I always assumed his father had died but when RIcky was older, whereas I imagined Lucy’s father died when she was a very young child like her real father had since a lot of the character Lucy’s childhood was based on Lucille Ball’s true life.
Since this is a 50's situation comedy they didn't want to bring up the subject of death since it would change the mood of the story, so they skirt around it. At least that my thoughts. Great video Rick.
But they did many times. In Pioneer Women they bring up their ancestors and said look where they are now. Dead. Lucy said she was going to kill herself in Hollywood when she couldn't get discovered. Also in the hour comedy era in Vegas Ethel said we going to get to the claims office or heaven first when they were speeding.
I love Katherin Cards character in I Love Lucy. I wish she could have been in more episodes. She was way underutilized. The banter between her and Ricky is priceless.
I never thought about what happened to Ricky’s father, but it does make sense due to not seeing him on the show despite us hearing quite a bit about him. Thank you for the video Rick, I always find out something new from these videos. Keep up the great work!
Very interesting since I always thought about his father who in real life was an alcalde(mayor) in Cuba before being ousted by the dictator Fulgencio Batista. Don't forget Ethel May Potter(Mertz) episode with her father in Albuquerque N.M. Also Rick we're now going to call you Mickey Nineg!
I always thought Lucy's and Ricky's father passed away. Divorce never came to mind. Another enjoyable video Rick. Wishing you a most Blessed New Year, now and always. Loads of Love from NYC🤘
I have never caught any of those reruns, so I thank you for showing the titles. It sounds very logical that his father had passed away even though his mother looked very young.
Interesting! I got the same impression that Ricky's Dad had passed away. It would make sense that his dad's brother would then be the head of the family.
Hey Rick! There's another thing about Ricky's father..we know his name! In season 6 episode 25, "Lucy raises Tulips", at one point Lucy tells Ricky "You go cut the grass Enrique Alberto Ricardo y DeAcha III!" This means his father was Enrique Alberto Ricardo y DeAcha Jr and his grandfather was Enrique Alberto Ricardo y DeAcha Sr. When the Sr. Passed away, the Jr. Suffix would change to Enrique Alberto Ricardo y DeAcha II. Interestingly, Desi's full name was Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y DeAcha IV.
Great detective work Rick! I can't see why they couldn't have mentioned that Ricky's father had passed and Uncle Alberto had taken over as head of the family.
Uncle Alberto being Ricky's father brother makes sense too, and that his mom would also be there even though it wasn't her real brother. I've always valued the family love that Hispanic friends have. Doesn't matter HOW you are family, you're just "family"
Hey Rick, Happy 2020!! As always your video is very informative. It's interesting to me that so many things make me think about I Love Lucy, recently I was watching Perry Mason & Catherine Card was playing a witness. Thanks for all your hard work bringing us so many interesting fun facts 🙂
Your assessment is so culturally accurate and whether it’s from personal experience or cultural research, I, as a Latina, appreciate the realistic and culturally relevant info as opposed to making baseless assumptions. May I add that I recently came across your page as I was searching for my favorite I Love Lucy scene since the particular episode is not currently in syndication. I am thoroughly enjoying your ILL videos and as a huge ILL fan, I am pleased with much of the content that you are sharing. Huge Thumbs Up From Me; Sofia 💜
But in the episode "Be a Pal", didn't Lucy say that Ricky had 5 brothers? And I love the episodes with Katheryn Card. When I saw the picture you've posted of her I could hear her saying "it didn't look that far on the map". Thanks for the vids and please keep up the good work.
Death wasn't mentioned on TV shows until the 70s (at least never in a comedy) so this isn't unusual. On "The Lucy Show" Lucy is supposed to be a widow but is her late husband ever mentioned? I think the saddest example is Bea Benaderet who died while she was starring on "Petticoat Junction". It's never mentioned on the show that her character died. They simply stop talking about her, as though she had never existed.
Wow never even thought about the story line behind Ricky's father before, I wonder if Desi purposefully left out Ricky's father for fear of offending his own father who was said to be a very proud man.
As always, great video with an interesting topic. I would agree with your reasoning and that Ricky's father passed away prior to the series given the information provided. Further, I would to add that I think Ricky's father passed on when he was very young as he comments that his uncle practically raised him. Great video keep up the fabulous work
It seems Ricky's father passed away when Ricky was very young. When you hear him start off "My father always used to say to me..." That's usually an indication that was something from long ago.
They didn't mention death on sitcoms back then. They never mentioned what happened to Jed Clampett's wife, Andy Taylor's wife or Steve Douglas' wife either. Even in the 1970's they never mentioned Mike and Carol Brady's first spouses.
Minor correction: In the first episode of “The Brady Bunch” the boys talk about their late mother (Mike’s first wife). It’s implied that she died. The girl’s’ father is never mentioned, but given that they all change their last name to “Brady,” it’s most likely that he either died (most likely in that era), abandoned the family, or lost custody in an especially acrimonious divorce. You are, however, very correct about the other shows. As far as I know, the first sitcom to mention a cause of death of a missing, deceased spouse was “Full House,” where she was killed by a drunk driver.
