In many ways, this episode reminds me of a classic drama from the 1950s, "The Desperate Hours". In the film, a gang of crooks hangs out in a family's home in order to avoid being caught by the police. In the process, they torment the family horribly until the exciting climax. It's a great film...and I assume it must have helped inspire "The Payoff Money".
While Blondie and Mrs. Woodley are out on a shopping expedition, they stumble upon two ex-cons and their packages get switched. Now the crooks have the Bumstead's liver (for dinner...not a liver from one of the family members!) and Blondie has their $50,000 from some robbery. Soon, the hoods show up at the Bumstead home and hold everyone hostage until they find the loot.
In many ways, the episode is okay BUT nearly all the adults in the show OTHER than Dagwood are either greedy or stupid or both. And, the crminals are also really stupid as well...which all weakens the episode a bit.
While Blondie and Mrs. Woodley are out on a shopping expedition, they stumble upon two ex-cons and their packages get switched. Now the crooks have the Bumstead's liver (for dinner...not a liver from one of the family members!) and Blondie has their $50,000 from some robbery. Soon, the hoods show up at the Bumstead home and hold everyone hostage until they find the loot.
In many ways, the episode is okay BUT nearly all the adults in the show OTHER than Dagwood are either greedy or stupid or both. And, the crminals are also really stupid as well...which all weakens the episode a bit.