Iola's innocent buy of a sweater-chain off the TV propels Mama into a home-shopping spree that doesn't end until she gets her credit card statement. One of the funniest episodes from the wonderful fourth season, with Vicki Lawrence's obsession in gaudy goo-gahs resulting in some wild comedy (she evens considers taking in borders to fund her hobby, but Naomi asks her, "Where ya gonna put them in all this mess?"). We learn a little more about Thelma in this show: she has a weakness for bargains and tacky jewelry. The family stages a very funny intervention on Mama, resulting in a happy ending for everyone with the exception of Travis, the home-shopping guru.
3 Reviews
Zaniest episode yet. No PC here.
vitoscotti14 January 2023
A true classic sitcom masterpiece. Funny to see the usual "Rock of Gibraltar" Thelma having a shopping addiction frailty. The wacky episode takes a backhanded non PC jab at addictions. One of the most memorable "Mama's Family" episodes. Terrific performance by the whole cast especially Vicki Lawrence. We get a rare instance of son Vinton Harper (Ken Berry) laying down the law to his domineering mother. The TV jewelry seller looked some and sounded amazingly like Bubba (Allan Kayser). The selling of junk trinket jewelry by shyster TV pitchmen was just starting in the 80s so this episode must of really hit home with viewers. The aversion therapy intervention scene was hilarious especially when Iola compared it to pet training. A top episode.
Mama's Addiction!
Sylviastel30 August 2008
After Iola gets some jewelry by home shopping on local television, she gets Thelma hooked beyond the extremes. She is so addicted that her credit card bill is long enough and the bill just got out of control. Of course, there is a funny moment when Mama is asked what she prefers her family or the jewelry and she pauses for a brief hilarious moment. Thelma has bought out the store much less lost her ability to function. The family and Iola perform an intervention in trying to get Thelma back to normal whatever that means. They return about everything to the station and have to help Thelma get back to normal without shopping on television.
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