@@figmo397 I actually did remember that about the Brady Bunch but I took it out because I didn't want my post to be too long. I also recall the boys talking about their old house once but I don't know if their mother was still around before or after the move.
They did kind bring up Andys wife (Not on the Andy Griffith show) But one the Danny Thomas show when Andy guest starred (Andy Griffith is a spin off from Danny Thomas)
It's a pretty typical representation of the first generation of families in most cases of the day. The mother of the main characters is often widowed. Speaking personally I never met either grandfather on either parent's side being the youngest of six. Also, Lucille Ball once talked about TV shows from "her generation" when she did that appearance narrating Three's Company and mentioned that deaths were not talked about or used in humor.
I always wanted to know what happened to Ricky's dad. I just figured he died. I don't think tv shows then and now explain things. Thanks Rick you always give us that bit of information!
I was under the impression that his father was deceased. I also think perhaps for the era which “I Love Lucy” was filmed, some personal things such as death or divorce weren’t quite acceptable or appropriate topics to discuss during a comedic episode. Thus the writers of the show did a great job alluding to the fact that Ricky’s father was passed since uncle Alberto was now the patriarch of the Ricardo family. Thanks for your great videos, Rick! Always appreciate them.
I could be wrong, but it seems that I heard Ricky talking about his dad being put in prison during the revolution in Cuba. It was in one of the shows that talked about Ricky coming to America for the first time.
I find it kind of ironic how the actress who played Ricky's mother looks a lot more like Lucy's real life mother rather than Lucy the character's mother. I agree that Uncle Alberto is probably Ricky's father's brother. And unrelated, the title card at the beginning that we know and love; had anyone else noticed how they make the fabric look like a heart too before they even put the other heart over it? I always thought that was such a keen design choice... Like you have the heart without it, but it's kind of imperfect... And then you get the one that really holds Lucy and Desi's name well. Haha.
Happy New year to you Rick Nineg. I love your channel 😊💙. You always create great content for your viewers. May success always be with you and yours, along with love, happiness and laughter 😂. For laughter is the best medicine. Like I stated in the beginning of the comment, you always create great content and giving your viewers little gems and nuggets of information that we may have missed. You're teaching us to be focused, and to look beyond the tip of our noses. Therefore, when it comes to Ricky's father I assumed that he had passed on. Rather than mention his death would have caused sadness to the show. After all the premise of the show was about laughter all around and caused by yours truly Lucy. Therefore, every story just stayed focus on the antics, mishaps and hilarious moments of their lives. This show was a situational comedy of Lucy and Ricky. In this episode The Ricardo's and The Mertz' are in Cuba meeting with Ricky's family. The Uncle which was the Head of the Ricardo's family was introduced suggested that Ricky's father had passed on, a unspoken way to suggest that. As well as allowing viewers to read between the lines. Thanks so much for creating and sharing your thoughts about the things viewers may have missed. Thank you for your time and consideration. Thank you for teaching us.
The television trope of the unseen but frequently mentioned character is so interesting, like Vera on Cheers or Maris on Frasier. I guess they've been doing this kind of thing for most of TV history if we can find it even on I Love Lucy.
Happy New Year Nick! I would think Desi didn't want his character to have a living father as his own left his mother. Also, didn't know you have Hispanic heritage.
I always just assumed that Lucy and Ricky's fathers were dead. I think it was never mentioned because death would be too "real" for a 1950s TV sitcom. Also; it was easier to write stereotypical mother-in-law characters and it was convenient to have Lucy's mother as a babysitter.
I might be able to shed some light on this as my family lost our Patriarch after a robbery, shoot out, and subsequent hanging left our very large family shredded and scattered. We did not speak of this out of respect. It is simply too painful...50 yrs later even. Too personal and not to be party gossip. RIP Grandpa😎🙏
I enjoyed your video Rick on the start of a new day. God's blessings to you Rick this day and this new year. You are a wealth of knowledge and I always learn so much.
That was very interesting I always presumed Ricky’s father died curious about is I don’t ever remember seeing Lucy’s father either is there an episode for that? Great job
I would assume that back then they wouldn't talk about death. Especially in a comedy. I dont even remember this episode which surprised me. I thought that I've seen every episode 1000 times. Anyway, they visit Ethels Father in Albuquerque New Mexico and never mention her mom. We met Lucy's mom, yet no mention of a father that I can recall. Fantastic show that stands the test of time.
I love all your I Love Lucy videos. I love Lucy and have watched all the episodes over and over. I have always thought Ricky’s father was dead. I am Puerto Rican and it’s the same thing with the patriarchy. Although, as time passes, that has changed too. Especially, with the amount of women in the family.
