The Best Episodes Written By Mark Tuttle

The Cannonball and its primary passenger, Uncle Joe, are pelted with eggs after the Hooterville Hornets, coached by Uncle Joe, are drubbed in what may be their worst game ever. Another unexpected passenger on that run is Homer Bedloe, who is surprisingly cordial and pleasant. Uncle Joe doesn't see anything wrong with Bedloe being cordial and taking it like a man in defeat in his efforts to scrap the Cannonball. Kate on the other hand believes Bedloe is up to no good. News gets to Sam that John Fisher and Max Thornton, two bigwigs from the railroad, are coming for a surprise inspection the following day. When Kate learns this news, they have to go clean-up the Cannonball. Plus, they have to keep Bedloe preoccupied so that he won't know what they're up to. And third, they have to railroad the visiting bigwigs about how deluxe the service on the Cannonball is. Fisher and Thornton are very impressed with the service.

The Bradleys, Sam Drucker, Herby, Charlie and Floyd are decorating the Cannonball for its annual Christmas Eve trip of caroling, gift-giving and merriment around the valley. But, Homer Bedloe is determined to be a Scrooge and take possession of the train on Christmas Eve. Railroad President Norman Curtis finds out what Bedloe is up to and goes to Hooterville to stop him.

Jethro decides he wants to go a courtin', so Jed gives him a little education. Jethro develops feelings for an exotic dancer named Chickadee Laverne and brings her home to meet the folks. As usual, neither she or the Clampetts know what the other is really saying.

Jethro thinks he's in love with Chickadee Laverne. She and the Clampetts still have a different idea about what an "engagement" is. Meanwhile, Miss Jane tries to woo Jethro away from Chickadee. As marriage seemingly draws nearer, Jethro discovers a deal-breaking secret about Chickadee: she can't cook.