In the final episode of I Love Lucy, titled “Bon Voyage,” Lucy Ricardo’s relentless desire for adventure and celebrity proximity reaches its peak as the Ricardos and Mertzes embark on a trip to Europe, only for Lucy to accidentally lock herself in a trunk intended for Little Ricky’s toys and inadvertently get shipped to Paris. The episode perfectly encapsulates the show’s enduring charm: Lucy’s outlandish schemes, Ethel and Fred’s bickering yet supportive friendship, and Ricky’s exasperated but ultimately loving reactions to Lucy’s antics, cementing its place in television history.
The Curtain Falls on an Iconic Era
I Love Lucy, a television phenomenon that redefined the sitcom landscape, concluded its six-season run on May 6, 1957, with “Bon Voyage.” The episode, aired as part of The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Show (also known as The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour), served as a fitting send-off to the beloved characters and their escapades. While technically not the very last Lucy-Desi show, as that came later, it was the final episode of I Love Lucy, the half-hour format show that captivated the nation. The episode showcases the core elements that made the show so successful: physical comedy, relatable characters, and a heartwarming message about friendship and family.
The Paris Predicament
The central plot revolves around the Ricardos and Mertzes preparing for their long-awaited European vacation. Lucy, as usual, sees this as an opportunity to insert herself into the lives of the rich and famous. She believes her friendship with Carolyn Appleby will grant her unprecedented access. In typical Lucy fashion, she makes a series of hilarious blunders, the most significant being her accidental entombment in a trunk. She climbs into the trunk, filled with Little Ricky’s toys, as a way to “surprise” Ricky in their cabin. However, she falls asleep and the trunk, labeled with the ship and their cabin number, is mistakenly loaded onto a cargo plane headed for Paris. Ricky and Fred, upon discovering Lucy’s absence and the missing trunk, frantically attempt to locate her before the ship sails.
The episode cleverly utilizes this chaotic situation to deliver classic Lucy humor. Her attempts to escape the trunk, her interactions with the French customs officials, and Ricky’s growing desperation all contribute to a comedic crescendo. Ultimately, Lucy is freed from the trunk in Paris, and Ricky arrives just in time to scold her before ultimately expressing relief. The episode ends with the group finally setting sail for Europe, albeit with Lucy having already experienced a significant and unconventional detour.
The Enduring Appeal
“Bon Voyage” serves as a poignant reminder of I Love Lucy‘s enduring appeal. The show’s comedic brilliance stemmed from its relatability. While Lucy’s schemes were often absurd, her underlying desire for excitement and connection resonated with audiences. The dynamic between Lucy and Ricky, though often contentious, was rooted in genuine love and affection. Ethel and Fred Mertz provided a grounding presence, offering both comedic foil and unwavering support.
The episode also highlights the show’s innovative production techniques. I Love Lucy was filmed before a live studio audience using multiple cameras, a groundbreaking approach that gave the show a sense of immediacy and energy. This commitment to quality and innovation helped solidify its place as a television classic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the I Love Lucy Finale
Here are answers to some of the most common questions regarding the final episode of I Love Lucy, providing a more in-depth understanding of its significance and impact:
Q1: Was Lucille Ball happy with the ending of I Love Lucy?
It’s difficult to definitively state whether Lucille Ball was entirely happy with the I Love Lucy ending. While she was proud of the show’s success and its contribution to television history, the ending also marked the beginning of the end of her marriage to Desi Arnaz. The later Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour extended the characters’ run, but the magic of the original half-hour show was arguably never fully recaptured. The finale, while funny, also subtly underscored the simmering tensions in the Ricardo’s marriage, reflecting the realities of Ball and Arnaz’s own relationship.
Q2: Why was “Bon Voyage” the final episode of the half-hour I Love Lucy show?
The decision to end the half-hour format of I Love Lucy was multifaceted. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were both reportedly exhausted by the demanding production schedule. They also wanted to explore new creative avenues. The shift to The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour format allowed for longer episodes with more elaborate storylines, although the change also meant a less focused comedic style. The pressures of running Desilu Productions also likely played a role, drawing Arnaz’s attention away from the weekly grind.
Q3: How did “Bon Voyage” perform in terms of ratings?
“Bon Voyage” was a massive ratings success, as expected for the final episode of such a popular show. It held the number one spot in the Nielsen ratings for that week, proving its lasting impact. Exact numbers are difficult to come by due to the pre-Nielsen People Meter era, but it was undoubtedly a widely watched event.
Q4: Did the cast know it was the final episode while filming?
Yes, the cast was aware that “Bon Voyage” was the final episode of I Love Lucy. There were emotional moments on set, as the cast and crew had become a close-knit family over the six years of production. They knew they were ending an era.
Q5: Was Little Ricky, played by Keith Thibodeaux (Richard Keith), aware it was the last I Love Lucy episode?
As a child actor, Keith Thibodeaux (Richard Keith) likely had a limited understanding of the long-term significance of the final episode. He was aware that it was the last episode of the season and that changes were coming, but the emotional weight of the show ending likely didn’t fully register.
Q6: Where exactly in Paris did Lucy end up in the episode?
The episode doesn’t explicitly state a specific location in Paris. The scenes were likely filmed on a studio set designed to resemble a Parisian street. The ambiguity adds to the comedic absurdity of the situation.
Q7: Did the ending leave the door open for a potential I Love Lucy reboot or continuation?
While the episode provided a satisfying conclusion to the series, it also left the door slightly ajar. The Ricardos and Mertzes were embarking on a European adventure, which could have served as a premise for future storylines. However, the subsequent Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour shows were considered a continuation, rather than a true reboot.
Q8: How did the ending of I Love Lucy influence other sitcoms?
I Love Lucy‘s groundbreaking approach to sitcom production and its portrayal of relatable characters had a profound influence on subsequent sitcoms. The ending, while bittersweet, demonstrated the power of a strong narrative arc and the importance of providing closure for beloved characters. Shows that followed often drew inspiration from Lucy’s blend of physical comedy, relatable situations, and heartwarming relationships.
Q9: What happened to the Ricardo’s apartment after the show ended?
The Ricardos’ apartment, a central location in the series, was a studio set and ceased to exist once filming concluded. No physical structure remained.
Q10: Is “Bon Voyage” available to stream or purchase?
Yes, “Bon Voyage” and the entire I Love Lucy series are widely available for streaming on platforms like Paramount+ and for purchase on DVD and digital platforms.
Q11: What was Desi Arnaz’s role in planning the end of the show?
Desi Arnaz, as the executive producer of I Love Lucy through Desilu Productions, played a crucial role in the decision to end the half-hour format and transition to The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour. He was heavily involved in the creative and business decisions surrounding the show’s conclusion.
Q12: What is the most memorable quote from “Bon Voyage”?
While there isn’t one singularly iconic quote, a moment that encapsulates the episode’s humor and Lucy’s character is when she’s trapped in the trunk and desperately cries out, perhaps something along the lines of: “Ricky! Get me out of here! I’m in Paris!” This perfectly embodies her penchant for trouble and the absurdity of the situation. The episode’s enduring charm lies in the cumulative effect of these comedic moments, making it a fitting and memorable conclusion to a television legend.