I grew up in the sixties and seventies watching I Love Lucy and the Lucy and Desi hour. I think it was on wnew channel 5 in New York. But I cannot recall ever seeing any episode where they went to Cuba. All of the episodes that I've seen I've seen many times over. But not once do I recalled then going to Cuba. Do you have any thoughts on why they weren't shown, at least in New York? Thanks for the video.
Sounds like you are most probably right. I always wondered why Lucy‘s father was never mentioned that I can recall. I knew they talked about Ricky‘s father several times especially in regards to some of his expressions. Would be interesting to know your thoughts or what possible clues there may have been as to his fate.
I agree with how you explained it that that's probably what happened to Ricky's Father. I don't think they wanted to mention something like that on the show. This was the 1950's and being a comedy show if they had acknowledged his passing it would've cast a dramatic pall over the show and I think Desi Arnaz would've been totally against it.
Ricky's father was a famous bandleader in Cuba, that worked for a hotel and was killed in a shootout between two gangsters and their gangs along with some of his band 😥😥!?!?
That was a very original, thought provoking and interesting video. I thoroughally enjoyed it...I never gave Lucy or Ricky's parents much thought except for the episodes they were mentioned or were a live character on the show. But, yeah, you're right. They never showed Ricky's father but Ricky did talk about him from time to time on the show. It sounds like Uncle Alberto played a big part in raising Ricky. I wonder why that is? It made me think Ricky's father must died when Ricky was a young boy. The subject or mention of a deceased loved one on the show might have been taboo for 1950's tv because I Love Lucy was a comedy show for the entire family and the thought of Ricky's father's death might be too upsetting for some of little kids who are watching the show. They want the little kids to laugh, not cry. Now that I give the subject a little deeper thought, I don't remenber ever hearing anything about Lucy's father on the show or any reference of what might have happened to him. I could have missed it. I hadn't ever given it a 2nd thought until just now when I was watching your video and it got me to wondering if Lucy's mother was a widow. If she was, it does look like her mother would have said something to Lucy such as, "Oh, I do wish your father could have been here to see this, Lucy". If she was divorced or never married, it would make more sense they never talked about Lucy's father. That might have been the case because she did seem to have a bitter attitude towards men. She didn't like Ricky and disrespected him everytime she mentions his name. It came across as funny, but if you think about it, she was downright nasty to Ricky who was nothing but nice and kind to her. I don't remember Lucy's mother ever having any fondness or anything good to say about any man. Maybe Lucy's mother was a lesbian? Makes one wonder. It would make sense. Of couse that's another subject couldn't talk about on tv back then.
Lucy’s father is also not mentioned. I think for the sake of levity and comedy dated this. Father figures with mean stability and seriousness. Great video as always!
I agree. I always thought that Uncle Aburto was his dad’s brother, {possibly older brother?} That’s why he’s the Patriarch of the family, especially after Ricky’s dad died. I think they have it written that Ricky’s dad was dead because I think Desi’s real dad died before his real life’s mother died?
Hi Rick I agree with you that Ricky's father has passed away perhaps he is never brought up in conversation other than quoting his father is that this is a situation comedy and you don't want the audience to have to think about sad things when the writers are doing their best to make everyone laugh. Great vid Rick very thought provoking.
Your assessment sounds right on. But Uncle Alberto also could have just been the oldest son of the Ricardo family too. Somehow the eldest always gets stuck with certain responsibilities.
I would say to you about the subject of Ricky's father's absence, when was the subject of death ever mentioned on I Love Lucy? If Ricky's father were alive in the show then the actor playing his uncle would have portrayed the father. Another question I would like to know about is was Desi's father alive at this point? If not then I would guess that this would also influence Desi's decision on who would be portrayed in this episode. Great video.
I assumed that both fathers passed away. Though I thought that when Lucy and Ricky, along with Little Ricky, went down to Cuba, his father was there. I didn’t notice that his father wasn’t. I better watch the series again.
Regarding Ricky's Father's quote about ill-gotten gains, Proverbs 10:2(a) says, "Ill-gotten gains profit nothing." (NAS-1977) Other translations, in my opinion, are more instructive, but NAS is the closest to Ricky's quote.
Yes, it is a mystery (Ricky's father). By the same token, we never hear anything about Lucy's father. I wonder if the "I Love Lucy" writers ever discussed any possible story lines about these "missing in action" males!
@@kennethbjorkmann8517: You need to read your post about missing in action males in general not just the Ricardos! One was found by the writers Ethel's father!
For the third....and final time....I was speaking of Lucy's father, not Ethel's father. Case closed. And let's remember the theme of this channel....stay positive! @@roberttelarket4934
I always thought that the story line would just be similar to their real life. Fathers gone, Mothers still in the scene. I think they concocted the uncle for the story.
