Bull in a China Shop

This episode is truly a gem. I know the series tended to lean more on the serious side but an episode like this is enjoyable and a nice change of pace although I wouldn't blame people if they watched the episode and felt like it sticks out like a sore thumb and doesn't really fit the theme for the rest of the series.

I enjoy 'Bonanza' but I must admit I roll my eyes when the Cartwrights go into heat. I wasn't rolling my eyes at the ladies in this episode for them all going into heat over Detective O'Finn. I also don't think these ladies were bored or basically just waiting to die. These ladies were having fun admiring this man. I don't think I get a kick out of them due to their ages. I think I get the most kick out of it for the measures taken so Detective O'Finn keeps calling on them! Nah, it's not a case of knocking on his door and asking for a cup of sugar or something ordinary like that. Just keep murdering your friends in the house and that'll keep him coming by! Detective O'Finn catches on and requests to be transferred to the arson department and you know what the remaining ladies do? They set fire to their home so he can come by anyway since he's in the arson department now!

So yeah, this is a wonderful episode I'd recommend. The performances from the ladies are a delight to watch. It's another in the 'best of Hitchcock'. Although tbh, both series had so many entertaining episodes it might be easier to come up with a list for the few episodes I didn't like from both series!

While this is totally over the top, I got the biggest kick out of watching these older character actors, hamming it up as the young detective comes and goes from their house. They seem intent on getting arrested, down to the killing of their own. The entire plot rests on the handsome detective being drawn into their little plot. The idea must be to just get some excitement into their lives. There even seems to be a rivalry among them, but they apparently have a tacit agreement to respect the fate of the "winner." The detective is flummoxed and realizes that while he must do his duty, he cannot understand the motive. By the way, the ending is priceless.

A Handsome police detective is called next door to investigate mysterious death among four pixilated elderly ladies.

In my book, it's a delightful entry, with delicious tongue-in-cheek. Catch big-eyed Miss Hildy (Winwood) roll those coquettish orbs as she lets handsome O'Finn (Morgan) in the front door. So, their little ruse has worked, but what about the dead lady all laid out in the parlor in her best finery. The four giggle and carry on like school girls. So what's the gentlemanly O'Finn to do with a dead body and a set of highly unusual suspects. This is the series at its dark humor and offbeat best, with no less than a wild ending.

I did not like this too much light hearted story, a real comedy in the line of ARSENIC AND OLD LACE. Well, from this point, you deal with a specific kind of story which you are not necessarily prepared to. I was not. Just a waste of time, but it remains funny and it will probably enjoy some audiences.

When the character of Miss. Hildy-Lou first appeared I thought - oh, isn't that... oh, what is her name? Well, it's Estelle Winwood - she appeared in everything from Bewitched to Batman! Elizabeth Patterson and Ida Moore were also prolific character actresses in their day, and then, far beyond Grandma Walton, Ellen Corby was in hundreds of movies and TV shows!

Regardless of the plot, the four of these great actresses performing together is a joy unto itself, but to be directed by Alfred Hitchcock makes this episode a real exhibit of excellence in their craft.

Furthermore, the plot is actually very good and has an ending which is both funny and satisfying. A perfect Hitchcock episode!