You know what the wierdest thing about the TV show, The Flintstones is? It’s not the fact that it ‘s a cartoon that has a laugh track or that it is balatantly ripping off The Honeymooners. No, we are talking about the Great Gazoo. Do you remember this? A little green alien crash landed in Bedrock and only Fred, Barney and the two children can see him. He then begins to make trouble for our favorite prehistoric two-some.
Gazoo (not suprisingly) was introduced midway through what would turn out to be The Flintstones last season. This is not uncommon…countless TV shows struggling to keep it “fresh” usually add another kid into the mix (who ages 4 years after one season). Need examples? How about Fresh Prince: Little Nickie, Step By Step: Lillie, Full House: Nickie and Alex, Growing Pains: Chrissy, even the Brady Brunch: Cousin Oliver. Well The Flintstones already blew their wad early introducing the babies, Pebbles and Bam Bam. What other character could they introduce to keep things interesting? Yes, a little green fucking alien. What they hell were they thinking?
As a kid, I never questioned it. Some time in my early teens when I had vague memories of it, I was blown away that it had happened. At this point, i’m still in utter disbelief.