👍 😂 Funny I have just found and seen the Episode with "Uncle Alfredo" from Cuba 😂😂 and it is certainly very funny. I don't speak Spanish but I saw Uncle Alfredo's reaction which was: You should have married 👰 Muchacha Cubana which means, a Cuban girl. 😂 In the old days before I was born what an uncle or aunt said was very important. But in our days, who cares what they think. Efrat, Israel. 🌸 😀
Ricky: my father always said... Lucy: what did your father do but make up stale sayings. The only one who's father appeared was Ethel's (Ethel Mae Potter we never forgot her). Lucy's father and Fred's father were not mentioned in the series although Fred's mother was mentioned when Fred said Ethel called his mother a weasel.
Does the show ever mention who Lucy’s father is? You see Ethel’s father but I can’t remember anything about her mother, and l think it’s safe to assume that Fred’s parents have been out of the picture for a while.
I like what your doing here awesome.. ? How many times has the fridge in the kitchen moved from close to the back door, to the left, a cupboard away from the door, and notice the canisters when on the left small to big then on the right side, tall to short.????? i just noticed this but have no way to look back and forward to see more of this incidence.. you could though . thanks for Lucy Bloops.
the real question is when did ricky's father pass away, i think it would have after ricky got older and left Cuban , but before he met lucy. so this way the only things ricky has is the things his father taught him.
If you have a sharp eye you can sometimes spot a portrait of a gentleman on Ricky's dresser in their bedroom....always wondered if that was Desi's father or grandfather.
In an early episode where Lucy is trying to be a pal/get Ricky's attention she mentions that Ricky has 5 brothers. Do not remember any mention of any siblings for Lucy.
Always traveling for business is one possibility. Father passing away & Tio Alberto stepping up as family patriarch makes the most sense. Divorce in a very Catholic/Latino family from this era would have offended just about EVERYONE😳😳😳
Hmm. I just googled and he died in 1973. So his dad was still alive when this show was going on and even ended! I hear about his mom sometimes when learning about Desi and I believe that she, along with Lucille's mom, was also always in the audience supporting her son but never hear about Desi's dad. I always just figured that he died but he was alive at the time. Maybe his dad was out of the picture when Desi was young for some reason? I can't find much about his dad, his involvement in Desi's life or his marriage to Desi's mom. I know his dad was in prison in Cuba for just 6 months when Desi was young before moving to Miami with his family. Rick, maybe you can do a little detective work on this?
I always assumed his father had died but when RIcky was older, whereas I imagined Lucy’s father died when she was a very young child like her real father had since a lot of the character Lucy’s childhood was based on Lucille Ball’s true life.
Since this is a 50's situation comedy they didn't want to bring up the subject of death since it would change the mood of the story, so they skirt around it. At least that my thoughts. Great video Rick.
But they did many times. In Pioneer Women they bring up their ancestors and said look where they are now. Dead. Lucy said she was going to kill herself in Hollywood when she couldn't get discovered. Also in the hour comedy era in Vegas Ethel said we going to get to the claims office or heaven first when they were speeding.
Well said brother 🤘
LUCY TO RICKY: What did your father ever do except think up corny sayings?
I love Katherin Cards character in I Love Lucy. I wish she could have been in more episodes. She was way underutilized. The banter between her and Ricky is priceless.
I never thought about what happened to Ricky’s father, but it does make sense due to not seeing him on the show despite us hearing quite a bit about him. Thank you for the video Rick, I always find out something new from these videos. Keep up the great work!
What a terrific piece thank you for sharing
Very interesting since I always thought about his father who in real life was an alcalde(mayor) in Cuba before being ousted by the dictator Fulgencio Batista.
Don't forget Ethel May Potter(Mertz) episode with her father in Albuquerque N.M.
Also Rick we're now going to call you Mickey Nineg!
That's funny, calling him Mickey. I loved Kathryn Card.
Mickey! I can't believe I didn't think of that
@@lazyhomebody1356: Well what can I say I'm great!
I always thought Lucy's and Ricky's father passed away. Divorce never came to mind. Another enjoyable video Rick. Wishing you a most Blessed New Year, now and always.
Loads of Love from NYC🤘
I have never caught any of those reruns, so I thank you for showing the titles. It sounds very logical that his father had passed away even though his mother looked very young.
You're sleuthing is unmatched!! Love it! 👍
I had to look up “sleuth” 😄
Interesting! I got the same impression that Ricky's Dad had passed away. It would make sense that his dad's brother would then be the head of the family.
Hey Rick! There's another thing about Ricky's father..we know his name! In season 6 episode 25, "Lucy raises Tulips", at one point Lucy tells Ricky "You go cut the grass Enrique Alberto Ricardo y DeAcha III!" This means his father was Enrique Alberto Ricardo y DeAcha Jr and his grandfather was Enrique Alberto Ricardo y DeAcha Sr. When the Sr. Passed away, the Jr. Suffix would change to Enrique Alberto Ricardo y DeAcha II. Interestingly, Desi's full name was Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y DeAcha IV.
