This story is part of the wave of squares-make-fun-of-hippies parodies on TV (Batman, I Dream of Jeannie, Get Smart, Gomer Pyle, et al.) that began in 1967. The previous episode ("Robin Hood of Griffith Park") set up this story of a delusional Jethro and Ellie trying to live as Robin Hood and Maid Marion in the park. A cool 1930s hearse pulls up and out piles a large gang of hippies in goofy flower child attire. The kids embrace Jethro as their leader, El Supremo, and throw a wild party with music and dancing. The Peppermint Trolley Company (an obscure, generic rock band that did work for television) performs a song.
Jed, Granny, Drysdale and Hathaway, become concerned and search the park for Jethro and Ellie. The stereotypical hippies are at least colorful and amusing to behold. Especially the misunderstanding about Granny's "smoking crawdads". They think Jethro is talking about weed so, complications ensue. Even Granny is hassled by the Fuzz when she asks for a pot to smoke some more crawdads. Very odd to hear so many drug-reference jokes in such a conservative show. All of this makes for a diverting episode that, if nothing else, serves as a pop-culture time-capsule of sorts.
Jed, Granny, Drysdale and Hathaway, become concerned and search the park for Jethro and Ellie. The stereotypical hippies are at least colorful and amusing to behold. Especially the misunderstanding about Granny's "smoking crawdads". They think Jethro is talking about weed so, complications ensue. Even Granny is hassled by the Fuzz when she asks for a pot to smoke some more crawdads. Very odd to hear so many drug-reference jokes in such a conservative show. All of this makes for a diverting episode that, if nothing else, serves as a pop-culture time-capsule of sorts.
