"Worst Episode EVER!" - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Wet Water · 02-14-2010, 02:46 PM

And I don't mean the worst episode of this particular series. I mean the worst episode of ANY series at all!

It happens to be from "The Adventures of Superman". This was it:

Jimmy Olson lucks into a million dollars. Naturally, he carries it around with him in a suitcase wherever he goes. Anyway, some crooks have Jimmy and Lois Lane trapped in a very small windowless room. They need to signal Superman, who they can reasonably (?) expect to be flying by that location. The only thing available to them is an incinerator chute. Jimmy figures he can get Supey's attention with smoke signals. But what to burn, what to burn ... Jimmy had conveniently been drenched recently, so he can't burn his clothes. But Lois is bone dry. Does he ask for her clothes? Does she offer? NO! It doesn't even occur to either of them, since a woman's "modesty" is sacrosanct. (I would have stripped her!) Sobbing, Jimmy starts tossing bundles of bucks into the incinerator. And only when he has tossed the LAST bundle does Superman see the smoke signals and rescue them.

This contrived episode was so offensive to my intelligence in so many ways. The entire series was a disgrace to the Superman legend. Thank God for "Smallville"!

catlover79 · 02-14-2010, 03:18 PM

How about the infamous L&O episode that aired January 12, 2005 - Elisabeth Rohm's exit? Remember when she was fired? "Is this because I'm a lesbian?" I was watching this in my room, and my folks were watching it in the living room. We all went "WHAT????"

Wet Water · 02-14-2010, 03:36 PM

That was an otherwise intelligent episode of an intelligent series. "The Adventures of Superman" was a crappy series, and the episode detailed above was moronic from start to finish.

Zoneboy · 02-14-2010, 03:41 PM

The term 'Supey' is an insult to my intelligence but you're right about the episode regardless. Also, The entire series was not a disgrace but some episodes were not up to par.

Zoneboy · 02-14-2010, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wet Water

"The Adventures of Superman" was a crappy series.

I'm sure they're aren't many that share your opinion, You probably feel the same way about "Batman"

Wet Water · 02-14-2010, 04:47 PM

Actually, I do. The 60's Batman series was not Batman-- it was a Camp spoof of Batman, and not at all what Bob Kane (the creator of Batman) intended. The film "Batman Begins", now THAT was Batman!

"The Adventures of Superman" was a D minus series. "Lois and Clark" was a B, B plus. "Smallville" is an A. I can't understand anyone who seen the latter two series, or the Christopher Reeve movies, can think that "The Adventures of Superman" was a good show.

Oh, and "Supey" or "Supes" is an affectionate term much used in the comic books.

dakert · 02-15-2010, 01:27 AM

I liked The Adventures Of Superman and Batman

I liked TVLand when they had the Kitschen Superman, Batman and Shazam

biffbronson · 02-15-2010, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wet Water

"The Adventures of Superman" was a D minus series. "Lois and Clark" was a B, B plus. "Smallville" is an A. I can't understand anyone who seen the latter two series, or the Christopher Reeve movies, can think that "The Adventures of Superman" was a good show.

I've followed Superman in comic books and in other media for decades, and I disagree with your assessment of Adventures of Superman. D-minus? Come on, there were lots of good scripts in the first season in particular. Obviously you hate the series for some reason. It wasn't that bad to warrant a grade just above an "F!" There were klunker episodes, but trust me, they were far from the worst of any series.

Smallville has had good work, but it's more of a soap opera and lots of Superman fans would hesitate to give it an "A." The show is better without Kristin Kreuk, but still...

You are biased toward newer series. All of these shows, including Lois & Clark, were good at times. But your grading is outrageous. Adventures was highly popular and far from a "disgrace" at all!

1960'sTVfan · 02-15-2010, 03:28 PM

I think one has to keep in mind that Adventures Of Superman was a 1950's series geared mostly to younger audiences, so the plots were basically simple and not intended to be complex. The first season episodes are more on the dark side, but in the second season and color seasons the episodes are lighter fare and play more like a live action comic strip. I enjoy the DVD's, Warner's did a nice job with them although there are a couple edited episodes (My Friend Superman, Around The World With Superman) in the 2nd season set.

Wet Water · 02-16-2010, 12:16 AM

In "The Adventures of Superman", he NEVER had an adversary worthy of his abilities. Where was Lex Luthor? Where was Brainiac? NOWHERE. All he had to deal with was "dese, dem and dose" kind of "mugs", who never failed to whip out their guns and fire at him so we could see, yet again, that Bullets Bounce Off! Ho hum.