Great detective work Rick! I can't see why they couldn't have mentioned that Ricky's father had passed and Uncle Alberto had taken over as head of the family.
Uncle Alberto being Ricky's father brother makes sense too, and that his mom would also be there even though it wasn't her real brother. I've always valued the family love that Hispanic friends have. Doesn't matter HOW you are family, you're just "family"
This was one of my favorite episodes I agree with your thinking about Ricky’s dad good job love your work
Hey Rick, Happy 2020!! As always your video is very informative. It's interesting to me that so many things make me think about I Love Lucy, recently I was watching Perry Mason & Catherine Card was playing a witness. Thanks for all your hard work bringing us so many interesting fun facts 🙂
I love learning little known facts within my favorite shows by piecing together clues 😄
So glad you enjoyed it!
Your assessment is so culturally accurate and whether it’s from personal experience or cultural research, I, as a Latina, appreciate the realistic and culturally relevant info as opposed to making baseless assumptions. May I add that I recently came across your page as I was searching for my favorite I Love Lucy scene since the particular episode is not currently in syndication. I am thoroughly enjoying your ILL videos and as a huge ILL fan, I am pleased with much of the content that you are sharing. Huge Thumbs Up From Me; Sofia 💜
Thank you so much Sophia! Welcome to the Chino
Thank you for bringing this to light. I imagine viewers found this absence of Ricky's father quite odd.
Happy 2020 to all 💕🙏
I wonder why they didn't make the fate of the father clearer, or why they chose not to include him as a character.
But in the episode "Be a Pal", didn't Lucy say that Ricky had 5 brothers? And I love the episodes with Katheryn Card. When I saw the picture you've posted of her I could hear her saying "it didn't look that far on the map". Thanks for the vids and please keep up the good work.
Death wasn't mentioned on TV shows until the 70s (at least never in a comedy) so this isn't unusual. On "The Lucy Show" Lucy is supposed to be a widow but is her late husband ever mentioned?
I think the saddest example is Bea Benaderet who died while she was starring on "Petticoat Junction". It's never mentioned on the show that her character died. They simply stop talking about her, as though she had never existed.
I forgot about that episode . Thanks for sharing.
Wow never even thought about the story line behind Ricky's father before, I wonder if Desi purposefully left out Ricky's father for fear of offending his own father who was said to be a very proud man.
As always, great video with an interesting topic. I would agree with your reasoning and that Ricky's father passed away prior to the series given the information provided. Further, I would to add that I think Ricky's father passed on when he was very young as he comments that his uncle practically raised him. Great video keep up the fabulous work
It seems Ricky's father passed away when Ricky was very young. When you hear him start off "My father always used to say to me..." That's usually an indication that was something from long ago.
Wow I corrected something and now I lost the pretty red heart.
Rick, fun video and great detective work!
They didn't mention death on sitcoms back then. They never mentioned what happened to Jed Clampett's wife, Andy Taylor's wife or Steve Douglas' wife either. Even in the 1970's they never mentioned Mike and Carol Brady's first spouses.
Minor correction: In the first episode of “The Brady Bunch” the boys talk about their late mother (Mike’s first wife). It’s implied that she died. The girl’s’ father is never mentioned, but given that they all change their last name to “Brady,” it’s most likely that he either died (most likely in that era), abandoned the family, or lost custody in an especially acrimonious divorce. You are, however, very correct about the other shows.
As far as I know, the first sitcom to mention a cause of death of a missing, deceased spouse was “Full House,” where she was killed by a drunk driver.
@@figmo397 I actually did remember that about the Brady Bunch but I took it out because I didn't want my post to be too long. I also recall the boys talking about their old house once but I don't know if their mother was still around before or after the move.
They did kind bring up Andys wife (Not on the Andy Griffith show) But one the Danny Thomas show when Andy guest starred (Andy Griffith is a spin off from Danny Thomas)
@@jd66604 I saw that pilot, Francis Bavier played a different part. I don't remember what they said about Andy's wife, though.
It's a pretty typical representation of the first generation of families in most cases of the day. The mother of the main characters is often widowed. Speaking personally I never met either grandfather on either parent's side being the youngest of six. Also, Lucille Ball once talked about TV shows from "her generation" when she did that appearance narrating Three's Company and mentioned that deaths were not talked about or used in humor.
Jon Simunovich-Audron I agree. Please see my post...and thanks. It's all about respect.
I always wanted to know what happened to Ricky's dad. I just figured he died. I don't think tv shows then and now explain things. Thanks Rick you always give us that bit of information!
Great channel...I grew up with Nick At Nite in the 80's. I really enjoy learning what was going on... behind the scenes stories.
I was under the impression that his father was deceased. I also think perhaps for the era which “I Love Lucy” was filmed, some personal things such as death or divorce weren’t quite acceptable or appropriate topics to discuss during a comedic episode. Thus the writers of the show did a great job alluding to the fact that Ricky’s father was passed since uncle Alberto was now the patriarch of the Ricardo family. Thanks for your great videos, Rick! Always appreciate them.
