Peter Loves Mary Wilma's Uncle Charlie (1960–1961) Online

Steve and his friend Bobby (Donald Losby) bring a broken toy for Peter to fix. He asks them to take it to Bobby's father, as he feels he can't even repair a teddy bear. Mary fears Peter doesn't spend enough time with his son who, like any child, feels their father can do anything. Therefore, Peter agrees to try to repair the toy and any other broken toys the kids have. He unsuccessfully calls to find a place that can repair the toy. Wilma's salty-attired Uncle Charlie (character actor Wallace Ford) unexpectedly arrives at the Lindseys and instantly shows his skills as a mister fix-it. The kids are entranced by Uncle Charlie's seafaring stories, over Peter's. Peter is perturbed when Uncle Charlie relays that the ship he is sailing on is delayed indefinitely. Mary arranges for Uncle Charlie to be a substitute school bus driver. When the bus doesn't show up at school, they find he says it overheated and he took the kids on an imaginative field trip. The kids love him, but Peter is at odds with Mary on the effect his imagination has on the kids. The same is true for all the fathers and mothers. Mary gives her heartfelt view to Peter. But, Uncle Charlie's fate looks as if it will be decided at the PTA meeting.

This episode takes on a heartfelt approach with light touches of comedy, in a vein of "Miracle on 34th Street". Despite nice rising action, the beginning and ending seemed a little rough, in my opinion. It could have been polished into a solid episode. Nevertheless, understanding the intent, this was a likable offering.