Thought on the preparation to travel episodes

One thing that is not discussed enough is the preparation/travel to Hollywood episodes vs the preparation/travel to Europe episodes. These are good to compare because in both cases the writers really took their time building up the transition away from the NY apartment, in a way I wish shows that came later did.

I have always LOVED the Hollywood preparation episodes and really dislike the preparation episodes for Europe. When I watch on Pluto TV, if the prep for Europe episodes are on, I switch to Murder She Wrote for the afternoon. The trunk, seasickness, Lucy getting a helicopter, and then getting stuck in the port window were all so gimmicky and also preludes to some of the absurdity that the later Lucy shows had. The humor lacks a timelessness, such that knowing what happens next takes away from enjoying the story. Compare that to buying a car, packing up, Cousin Ernie returning, and Ethel's hometown, and there is no contest which set is superior. I could watch square dancing and Ethel's performance all day long.

While I like both the Hollywood and Europe return to home episodes, the Hollywood train ride home was superior. Both episodes are absurd but still have their classic jokes. The food all over Fred and Ethel, and Ricky denouncing his cheese baby both always crack me up.