Lum’s New Year Resolution

Originally Aired: January 1, 1940 Lum #238, "Lum's New Year Resolution," On New Year's Day in Pine Ridge, the Jot 'Em Down Store is open more out of habit than expectation of business. Lum sits by the stove with Grandfather Spears, discussing his New Year's resolutions. Among his pledges for 1940, Lum's most significant resolution is to be nicer to his partner Abner, feeling he's been too impatient and aggravated with him. When Grandpap asks about it, Lum explains that while Abner's mind works slowly, he's well-meaning and deserves better treatment. When Abner arrives dressed in his Sunday suit, Lum immediately puts his resolution into action, offering his chair, fetching water, and treating his partner with exaggerated kindness. However, Abner grows increasingly uncomfortable and suspicious of Lum's uncharacteristic behavior. After Grandpap leaves, Abner confronts Lum, demanding to know what's wrong. When Lum reveals his resolution to treat Abner better, his partner rebels completely, insisting he doesn't like being treated nicely and won't stand for it. The well-intentioned resolution backfires spectacularly as Abner demands things return to normal.