Favorite Seasons...

...from most to least. This was hard. Had to really think about it.

1) Third season

Admittedly, there are some routine offerings here, but to me, these homebody eps show off Ball and Co. at their most polished, making even fair episodes come off as sparkling gems. This season is, to me, what I Love Lucy is all about.

2) Second Season

This choice was HARD. But I've come to appreciate this second year even more in the last few years. Classics like "Job Switching" and "The Operetta" still rock. Even minor offerings like "The Saxaphone" and "Lucy Changes Her Mind" are delightful, as is the introduction of Mrs. Trumbull, the new furniture AND the new apartment. All still feel as fresh as paint. Oh, and for those who care, Lucy gets pregnant and has a baby...who will add more to the show with each progressive season.

3) Fourth Season

Technically, this is probably the best season of the entire series. Certainly the most adventurous. One gem after another, and that's BEFORE the Hollywood arc! The concept of Ricky's Hollywood contract and getting him, Lucy and the Mertz's in L.A. is pure genius. The guest-star scripts are creative, hilarious, highly inspired and (at this point) not yet overdone. Not a single dud in the bunch.

4) Season One

This was also difficult, as I, along with many other fans, consider much of the first year to be quite creaky. Indeed, only William Frawley seemed to have his character down from day one. It would take Arnaz, Vance and even Ball several months to have their nuances completely laid out. That said, there is such a glow to this time period, with some seriously classic eps making up for several unabashed duds. "Lucy Does a TV Commercial" to the two with Gale Gordon are simply terrific.

5) Season Six

Dull is not a word I would apply to ILL, but the first section of this last season comes close. Richard Keith is delightful as Little Ricky, but the cast was really starting to show their age (Vance, ironically looked her best, in my opinion). Furthermore, the scripts are fairly lackluster and it feels like the spark is missing. Yes, the Bob Hope opener is great fun, but to me, the show doesn't have another super strong offering until "Off to Florida " Then things are instantly dull again until Superman visits, Lucy gets her head stuck in a loving cup and. ..BANG! Inspiration strikes again and the four move to the country. Not since the Hollywood arc had the series been THIS inspired! Unquestionably, the Connecticut offerings balance everything out so that ILL can end on a super strong note.

6) Season 5

Oh, I see. ..we're STILL in Hollywood? As this season begins, the L.A. trip now feels very protracted. The foot print two-parter is a classic, but the second half (with John Wayne himself) isn't nearly as funny as part One. I'm also not a huge fan of the trip home, especially compared to the trip TO L.A. There is then the entertaining "Face to Face" and the fairly awful "Lucy Goes to a Rodeo."
Suddenly, the clan embarks on a trip to Europe. Lots of fun here, but this arc isn't nearly as magical as Hollywood or, frankly, Connecticut. Season five is much stronger than early season six, but not nearly as great as that home in the country.

All this is just my opinion, of course, but I'm curious as how others would rate each season.