Why didn't they just knock? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Frischman_Fan · 05-12-2007, 04:42 PM

I was watching a bunch of eps with my friends the other day and alot of them were wondering why didn't the Mertz's ever knock? I mean Lucy or Ricky could've been coming out of the shower or trying to get it on on the couch or whatever but what was the deal?

Kazza · 05-12-2007, 06:30 PM

It was 'normal' back in that era to do that according to close sources. Also shows a level of comfort and trust there was between them.

Madame X · 05-12-2007, 09:32 PM

The Ricardos and Mertzes were so close and familiar, it would have seemed ridiculously formal to knock. The times the Mertzes do knock seem strange and I think Lucy even says "why did you knock?" When they had a fight, however, Ethel always knocked, emphasizing cold detachment.

I found it interesting that living in New York City, their doors were never locked!

treky · 05-12-2007, 09:52 PM

that's something that I've always wondered about sitcoms. Even now; they don't always knock

Ireneparalegal · 05-13-2007, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3scompanyfreak

I was watching a bunch of eps with my friends the other day and alot of them were wondering why didn't the Mertz's ever knock? I mean Lucy or Ricky could've been coming out of the shower or trying to get it on on the couch or whatever but what was the deal?

You mean doing the "wild thang"...

I know what you mean, the few times they knocked was usually when they were mad at each other.

mrs.gingerhinkley · 05-15-2007, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madame X

The Ricardos and Mertzes were so close and familiar, it would have seemed ridiculously formal to knock. The times the Mertzes do knock seem strange and I think Lucy even says "why did you knock?" When they had a fight, however, Ethel always knocked, emphasizing cold detachment.

I found it interesting that living in New York City, their doors were never locked!

Well said.
I to, think it would have been kinda weird for Ethel to knock...

Lodee · 05-19-2007, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kazza

It was 'normal' back in that era to do that according to close sources. Also shows a level of comfort and trust there was between them.

Yeah, I agree. I have people (mostly family) that come to my house that are comfortable enough to feel they don't have to knock.

Janice · 05-20-2007, 02:04 AM

I wouldn't dream of entering a couple's home without knocking, regardless of how close we are. I have a best friend of 40 years. If she walks in my house without knocking, she just may see my husband in his underwear (or less)...if he's just gotten out of the shower or "whatever", lol.

Frischman_Fan · 05-20-2007, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice

I wouldn't dream of entering a couple's home without knocking, regardless of how close we are. I have a best friend of 40 years. If she walks in my house without knocking, she just may see my husband in his underwear (or less)...if he's just gotten out of the shower or "whatever", lol.

That's what I always thought about I Love Lucy. What if Ethel and Fred walked in and Lucy or Ricky were just roaming about the apartment butt naked.

mrs.gingerhinkley · 05-20-2007, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3scompanyfreak

That's what I always thought about I Love Lucy. What if Ethel and Fred walked in and Lucy or Ricky were just roaming about the apartment butt naked.

oh yes, that makes perfect sense! cuz, u never know with Lucy!

Lodee · 05-20-2007, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice

I wouldn't dream of entering a couple's home without knocking, regardless of how close we are. I have a best friend of 40 years. If she walks in my house without knocking, she just may see my husband in his underwear (or less)...if he's just gotten out of the shower or "whatever", lol.

I guess it depends what kind of house you have too. We have a 2 story and when someone comes in without knocking they don't ever come upstairs or anything so seeing someone in their underwear or doing "other things"

probably wouldn't happen. Besides, if I was doing other things or felt like running around in my underwear I'd probably lock the door.

(love your avatar, by the way)

Janice · 05-21-2007, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lodee

I guess it depends what kind of house you have too. We have a 2 story and when someone comes in without knocking they don't ever come upstairs or anything so seeing someone in their underwear or doing "other things"

probably wouldn't happen. Besides, if I was doing other things or felt like running around in my underwear I'd probably lock the door.

(love your avatar, by the way)

Thanks. A Lost fan, I see.

Actually everyone I know locks their doors anyway. I used to use to key when visiting my parents, but how times change.

05-12-2007, 04:42 PM	#1
Frischman_Fan Who luvs nerds?! I DO!!! Senior Member Join Date: Sep 19, 2003 Location: In the back of Rigby's grocery store. Posts: 1,178	Why didn't they just knock? I was watching a bunch of eps with my friends the other day and alot of them were wondering why didn't the Mertz's ever knock? I mean Lucy or Ricky could've been coming out of the shower or trying to get it on on the couch or whatever but what was the deal?
	__________________ I have a radio in my car!!!

05-12-2007, 09:52 PM	#4
treky star trek fan Eternal Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 25, 2002 Location: Conshohocken, pennsylvania Posts: 14,490	that's something that I've always wondered about sitcoms. Even now; they don't always knock
	__________________ the Clampetts are in a fancy Beverly Hills jewelry store. Granny points to a tray of rubies. Granny: "How much fer one o' them red diamonds?" clerk: "Madam, those are rubies." Granny: "OK ask her kin we buy one offa her." clerk: " The ruby I am talking about is not a lady." Granny: "Lissen, how she got them diamonds is her business. I'm just sayin' ask her kin we buy one from her."

05-12-2007, 06:30 PM	#2
Kazza Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 17, 2003 Posts: 3,244	It was 'normal' back in that era to do that according to close sources. Also shows a level of comfort and trust there was between them.

05-12-2007, 09:32 PM	#3
Madame X Member Senior Member Join Date: Sep 15, 2006 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,831	The Ricardos and Mertzes were so close and familiar, it would have seemed ridiculously formal to knock. The times the Mertzes do knock seem strange and I think Lucy even says "why did you knock?" When they had a fight, however, Ethel always knocked, emphasizing cold detachment. I found it interesting that living in New York City, their doors were never locked!

05-20-2007, 02:04 AM	#8
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	I wouldn't dream of entering a couple's home without knocking, regardless of how close we are. I have a best friend of 40 years. If she walks in my house without knocking, she just may see my husband in his underwear (or less)...if he's just gotten out of the shower or "whatever", lol.