George Reeve was too old and paunchy for the role. Noell Neill was a cold, castrating, sour bitch. I can't see ANYONE getting romantically involved with her. Atrociously bad casting. The special effects were cheesy, and I make no allowance for the time and the limited technical capability.

But despite all this, the series was better than the particular episode I outlined above. That was bad even by the standards of the show, low though they were.

Torgo · 02-16-2010, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wet Water

Actually, I do. The 60's Batman series was not Batman-- it was a Camp spoof of Batman, and not at all what Bob Kane (the creator of Batman) intended. The film "Batman Begins", now THAT was Batman!

Batman Begins definitely was nothing like Bob Kane's Golden Age Batman. Batman Begins fits more into the 70's and later Batman.

Torgo · 02-16-2010, 02:29 PM

My vote for worst episode-

The Great Vegetable Rebellion from Lost In Space. The show was always silly, but this episode was just bad.

A giant talking carrot, Dr Smith being turned into celery

1960'sTVfan · 02-16-2010, 11:47 PM

I don't know about The Great Vegetable Rebellion being the worst episode, but it definitely ranks among the silliest. It's been said the writers were running out of ideas for scripts. I like Lost In Space, the first season in black and white was fairly straightforward sci-fi, but in the color seasons the show became silly and Dr. Zachary Smith was at the forefront in too many episodes. The advent of color TV in 1966-67 had a negative effect on the programs. Shows that started off in black and white, when the switch to color episodes was made a number of these shows became absurd and silly.

Duster76 · 02-20-2010, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wet Water

And I don't mean the worst episode of this particular series. I mean the worst episode of ANY series at all!

It happens to be from "The Adventures of Superman". This was it:

Jimmy Olson lucks into a million dollars. Naturally, he carries it around with him in a suitcase wherever he goes. Anyway, some crooks have Jimmy and Lois Lane trapped in a very small windowless room. They need to signal Superman, who they can reasonably (?) expect to be flying by that location. The only thing available to them is an incinerator chute. Jimmy figures he can get Supey's attention with smoke signals. But what to burn, what to burn ... Jimmy had conveniently been drenched recently, so he can't burn his clothes. But Lois is bone dry. Does he ask for her clothes? Does she offer? NO! It doesn't even occur to either of them, since a woman's "modesty" is sacrosanct. (I would have stripped her!) Sobbing, Jimmy starts tossing bundles of bucks into the incinerator. And only when he has tossed the LAST bundle does Superman see the smoke signals and rescue them.

This contrived episode was so offensive to my intelligence in so many ways. The entire series was a disgrace to the Superman legend. Thank God for "Smallville"!

You have to cut them a little slack here. Johnny Carson use to say, "if you buy the premise, you buy the bit". Everything about the series was a contrivance. The same three coworkers, Lane, White, and Olson, are constantly getting into life threatening situations which they are saved from by a fourth coworker who somehow is not recognized because he has taken off his glasses and hat and changed clothes. With such a silly premise to begin with any other piece of illogic that's added isn't worth commenting on.

The first season's episodes are the best of this lot, the second are OK for the most part after that forget it.

biffbronson · 02-21-2010, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wet Water

In "The Adventures of Superman", he NEVER had an adversary worthy of his abilities. Where was Lex Luthor? Where was Brainiac? NOWHERE. All he had to deal with was "dese, dem and dose" kind of "mugs", who never failed to whip out their guns and fire at him so we could see, yet again, that Bullets Bounce Off! Ho hum..

Since you mentioned liking the Reeve Superman movies of the '70s and '80s better than Adventures, what about Superman 3? Superman's big threats were Richard Pryor and Robert Vaughn! Anyway, for your info, Brainiac was not created until after Adventures had ended. And Luthor did not appear all that often in the older comics.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wet Water

George Reeve was too old and paunchy for the role. Noell Neill was a cold, castrating, sour bitch. I can't see ANYONE getting romantically involved with her. Atrociously bad casting. The special effects were cheesy, and I make no allowance for the time and the limited technical capability.

Noel was beautiful and perfectly cast, certainly a more attractive woman than Margot Kidder! Did you see her figure in the episode where they travel back to prehistoric times? She was a knockout! By the way, it's George Reeves, not "Reeve."