I could be wrong, but it seems that I heard Ricky talking about his dad being put in prison during the revolution in Cuba. It was in one of the shows that talked about Ricky coming to America for the first time.
I find it kind of ironic how the actress who played Ricky's mother looks a lot more like Lucy's real life mother rather than Lucy the character's mother.
I agree that Uncle Alberto is probably Ricky's father's brother.
And unrelated, the title card at the beginning that we know and love; had anyone else noticed how they make the fabric look like a heart too before they even put the other heart over it? I always thought that was such a keen design choice... Like you have the heart without it, but it's kind of imperfect... And then you get the one that really holds Lucy and Desi's name well. Haha.
i almost thought it was lucy in disguise lol
Happy New year to you Rick Nineg. I love your channel 😊💙. You always create great content for your viewers. May success always be with you and yours, along with love, happiness and laughter 😂. For laughter is the best medicine.
Like I stated in the beginning of the comment, you always create great content and giving your viewers little gems and nuggets of information that we may have missed. You're teaching us to be focused, and to look beyond the tip of our noses. Therefore, when it comes to Ricky's father I assumed that he had passed on. Rather than mention his death would have caused sadness to the show. After all the premise of the show was about laughter all around and caused by yours truly Lucy. Therefore, every story just stayed focus on the antics, mishaps and hilarious moments of their lives. This show was a situational comedy of Lucy and Ricky.
In this episode The Ricardo's and The Mertz' are in Cuba meeting with Ricky's family. The Uncle which was the Head of the Ricardo's family was introduced suggested that Ricky's father had passed on, a unspoken way to suggest that. As well as allowing viewers to read between the lines.
Thanks so much for creating and sharing your thoughts about the things viewers may have missed. Thank you for your time and consideration. Thank you for teaching us.
The television trope of the unseen but frequently mentioned character is so interesting, like Vera on Cheers or Maris on Frasier. I guess they've been doing this kind of thing for most of TV history if we can find it even on I Love Lucy.
Happy New Year Nick! I would think Desi didn't want his character to have a living father as his own left his mother. Also, didn't know you have Hispanic heritage.
I always just assumed that Lucy and Ricky's fathers were dead. I think it was never mentioned because death would be too "real" for a 1950s TV sitcom. Also; it was easier to write stereotypical mother-in-law characters and it was convenient to have Lucy's mother as a babysitter.
I love that when you here " UH Oh " in the laugh tracks, that it's Lucy's real mom.
I might be able to shed some light on this as my family lost our Patriarch after a robbery, shoot out, and subsequent hanging left our very large family shredded and scattered. We did not speak of this out of respect. It is simply too painful...50 yrs later even. Too personal and not to be party gossip. RIP Grandpa😎🙏
I enjoyed your video Rick on the start of a new day. God's blessings to you Rick this day and this new year. You are a wealth of knowledge and I always learn so much.
That was very interesting I always presumed Ricky’s father died curious about is I don’t ever remember seeing Lucy’s father either is there an episode for that? Great job
Excellent job!
I would assume that back then they wouldn't talk about death. Especially in a comedy. I dont even remember this episode which surprised me. I thought that I've seen every episode 1000 times. Anyway, they visit Ethels Father in Albuquerque New Mexico and never mention her mom. We met Lucy's mom, yet no mention of a father that I can recall. Fantastic show that stands the test of time.
That was a well thought out theory and the video complimented it. Based on that theory, I would have to agree with you. Your work
Is much appreciated!
Thanks so much!
I love all your I Love Lucy videos. I love Lucy and have watched all the episodes over and over. I have always thought Ricky’s father was dead. I am Puerto Rican and it’s the same thing with the patriarchy. Although, as time passes, that has changed too. Especially, with the amount of women in the family.
Great video and great food for thought!
I have seen all of the I love Lucy episodes but I don't remember if she ever mentioned her dad. very interesting Rick. Love your channel.
Great. Video. And so informative
I grew up in the sixties and seventies watching I Love Lucy and the Lucy and Desi hour. I think it was on wnew channel 5 in New York. But I cannot recall ever seeing any episode where they went to Cuba. All of the episodes that I've seen I've seen many times over. But not once do I recalled then going to Cuba. Do you have any thoughts on why they weren't shown, at least in New York? Thanks for the video.
Sounds like you are most probably right. I always wondered why Lucy‘s father was never mentioned that I can recall. I knew they talked about Ricky‘s father several times especially in regards to some of his expressions. Would be interesting to know your thoughts or what possible clues there may have been as to his fate.
Damn, they don’t have “Ricardos visit Cuba” on Hulu they skipped that episode.. do you know where I can watch it online? 🤔
They skip others too. I hate that..
