CHICO AND THE MAN: ED TALKS TO GOD (TV)
Summary
One in this comedy series about a cantankerous garage owner and his wisecracking Chicano assistant. In this episode, Ed argues with a customer as Chico, Della and Louie attempt to assemble a guest list for Ed's upcoming birthday party, though this proves difficult, as the grumpy Ed has very few friends. Ed refuses to attend the soiree, as he is unhappy about getting older, and Della and Louie decide to skip it as well, annoyed with his "jackass" attitude. However, B.J. "Blinky" Foster then arrives at the garage to visit Ed, his old Army buddy, and he is in excellent spirits despite his multiple health problems. Chico points out that he has no objection to aging, but Ed seems unconvinced. Chico privately appeals to Blinky, saying he is worried about Ed and asking him to help change his mind about the party. He explains that Ed often talks to (or "bugs") God, thinking that Ed would be cheered up if God "answered," using Blinky's talent for voices and impersonations. Blinky reluctantly agrees, and Chico sets up a hidden microphone and speaker in the garage while Blinky takes Ed out to lunch.
When they return, Chico distracts Ed by starting an argument, calling him out on his mean-spirited nature and threatening to leave. "God" then addresses Ed and orders him to curtail his "wicked ways," adding that he should be kinder to the "sterling lad" who works alongside him. Ed finds the wires and figures out the ruse, but plays along and embraces his "son" Chico, apparently moved by the experience. He attends the birthday party after all, acting unnaturally friendly and giving presents to his guests, and Della urges Chico to tell him the truth. Once the cake is cut, however, "God" addresses Ed again, and Ed reveals that he knew about the trick all along. Later, Louie presents him with a monogrammed trash can and Ed begins disposing of his other gifts, apparently returning to his crotchety ways, but everyone, including Blinky, is humbled when a celestial voice echoes around the garage and scolds Ed for his behavior. Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: NBC
- DATE: March 4, 1977 8:30 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:24:34
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:48023
- GENRE: Comedy
- SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy
- SERIES RUN: NBC - TV series, 1974-1978
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- James Komack … Executive Producer, Created by
- Hal Kanter … Supervising Producer
- Michael Morris … Producer, Writer
- Thomas Hill … Associate Producer
- Jack Donohue … Director
- Janna Merlyn Feliciano … Music by
- José Feliciano … Music by
- Jack Albertson … Cast, Ed Brown
- Freddie Prinze … Cast, Chico Rodriguez
- Della Reese … Cast, Della
- Scatman Crothers … Cast, Louie
- Edward Andrews … Cast, Blinky
- Nono Arsu … Cast, Customer
- Carmen Zapata … Cast, Mrs. Velasquez