Just like the iconic family sitcom, “The Brady Bunch,” took a creative turn with its UFO-themed episode titled “Out of This World,” we are about to explore into the entertaining and quirky details of this unique storyline. From a real-life astronaut guest appearance to a clever prank involving a homemade UFO, this episode has left a lasting impression on fans of the show. Let’s explore the behind-the-scenes facts, notable guest stars, and the humorous antics that unfold as the Brady kids find themselves caught up in a close encounter of the Brady kind.
Opening Unexpected: A Talk Show Start
While most Brady Bunch episodes start with the typical family sitcom setup, episode 16, “Out of This World,” took an unexpected turn with a talk show opening featuring former astronaut James McDivitt. The shift in format caught viewers off guard, setting the stage for a unique and intriguing storyline.
Guest Appearance by James McDivitt
Unexpectedly starting with a talk show featuring former astronaut James McDivitt (June 10, 1929 – October 13, 2022) discussing a UFO sighting from his space mission added a layer of authenticity to the episode. Despite the considerable time that had passed since the sighting, the curiosity surrounding it remained palpable, drawing viewers in with a blend of real-life events and fictional storytelling.
Peter and Bobby were honored to meet the astronaut and get his autograph after the show.
Their enthusiasm for the subject frames what is to come in the episode.
Peter and Bobby’s Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm ran high as Peter and Bobby’s excitement over their own Brady Bunch UFO sighting captures the audience’s attention. Their determination to prove the existence of the UFO through photographs added a sense of adventure to the episode, showcasing the brothers’ relentless pursuit of the truth behind their extraordinary encounter.
Understanding the boys’ eagerness to have their UFO evidence validated by their family and the authorities, viewers were taken on a journey filled with suspense and amusement as the storyline unfolded with unexpected twists and turns.
Late Night Revelations: Brady Bunch UFO Sighting
The Boys’ Discovery
Any fan of The Brady Bunch would remember the iconic episode “Out of This World” where Peter and Bobby, after claiming to have seen a UFO, set out on a mission to capture photographic evidence of their extraordinary encounter. The suspense builds as the boys set up their night watch in the backyard, eagerly anticipating the return of the mysterious flying craft.
Family Skepticism at the Breakfast Table
The next morning, the family gathers around the breakfast table as Peter and Bobby recount their thrilling UFO sighting. However, to their dismay, their claims are met with skepticism from their siblings and parents. Carol insists on waiting for Mike to see the photos before calling the newspaper, questioning the authenticity of their supposed evidence.
The family’s disbelief towards the UFO sighting adds a layer of humour and doubt to the episode, reflecting the common response to extraordinary claims within a close-knit family dynamic.
Revelations from the breakfast table scene shed light on the Brady family’s reaction to Peter and Bobby’s UFO sighting, showcasing a blend of amusement and disbelief in the face of their extraordinary claims. The episode captures the essence of family dynamics when confronted with the unknown, adding a touch of whimsical skepticism to the unfolding storyline.
The Set-Up for Prank: Greg’s Revenge
Carol’s Photography Contest Entry
An important piece of context in this episode revolves around Carol’s newfound hobby of photography. She is seen arranging fruit for a contest entry, which inadvertently leads to the catalyst for Greg’s UFO prank. The family’s nonchalant attitude towards her photography aspirations sets the stage for Greg’s mischievous plan.
Crafting the Fake Brady Bunch UFO
Assuming the role of the mastermind behind the UFO prank, Greg meticulously constructs a fake flying saucer using simple household items like a flashlight, a clear plastic curtain, fishing line, and pulleys. Despite the simplicity of the setup, the convincing nature of the UFO was enough to fool Peter and Bobby, leading to a series of comical events.
Greg’s Revenge
Greg wanted to get even for his brother’s telling on him for getting home late. To further emphasize the elaborate nature of Greg’s prank, the presence of a local policeman summoned to investigate the UFO sightings adds an unexpected twist to the situation. Greg’s plan not only succeeded in fooling his brothers but also managed to briefly deceive the skeptical law enforcement officer, resulting in a comedic climax to his revenge scheme.
Backyard Campout: The UFO Hunt
Preparing for the Encounter
All preparations were in place for Peter and Bobby’s backyard campout in hopes of capturing evidence of the UFO that had caught their attention the night before. Armed with a camera and fueled by excitement, the boys eagerly initiateed on their mission to solve the mystery hovering above their home.
Sibling Rivalry and Skepticism
The arrival of Jan and Cindy to mock Peter and Bobby’s UFO sighting added to the atmosphere of sibling rivalry and skepticism surrounding the boys’ adventure. While the younger siblings were quick to dismiss the idea of extraterrestrial visitors, Peter and Bobby remained determined to prove their case.
The contrast in beliefs between the Brady siblings set the stage for a lighthearted yet competitive dynamic, adding depth to the storyline as each character’s perspective played a role in shaping the unfolding events of the UFO encounter.
The Prank Unfolds: Brothers Fooled
Despite the elaborate setup orchestrated by Greg to fool his younger brothers Peter and Bobby with a fake UFO, the plan worked flawlessly. The boys, mesmerized by the sight of the UFO hovering in the sky, were completely convinced of the extraterrestrial visitation.
Greg’s Mechanism Revealed
On being caught red-handed by his sister Marcia, Greg unveils the intricate contraption he crafted to create the illusion of the UFO. By cleverly using a flashlight, a clear plastic curtain, fishing line, and pulleys nailed to the window frame, Greg managed to fool his brothers and even the local police captain.
