The Beverly Hillbillies reconsidered

For whatever reason, I have, on several occasions of late, found myself watching reruns of The Beverly Hillbillies. I remember liking it and I have been reminded why. The writers rightly recognized that plot is fairly unimportant in a twenty-plus minute situational comedy. Instead they aimed for absurd humor and incisive social commentary. They mostly succeeded on both fronts. They also had a philosophical streak. Honest, it's there. If I were ever to have to try and teach causality to undergrads again, I do believe I would make them watch an episode of The Beverly Hillbillies.