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…..