The Simplicity of the Hoax
To the surprise of many, the simplicity of Greg’s UFO hoax was surprisingly effective. The mere reflection of a light off a plastic curtain combined with the sound of a loud whistle managed to deceive not only Peter and Bobby but a seasoned police officer as well.
It is a testament to Greg’s creativity and resourcefulness that his plan to fabricate a UFO sighting using basic household items succeeded in causing quite a commotion in the Brady household. The episode highlights the power of illusion and the gullibility of the human mind when presented with mysterious phenomena.
Dream Sequences and Alien Encounters
Bobby’s Dream of Kaplutian Visitors
Now, let’s probe into Bobby’s dream of encountering visitors from the planet Kaplutis. In the episode “Out of This World” from The Brady Bunch, Bobby dreams of being a Kaplutian basketball star, showcasing the imaginative and whimsical nature of dream sequences in television shows from that era. The aliens, played by actors Frank and Sadie Delfino, add a comedic element to the scene, bringing Bobby’s dream to life in a lighthearted and entertaining manner.
Significance of Dream Sequences in “The Brady Bunch”
To understand the significance of dream sequences in “The Brady Bunch,” it is important to recognize their role in adding depth to the characters and exploring their inner thoughts and desires. Bobby’s dream of the Kaplutian visitors not only provides a comedic interlude but also reflects his playful and imaginative personality. Dream sequences in the show serve as a creative tool to showcase the characters’ inner worlds and offer viewers a glimpse into their aspirations and fears.
Climactic Confrontations: From Air Force to Police
The Photographs as Evidence
Photographs of the supposed UFO sighting taken by Peter and Bobby become the center of attention in the Brady household. The black and white images, showing a blob of white light against the night sky, are presented to the family as concrete proof of extraterrestrial visitation. While Carol remains skeptical and insists on waiting for Mike’s opinion before taking further action, the boys are convinced of the authenticity of their findings.
Involvement of the Authorities
To the surprise of the Brady family, Mike decides to contact the Air Force after being persuaded by the boys’ photographs. The incredible turn of events escalates when a local policeman arrives to investigate the supposed UFO sighting. The skeptical police captain discounts the photographic evidence and dismisses the notion of alien spacecraft hovering above their town. However, Greg’s elaborate prank involving a flashlight and plastic curtain creates a situation that even convinces the police captain momentarily.
The policeman is very comical and a lovable character.
He’s just a cop nearng retirement and looking forward to his pension and who doesn’t want any trouble, but he’s sent to investigate this sighting.
He is up front that he thinks that all this flying saucer business is all hoaxes and that UFOs do not exist, but this one ends up fooling him and getting him to pose for a picture of him calling in what he thinks, after seeing Greg’s prank, is a legimate UFO sighting.
It isn’t until Greg has to come clean that it’s a hoax that the cop’s initial feelings are vindicated and he tells Greg to keep it quiet and cover the whole thing up so there’s no more trouble for him.
Greg’s Admission and the Aftermath
Consequences of the Brady Bunch UFO Prank
Unlike his initial laughter at fooling his younger brothers, Greg ultimately faces the consequences of his actions. As a punishment for orchestrating the UFO prank, he is grounded from using the family car for the weekend. This discipline impacts Greg’s plans for a fishing trip and prompts him to reflect on the repercussions of his mischievous behavior.
Family Dynamics and Lessons Learned
Family dynamics play a crucial role in the aftermath of Greg’s UFO prank. The episode highlights the importance of honesty and responsibility within the family unit. Through Greg’s actions, the Brady children learn valuable lessons about the impact of deception and the significance of owning up to one’s mistakes.
Families often serve as the primary environment for instilling values, and the Brady Bunch episode “Out of This World” underscores the role of familial interactions in shaping individual behavior. As Greg faces the consequences of his prank, the Brady family demonstrates the importance of holding each other accountable and learning from past missteps.
Greg angrily asks how, after being grounded, he is to get around without the car and Carole blurts out a typical Brady Bunch one liner about hitching a ride on a UFO.
Brady Bunch UFO Final Words
The Brady Bunch UFO episode “Out of This World” is a fun and lighthearted look at the excitement and mischief that can arise from misinterpreted situations. Through the portrayal of the boys’ UFO hoax and the subsequent involvement of the police, the episode keeps viewers entertained with its humorous take on the subject of unidentified flying objects. The blend of typical Brady family antics with the out-of-this-world theme creates a unique and enjoyable viewing experience.
The episode also provides insight into the characters of the Brady family, showcasing their reactions to the unexpected events. From Bobby’s dream of alien visitors to Greg’s elaborate UFO prank, each family member’s personality shines through in the midst of the UFO frenzy. Overall, “Out of This World” serves as a memorable and humorous addition to The Brady Bunch series, reminding viewers to always be open to a little bit of fun and imagination in their lives.
If you are a younger UFO enthusiast then this whole thing is probably lost on you, but for a certain generation that grew up watching The Brady Bunch, either when it was an active series or in the many years in syndication, this episode sparked imaginations and led to further research on UFOs which paved the way for a lifetime of research and wonder about the subject. I, for one, was very inspired by this episode and it led me to reading books by Bud Hopkins, Stanton Friedman, Whitley Streiber, and others. It also eventually led me to blog on this whole subject of UFOs and Cryptozoology which has fascinated me since childhood.
Silly as it seems, the unlikliest of things can lead you on a journey of a lifetime.
If you haven’t seen the episode, I recommend that you go and watch it for its campy entertainment value alone.