I agree with how you explained it that that's probably what happened to Ricky's Father. I don't think they wanted to mention something like that on the show. This was the 1950's and being a comedy show if they had acknowledged his passing it would've cast a dramatic pall over the show and I think Desi Arnaz would've been totally against it.
Ricky's father was a famous bandleader in Cuba, that worked for a hotel and was killed in a shootout between two gangsters and their gangs along with some of his band 😥😥!?!?
That was a very original, thought provoking and interesting video. I thoroughally enjoyed it...I never gave Lucy or Ricky's parents much thought except for the episodes they were mentioned or were a live character on the show. But, yeah, you're right. They never showed Ricky's father but Ricky did talk about him from time to time on the show. It sounds like Uncle Alberto played a big part in raising Ricky. I wonder why that is? It made me think Ricky's father must died when Ricky was a young boy. The subject or mention of a deceased loved one on the show might have been taboo for 1950's tv because I Love Lucy was a comedy show for the entire family and the thought of Ricky's father's death might be too upsetting for some of little kids who are watching the show. They want the little kids to laugh, not cry.
Now that I give the subject a little deeper thought, I don't remenber ever hearing anything about Lucy's father on the show or any reference of what might have happened to him. I could have missed it. I hadn't ever given it a 2nd thought until just now when I was watching your video and it got me to wondering if Lucy's mother was a widow. If she was, it does look like her mother would have said something to Lucy such as, "Oh, I do wish your father could have been here to see this, Lucy". If she was divorced or never married, it would make more sense they never talked about Lucy's father. That might have been the case because she did seem to have a bitter attitude towards men. She didn't like Ricky and disrespected him everytime she mentions his name. It came across as funny, but if you think about it, she was downright nasty to Ricky who was nothing but nice and kind to her. I don't remember Lucy's mother ever having any fondness or anything good to say about any man. Maybe Lucy's mother was a lesbian? Makes one wonder. It would make sense. Of couse that's another subject couldn't talk about on tv back then.
Lucy’s father is also not mentioned. I think for the sake of levity and comedy dated this. Father figures with mean stability and seriousness.
Great video as always!
I agree. I always thought that Uncle Aburto was his dad’s brother, {possibly older brother?}
That’s why he’s the Patriarch of the family, especially after Ricky’s dad died.
I think they have it written that Ricky’s dad was dead because I think Desi’s real dad died before his real life’s mother died?
Hi Rick I agree with you that Ricky's father has passed away perhaps he is never brought up in conversation other than quoting his father is that this is a situation comedy and you don't want the audience to have to think about sad things when the writers are doing their best to make everyone laugh. Great vid Rick very thought provoking.
Your assessment sounds right on. But Uncle Alberto also could have just been the oldest son of the Ricardo family too. Somehow the eldest always gets stuck with certain responsibilities.
Pls post link to episode about Kathryn Card. She was great!!!!
If you check this video in the description I have provided the link.
Have you ever stopped to think "Ricardo" is the Latin version of the name "Ricky"?
(From the more formal name, "Richard".)
So his name is Ricky Ricky.
I would say to you about the subject of Ricky's father's absence, when was the subject of death ever mentioned on I Love Lucy? If Ricky's father were alive in the show then the actor playing his uncle would have portrayed the father. Another question I would like to know about is was Desi's father alive at this point? If not then I would guess that this would also influence Desi's decision on who would be portrayed in this episode.
Great video.
CSI: RICKNINEG
Coming at ya weekly 7am central time uploads. Don’t miss it.
Lol. Thanks rick and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Pretty funny!
Happy New Year!
What was the status of Desi's actual Father during the filming if the series?
I assumed that both fathers passed away. Though I thought that when Lucy and Ricky, along with Little Ricky, went down to Cuba, his father was there. I didn’t notice that his father wasn’t. I better watch the series again.
Happy New Year Mickey Nineg.
Lol love it!
@@ricknineg: I knew you and everyone else would Mickey!
Man, I think you nailed it.
Regarding Ricky's Father's quote about ill-gotten gains, Proverbs 10:2(a) says, "Ill-gotten gains profit nothing." (NAS-1977) Other translations, in my opinion, are more instructive, but NAS is the closest to Ricky's quote.
Interesting,good research..
Appreciate this! thank you so much
Good points
I love Lucy was precastrocuba 1959
Yes, it is a mystery (Ricky's father). By the same token, we never hear anything about Lucy's father. I wonder if the "I Love Lucy" writers ever discussed any possible story lines about these "missing in action" males!
You didn't read my post. There was the episode with Ethel May Potter at her father's house in Albuquerque N.M
I just assumed they had passed. Men used to die earlier than now, it seems. I’m not Positive about that, but it seems that’s how it used to be.🤔
My point was about Lucy's father, not Ethel's. So, may I suggest that you re-read my comment. Had nothing to do with Ethel's father.
