Because I’m a fan of The Flintstones, I have noticed many inconsistencies over the years.
For example, in one episode, Betty tells Barney to hurry back because she’s fixing “Gippers.” (That’s fish to you and me) Barney let’s her know “I’ll be back in a flash for the fish.” But, in another episode, Barney tells Fred he doesn’t like fish.
Another example is when Barney claims he would have to jump in the water after Fred because he can’t swim. Yet, another episode finds Barney telling Wilma, “Don’t worry, Wilma. Fred’s a good swimmer.”
But there is one fact that rings clear throughout — Fred loves to gamble!
There are several episodes where Fred and Barney gamble. Whether it’s betting on the horse races or boxing matches. Wilma and Betty get in on the act, as well, when they buy a chance at beau coup bucks in the episode, The Sweepstakes Ticket. But, it is Fred who proves he needs help….
In The Gambler, which first aired in January 1962, Fred has an addiction to gambling. Just the mere mention of the word “bet” causes bells and whistles to ring through his head as he shouts out, “Bet, bet, bet, bet, bet, bet..” over and over again. It is made obvious through the telling of Wilma that Fred has always had an addiction. For five long years she had endured the missing of furniture and such, but he kicked the habit through one visit to a psychiatrist. Don’t you wish all addictions could be overcome this easily? Fred vows he will never gamble again. Well, that didn’t last long…..
In The Rock Vegas Story that aired a few short months later in March 1962, Fred is back at his gambling ways. Going against Wilma’s wishes for him not to gamble away all their money, he does so on a slot machine. With no money and to keep from having to sell their car, Fred and the gang work for the casino owned by a friend to pay for their vacation.
I was in Las Vegas this past March and all around were billboards claiming to have help for those with a gambling addiction. Too bad they weren’t around in Rock Vegas…..
I woke up this morning with a certain song running through my brain. The song is found in the first episode of Season 6, called No Biz Like Show Biz.
The show is about Fred discovering Pebbles and Bamm Bamm can play musical instruments. After a small nap, he sees Pebbles and Bamm Bamm signing with perfect pitch. They call famous manager Eppy Brianstone to take care of the two small wonders. The kids have become overnight hits and it’s mostly Wilma and Betty along with the manager who takes care of them, leaving Fred and Barney aside. On the eve of going to Eurock, Pebbles and Bamm Bamm are due to play at the Bedrock Theater. Having enough of the media circus, Fred and Barney hatch a plan to snatch the kids, forgetting they signed a contract with Brianstone leaving him total control of the kids’ lives.
And the song Pebbles and Bam Bam sang? Open Up Your Heart and Let The Sunshine In.
Why this song would be running through my head is a mystery. Is it because over the past month, I have faced death several times, been lied on, vandalized and generally have no sense of direction as to where my life is heading? I’ve analyzed the lyrics trying to find some shred of reasoning:
Mommy told me something
A little kid should know
It’s all about the devil
And I’ve learned to hate him so
She said he causes trouble
When you let him in the room,
He will never ever leave you
If your heart is filled with gloom
So let the sun shine in
Face it with a grin
Smilers never lose
And frowners never win
So let the sun shine in
Face it with a grin
Open up your heart and let the sun shine in
When you are unhappy
The devil wears a grin
But oh, he starts to running
When the light comes pouring in
I know he’ll be unhappy
‘Cause I’ll never wear a frown
Maybe if we keep on smiling
He’ll get tired of hanging ’round.
If I forget to say my prayers
The devil jumps with glee
But he feels so awful awful
When he sees me on my knees
So if you’re full of trouble
And you never seem to win
Just open up your heart and let the sun shine in
So let the sun shine in
Face it with a grin
Smilers never lose
And frowners never win
So let the sun shine in
Face it with a grin
Open up your heart
And let the sun shine in
Well, my “mommy” did teach me about the devil. In fact, that’s mostly all she taught me being raised in a bible-thumping household. But, I don’t know all about this “smilers never lose and frowners never win” jazz. And every time I have opened up my heart, sunshine doesn’t try to come in, but rather those who would prey on the innocent. Yet why — why did I wake up with this?
While I’m trying to figure it out, take a look at a very well edited version of No Biz Like Show Biz. Enjoy….
Because I’m a fan of The Flintstones, I have noticed many inconsistencies over the years. 
I woke up this morning with a certain song running through my brain. The song is found in the first episode of Season 6, called No Biz Like Show Biz. 