02-14-2010, 02:46 PM	#1
Wet Water Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 30, 2010 Location: Places Posts: 28	"Worst Episode EVER!" And I don't mean the worst episode of this particular series. I mean the worst episode of ANY series at all! It happens to be from "The Adventures of Superman". This was it: Jimmy Olson lucks into a million dollars. Naturally, he carries it around with him in a suitcase wherever he goes. Anyway, some crooks have Jimmy and Lois Lane trapped in a very small windowless room. They need to signal Superman, who they can reasonably (?) expect to be flying by that location. The only thing available to them is an incinerator chute. Jimmy figures he can get Supey's attention with smoke signals. But what to burn, what to burn ... Jimmy had conveniently been drenched recently, so he can't burn his clothes. But Lois is bone dry. Does he ask for her clothes? Does she offer? NO! It doesn't even occur to either of them, since a woman's "modesty" is sacrosanct. (I would have stripped her!) Sobbing, Jimmy starts tossing bundles of bucks into the incinerator. And only when he has tossed the LAST bundle does Superman see the smoke signals and rescue them. This contrived episode was so offensive to my intelligence in so many ways. The entire series was a disgrace to the Superman legend. Thank God for "Smallville"!

02-14-2010, 03:18 PM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	How about the infamous L&O episode that aired January 12, 2005 - Elisabeth Rohm's exit? Remember when she was fired? "Is this because I'm a lesbian?" I was watching this in my room, and my folks were watching it in the living room. We all went "WHAT????"
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

02-14-2010, 03:41 PM	#4
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,381	The term 'Supey' is an insult to my intelligence but you're right about the episode regardless. Also, The entire series was not a disgrace but some episodes were not up to par.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

02-16-2010, 12:16 AM	#10
Wet Water Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 30, 2010 Location: Places Posts: 28	Not really ... In "The Adventures of Superman", he NEVER had an adversary worthy of his abilities. Where was Lex Luthor? Where was Brainiac? NOWHERE. All he had to deal with was "dese, dem and dose" kind of "mugs", who never failed to whip out their guns and fire at him so we could see, yet again, that Bullets Bounce Off! Ho hum. George Reeve was too old and paunchy for the role. Noell Neill was a cold, castrating, sour bitch. I can't see ANYONE getting romantically involved with her. Atrociously bad casting. The special effects were cheesy, and I make no allowance for the time and the limited technical capability. But despite all this, the series was better than the particular episode I outlined above. That was bad even by the standards of the show, low though they were.

02-16-2010, 02:29 PM	#12
Torgo Omaha & Fritz Forum Star Join Date: Mar 06, 2004 Location: Oregon Posts: 19,033	My vote for worst episode- The Great Vegetable Rebellion from Lost In Space. The show was always silly, but this episode was just bad. A giant talking carrot, Dr Smith being turned into celery Attached Images

02-14-2010, 03:36 PM	#3
Wet Water Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 30, 2010 Location: Places Posts: 28	That was an otherwise intelligent episode of an intelligent series. "The Adventures of Superman" was a crappy series, and the episode detailed above was moronic from start to finish.

02-14-2010, 04:47 PM	#6
Wet Water Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 30, 2010 Location: Places Posts: 28	Actually, I do. The 60's Batman series was not Batman-- it was a Camp spoof of Batman, and not at all what Bob Kane (the creator of Batman) intended. The film "Batman Begins", now THAT was Batman! "The Adventures of Superman" was a D minus series. "Lois and Clark" was a B, B plus. "Smallville" is an A. I can't understand anyone who seen the latter two series, or the Christopher Reeve movies, can think that "The Adventures of Superman" was a good show. Oh, and "Supey" or "Supes" is an affectionate term much used in the comic books.

02-15-2010, 01:27 AM	#7
dakert Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 10, 2007 Location: Altoona PA Posts: 3,411	I liked The Adventures Of Superman and Batman I liked TVLand when they had the Kitschen Superman, Batman and Shazam

02-15-2010, 03:28 PM	#9
1960'sTVfan Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 30, 2009 Posts: 6,095	I think one has to keep in mind that Adventures Of Superman was a 1950's series geared mostly to younger audiences, so the plots were basically simple and not intended to be complex. The first season episodes are more on the dark side, but in the second season and color seasons the episodes are lighter fare and play more like a live action comic strip. I enjoy the DVD's, Warner's did a nice job with them although there are a couple edited episodes (My Friend Superman, Around The World With Superman) in the 2nd season set.

02-16-2010, 11:47 PM	#13
1960'sTVfan Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 30, 2009 Posts: 6,095	I don't know about The Great Vegetable Rebellion being the worst episode, but it definitely ranks among the silliest. It's been said the writers were running out of ideas for scripts. I like Lost In Space, the first season in black and white was fairly straightforward sci-fi, but in the color seasons the show became silly and Dr. Zachary Smith was at the forefront in too many episodes. The advent of color TV in 1966-67 had a negative effect on the programs. Shows that started off in black and white, when the switch to color episodes was made a number of these shows became absurd and silly.