The final entry into the series sees the Bumsteads and Herb anxious to meet their new neighbors. The couple moving in are equally anxious to meet their new neighbors and introduce themselves. Dagwood and Herb have their eye on the attractive Dallas Carey (Doris Singleton, Lucy's rival/friend Carolyn Applebee on "I Love Lucy"). Her husband is Wildcat Carey (Big John Hamilton), an oil tycoon. The Texans also have a boy named Billy Bob (Rocky Lundy) who Cookie is smitten with. They've moved from Texas because Dallas' doctor says she's allergic to oil. When she starts sneezing Wildcat is convinced there is oil under the Bumstead home. Dagwood begins dreaming of being a millionaire. Dagwood and Herb begin constructing an oil derrick in the backyard where Dallas also sneezed. In christening it "Bumstead Bonanza" Dagwood knocks it down. The Dithers are suspicious of the Caseys until they're charmed by the couple. Now Mr. Dithers wants to get in on an oil venture, daydreaming more than Dagwood and ignoring his own company. However, things take a turn when Wildcat's brother-in-law Mr. Knapp (C. Lindsay Workman) comes to visit.
This is the second episode to take major plot elements from an "I Love Lucy" episode.
Reflecting upon the series, "Blondie" proves how difficult it is to turn a comic strip into a successful sitcom. The first few episodes started decently before really languishing through most of its run and picking up steam near the end. That's a shame really as it finally seemed the cast was comfortably gelling. Many plot elements are a reach, but that's forgivable being its fun-first comic roots. Still, some episodes are hard to watch as a result. Some became hard to watch because of Blondie's character being so self-centered to the point of being mean spirited. Until the end the comedy was really hit or miss or failing to live up to its potential, but had its moments. Some of the best comedy was misinterpreting a situation. In that regard I personally found the best episodes to be "The Rummage Sale" and "Follow That Man". The beginning and end of the series is worth a look for classic TV fans, and of course for fans of "Blondie".