@@kennethbjorkmann8517: You need to read your post about missing in action males in general not just the Ricardos! One was found by the writers Ethel's father!
For the third....and final time....I was speaking of Lucy's father, not Ethel's father. Case closed. And let's remember the theme of this channel....stay positive! @@roberttelarket4934
I always thought that the story line would just be similar to their real life. Fathers gone, Mothers still in the scene. I think they concocted the uncle for the story.
Rickys mom was so pretty! They were like almost the same age. I never understood that!
👍 😂 Funny I have just found and seen the Episode with "Uncle Alfredo" from Cuba 😂😂 and it is certainly very funny. I don't speak Spanish but I saw Uncle Alfredo's reaction which was: You should have married 👰 Muchacha Cubana which means, a Cuban girl. 😂 In the old days before I was born what an uncle or aunt said was very important. But in our days, who cares what they think. Efrat, Israel. 🌸 😀
Ricky: my father always said... Lucy: what did your father do but make up stale sayings. The only one who's father appeared was Ethel's (Ethel Mae Potter we never forgot her). Lucy's father and Fred's father were not mentioned in the series although Fred's mother was mentioned when Fred said Ethel called his mother a weasel.
Ricky's father passed away. Reason I think it was not mentioned but inferred was the CBS Censors. Just like you could not say Pregnant.
Never thought of it as a kid watching I love Lucy... but that's true back in those days that would be a taboo subject for broadcast television
Greetings from Brazil.
Well probably the reason why we never saw Ricky's Father was probably he passed away?
The quotation from Ricky would be, "Nunca Haga Negocios Con Amigos o Familiares."
“What did your father ever do besides sit around and think up corny sayings?” 😄
Haha best line 😂
I remember seeing an episode where Lucy meets her in-laws Señora and Doctor Arnéz. I think they were his true parents.
Does the show ever mention who Lucy’s father is? You see Ethel’s father but I can’t remember anything about her mother, and l think it’s safe to assume that Fred’s parents have been out of the picture for a while.
The father was up in the mountains of Cuba, an officer in Fidek Castro's rebel army.
Lucy was from Jamestown upstate ny.
I heard Ricky’s dad was kidnapped by Che on Fidel’s order, then murdered when the ransom didn’t arrive on time. Most depressing I Love Lucy ever!
I like what your doing here awesome.. ? How many times has the fridge in the kitchen moved from close to the back door, to the left, a cupboard away from the door, and notice the canisters when on the left small to big then on the right side, tall to short.????? i just noticed this but have no way to look back and forward to see more of this incidence.. you could though . thanks for Lucy Bloops.
This is a wonderful idea! It would be great for me to look into it
@@ricknineg What it's really like to be married. {{{fridge on left canisters on right.}}}
The Girls want to go to a nightclub. {{{fridge on right canisters on left.}}} lol
Omg this is kool. I would’ve thought rickys dad passed on. Cuz yeah divorce back then was a huge no no in Hispanic families
the real question is when did ricky's father pass away, i think it would have after ricky got older and left Cuban , but before he met lucy. so this way the only things ricky has is the things his father taught him.
If you have a sharp eye you can sometimes spot a portrait of a gentleman on Ricky's dresser in their bedroom....always wondered if that was Desi's father or grandfather.
In the show, both Lucy and Ricky must have been only children. I can't recall hearing any mention of siblings. Or did I miss it?
Brenda Payne Lucy had 6 brothers I think. Lucy mentioned it in the episode where she tries to make their apartment look like his home in Cuba
In an early episode where Lucy is trying to be a pal/get Ricky's attention she mentions that Ricky has 5 brothers. Do not remember any mention of any siblings for Lucy.
Yep! Now we, your loyal fans, get to call you Mickey Nineg!
Do It! Do it! Lol
I find it so strange that they didn’t write in Ricky father it world hate been easy I never seen Lucy father at list I don’t remember!
Always traveling for business is one possibility.
Father passing away & Tio Alberto stepping up as family patriarch makes the most sense. Divorce in a very Catholic/Latino family from this era would have offended just about EVERYONE😳😳😳
👍 Funny. 😂
What happened to Lucy’s dad? I always assumed Ricky’s dad took off
Very weird death was not mentioned on old TV shows
If the series had continued to 1959....
I wonder what year Desi Arnaz’s father died in real life? Maybe Desi wanted that continuity in the show?
Hmm. I just googled and he died in 1973. So his dad was still alive when this show was going on and even ended! I hear about his mom sometimes when learning about Desi and I believe that she, along with Lucille's mom, was also always in the audience supporting her son but never hear about Desi's dad. I always just figured that he died but he was alive at the time. Maybe his dad was out of the picture when Desi was young for some reason? I can't find much about his dad, his involvement in Desi's life or his marriage to Desi's mom. I know his dad was in prison in Cuba for just 6 months when Desi was young before moving to Miami with his family. Rick, maybe you can do a little detective work on this?