he asks, "How much are you overdrawn? Lucy, what did you buy?" (Oppenheimer, Pugh, Carroll, 1952). As an immigrant facing a language barrier, Ricky must be cautious in his business operations.
Counterpoint as it relates to Evidence :
Thematic Conflict as it relates to Suspicion vs. Evidence:
Problem as it relates to Change:
Ricky is constantly having to adjust to the world around him, beginning with his new life in America.
Solution as it relates to Inertia:
As focused as Ricky is with the chaos resulting from change, and as directed as he is to make sense out of it all, all he must do is to continue on as he has to achieve success, proof of that being the success of the club and his happy marriage.
Symptom as it relates to Chaos:
Ricky concentrates on the disorder happening at the club. "The lights are all wrong, the costumes are all wrong, nobody knows their number" (Oppenheimer, Pugh, Carroll). This causes problems for Lucy, who wants his full attention.
Response as it relates to Order:
Ricky's need to create order out of the chaos happening at the Tropicana takes the time away from Lucy she needs to tell him about the baby.
Unique Ability as it relates to Truth:
Ricky asks Lucy point blank to come out with what is on her mind. Because everyone at the club is listening as well, Lucy is unable to tell the truth, and asks only for the correct time. Ricky asks her again to tell the truth, but she cannot and leaves in tears.
Critical Flaw as it relates to Destiny:
When Ricky gripes he would like to return to the simple life in Cuba, "just the two of them," Lucy knows this will never happen as his future path is to be a father in the land of opportunity.
Benchmark as it relates to Impulsive Responses:
Ricky's immediate response to the troubles at the club are to recall the simple life of Cuba; his immediate response to Lucy's solicitous behavior is to recall other times when this behavior signified cover-up of one of her many follies.
The Overall Throughline Act Order:
Overall Story Signpost 1 as it relates to Gathering Information:
Ethel learns the new word "dauncey" a word Lucy's grandmother made up "for when you're not really sick but you just feel lousy" (Oppenheimer, Pugh, Carroll, 1952); Lucy pays a visit to the doctor to find out why she is feeling dauncey and subsequently learns she is pregnant; Fred hears the news about the baby from Ethel; Ricky finds out the costumes will not arrive until nightfall, Marco learns from Ricky if the costumes are not delivered by 2:00 PM, Ricky will sue; and so forth.
Overall Story Journey 1 from Gathering Information to Doing:
Overall Story Signpost 2 as it relates to Doing:
Lucy visits her doctor; Lucy makes lunch for Ricky; Ethel offers to help do the dishes; Fred gives his treasured baseball items for "little Fred" to Lucy, and so forth.
Overall Story Journey 2 from Doing to Obtaining:
Overall Story Signpost 3 as it relates to Obtaining:
The Tropicana's owner's nephew secures a reservation for a party of six; Ricky wants Lucy to pass on her news; the band gets a five minute break; Lucy loses her nerve; and so forth.
Overall Story Journey 3 from Obtaining to Understanding:
Overall Story Signpost 4 as it relates to Understanding:
Everyone understands the Ricardo's are to become parents.
The Main vs. Impact Throughline Act Order:
Main vs. Impact Story Signpost 1 as it relates to Conceiving an Idea:
Ricky has no idea how important it is to Lucy for her to give him her news.
Main vs. Impact Story Journey 1 from Conceiving an Idea to Developing a Plan:
Main vs. Impact Story Signpost 2 as it relates to Developing a Plan:
Lucy is frustrated when Ricky does not take the time to listen to her and advises his wife to implement whatever idea she has using her own judgment.
Main vs. Impact Story Journey 2 from Developing a Plan to Playing a Role:
Main vs. Impact Story Signpost 3 as it relates to Playing a Role:
Ricky's frustration stems from his thinking Lucy is acting "just like a woman."
Main vs. Impact Story Journey 3 from Playing a Role to Changing One's Nature:
Main vs. Impact Story Signpost 4 as it relates to Changing One's Nature:
Lucy and Ricky announce to the world they are becoming parents.
The Main Character Throughline Act Order:
Main Character Signpost 1 as it relates to The Past:
Lucy doesn't believe she's pregnant because she hasn't been able to conceive in the past eleven years of marriage.
Main Character Journey 1 from The Past to How Things are Changing:
Main Character Signpost 2 as it relates to How Things are Changing:
Lucy is concerned that, with the way things are going, the baby will be the one to tell Ricky of his impending arrival.
Main Character Journey 2 from How Things are Changing to The Future:
Main Character Signpost 3 as it relates to The Future:
Lucy goes to the club to tell Ricky about their blessed future event.
Main Character Journey 3 from The Future to The Present:
Main Character Signpost 4 as it relates to The Present:
Lucy doesn't allow the news of her pregnancy go beyond the present day.
The Impact Character Throughline Act Order:
Impact Character Signpost 1 as it relates to Memories:
Ricky reminisces with Fred about the trials and tribulations of show biz.
Impact Character Journey 1 from Memories to Impulsive Responses:
Impact Character Signpost 2 as it relates to Impulsive Responses:
Ricky's immediate response to the threat of union trouble is to rush down to the Tropicana.
Impact Character Journey 2 from Impulsive Responses to Innermost Desires:
Impact Character Signpost 3 as it relates to Innermost Desires:
Ricky is occupied with his desire to put on a great show.
Impact Character Journey 3 from Innermost Desires to Contemplation:
Impact Character Signpost 4 as it relates to Contemplation:
Ricky contemplates the note that is handed to him asking the band leader to sing "We're Having a Baby, My Baby and Me" as a way to announce from a wife to her husband they are to become parents; he considers couples at the restaurant tables as the potential parents, and doesn't consider Lucy until she nods her head YES.
All Concerns:
Once Lucy realizes she is pregnant, she sets about telling Ricky in a special way she has dreamt about in the past. Unfortunately, her way of telling him is similar to other methods Ricky recalls she has used in the past to deliver bad news, and as he has more pressing concerns at the club, he puts her off thereby delaying his own understanding of their impending parenthood.
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