The Bequest

This episode has a little bit of everything. It's got John Ford storytelling, Andy Hardy moralizing and slapstick family comedy. Don't think of it as an overstuffed creation. It's more of an adventure, which doesn't exhaust. It moves you and brings laughter. Kind of a mini epic. It's not a mimic of family. As usual it's a celebration of family ties even if they are bound to bring disappointment. It's a good chance to reflect on what's important. It even causes reflection on how much a dollar can and should be stretched. The back story is utilized effectively. The closing is always great, also.

So basically, Grandma gets a letter saying she will be receiving what amounts to a small fortune and goes about spending it before it's received.

The script does a decent job of making this plot sound plausible, but even if I believed Grandma let that go to her head, i just can't see none of the other adults demanding restraint.

Of course, to this Depression stricken family, the money doesn't come and Grandma is left dealing with the wake of spending money that never came.

Where this is going is painfully obvious, but the cast still more than sells it. It still is striking just how solidly this show was cast.

Corby, always the stalwart, definitely shines. Grandma and JB's visit to the college is surprisingly charming.

Grandma/Corby's reaction to reading the letter the money isn't coming is particularly striking. She simply turns and walks out of the room. The way it's shot, it's not overplayed, she practically just walks off the set. It very well conveys her realization of what's happened.