Mon, Nov 29, 1954
Convinced that his wife never likes the presents he buys for her, Fred asks Lucy to secretly find a birthday present for Ethel on his behalf. Lucy agrees, and later is with Ethel when she happens to find the gift-wrapped package in a closet. Ethel is less than excited about it, complaining that Fred has a history of giving her horrible gifts. Lucy urges Ethel to sneak a peek at what's inside. Reluctantly unwrapping the gift, Ethel pulls out a pair of strange-looking pants, gives them a quizzical glance and exclaims, "Well, he's done it again." Lucy hides her dismay, speaking up for Fred, trying to explain that they are chic hostess pants, the kind you wear "when you give smart dinner parties." Ethel is unimpressed, saying, "Oh, I've been wondering what to wear to all those smart dinner parties I give." When Lucy reveals that it was she and not Fred who selected the gift, this leads to an argument and an estrangement. In Act II, Ricky and Fred scheme to get the girls together again by taking them both to the theater to see a new hit show, "Over the Teacups". Ethel and Lucy are forced to sit together as they watch the play. Their anger toward each other softens as they listen to the play, a drama in which the main character is presented with news of a friend's death.
Mon, Jan 24, 1955
After getting lost and ending up south in Tennessee, the Ricardos and Mertzes get arrested for speeding and Tennessee Ernie Ford helped them escape, to continue their trip west, to California.
Mon, Mar 21, 1955
When Variety reports that M-G-M has shelved its "Don Juan" movie, Lucy is afraid that she and the gang might have to leave Hollywood. She schemes to find a man to pretend to be a producer interested in Ricky, thinking this will convince studio head Dore Schary to put him in another film.
Mon, May 16, 1955
Lucy is frustrated that Ricky is waiting in Hollywood while MGM tries to find a movie for him to star in. She pretends to be his new agent and confronts the MGM brass, saying he has an offer to do a big Broadway musical. Instead of putting him in a movie right away, MGM releases Ricky from his contract.