I recently bought the First Season DVDs and have been re-watching some of the episodes. It struck me that Barbara and Hugh were modeling their performances on Lucy and Ricky early on (anyone else agree)? But also, Hugh's expressions and mannerisms at times remind me strongly of another actor who would become famous in a family sitcom - Fred MacMurray! Anybody else see the resemblance?

Good observation in Hugh’s delivery of his lines. Loved Fred MacMurray in Double Indemnity but way too easy going in My Three Sons.

Also the early relationship between Ward and June was fun loving, flirtatious, humorous and enjoyable. Later they were both too formal, staid and way too humorless. Lucy and Ricky were always comical.

Was the show supposed to be a drama or a comedy or something else?

Good observation in Hugh’s delivery of his lines. Loved Fred MacMurray in Double Indemnity but way too easy going in My Three Sons.

Also the early relationship between Ward and June was fun loving, flirtatious, humorous and enjoyable. Later they were both too formal, staid and way too humorless. Lucy and Ricky were always comical.

Also, they sometimes bickered or quarreled in the first season, which they never did again. Except that one time in Beaver's House Guest when Ward got mad at June because she put too much starch in his shirts or whatever.

I’m writing reviews for the first season (litbreviewed.wordpress.com). I’ve noticed the different relationship too. I thought maybe I was remembering the later episodes incorrectly, but based on this post, I am not.

Ward and June really did have some great arguments which were very healthy. They had a real disagreement in Beaver Runs Away which almost threatened their relationship. Ward was very angry as was June. In Wally’s Girl Trouble they had some argument that he almost mentions to Beaver. June is so angry in Cleaning Up Beaver she wrinkles the newspaper. In one episode Ward accuses June of riding the brake in the car. They weren’t perfect as they were later.

Only Beaver Won’t Eat and the Chopper episode (as mentioned) do they have words. In Wally Stays at Lumpy‘s they almost fight. All in all they were very stiff, over dressed and formal in the later seasons.