Once In A Blue Moon

From Smurfology

The Baby Smurf is the episode that featured Gargamel's impersonation of a baby Smurf.

"Once In A Blue Moon" was an episode that appeared in Season 3 of the Smurfs cartoon show. It is considered that season's premiere episode.

Summary

The blue moon.

The stork delivers a baby.

Baby Smurf in a basket.

Papa Smurf, Smurfette, and Baby.

The episode begins with an ominous shot of a large bird flying in the distance, holding something in its beak. It is raining and lightning strikes. Next, we see the Smurf Village at nightfall. A large moon dominates the skyline. Dreamy calls out, "goodnight Clumsy". Clumsy responds "goodnight Lazy...goodnight Grouchy!" Grouchy replies, in his usual manner, "I hate goodnights! ... goodnight Smurfette" - to which Smurfette giggles and says goodnight. More goodnights ensue, culminating with all the Smurfs saying "good night Papa Smurf".

Dreamy Smurf is still awake and peers up into the sky from his window. He says, "there is something about the moon tonight, something special - I can feel it." Next, the bird seen flying earlier perches on top of the Smurf Village water well. A roosted Feathers awakens and notices the commotion. The bird drops off a basket in front of Harmony Smurf's door, which has a trumpet placed outside. The bird then flies off into the air, almost hitting Feathers on the way up.

In the morning, Harmony awakes, walks out his door, and says, "Ah, another smurfy morning. Time for my serenade to the sun!" He begins to play - but stops, astonished. He notices the little bundle beside him. At first he thinks it's one of Jokey Smurf's surprises. Other Smurfs arrive and they postulate that the basket may contain a snake. They proceed to toss the basket from one Smurf to the next, in an attempt to distance themselves from the snake. Eventually, the basket ends up with Clumsy Smurf, who tosses it to Papa Smurf. Papa decides to open the basket, and declares, "Great Smurfs afire, it's a baby!"

Papa Smurf then sets to the task of getting the whole village involved and take care of Baby Smurf. Dreamy and Clumsy are told to fetch some milk. Handy is told to build a little bed. Tailor is told to make baby clothes. Papa makes it clear, though, that "what this baby needs is lots and lots of love". While all the Smurfs in the village appear to enjoy focusing their energies on taking care of Baby Smurf, one Smurf does not - Grouchy. Grouchy says, "I hate Baby Smurf!"

The weather begins to change - a storm is approaching. At the same time, the bird that brought Baby Smurf to the village is in the air again, carrying a letter in its beak.

Back at the Smurf Village, Baby Smurf starts crying, and needs a didey (diaper) changing. Clumsy asks Brainy where Baby Smurfs come from. Brainy says, "Do be serious Clumsy. Everyone knows where Baby Smurfs come from!" Of course, Brainy doesn't really know himself! He goes to ask Papa Smurf where baby Smurfs come from. Papa Smurf says, "Well Brainy, I knew this question was coming. And all I know is, that once in a blue moon, a baby smurf shows up for all of us to love. It is a great mystery."

Papa leaves Baby Smurf with Grouchy while he has work to do. Amazingly, Grouchy says "Oh....all right". Baby destroys Papa's lab. Brainy asks how long that type of behavior will last. Papa Smurf says that it doesn't last long - only 150 years! Grouchy is happily playing with Baby, although he keeps his amusement hidden from the others.

The bird finally arrives back at the village and delivers a letter to Papa Smurf demanding Baby Smurf's return. The letter reads, "We regret to inform you, that due to an error, a baby Smurf was delivered to you - color: blue, weight: two ounces, white diaper, silver pin. Please give it back to our carrier. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you." The Smurfs are appalled. Papa explains that there is nothing they can do - Baby Smurf must be returned. Grouch Smurf laments, "I hate returned." While Papa Smurf explains to the others why Baby must be returned, Smurfette comes running in - saying that Baby Smurf and Grouchy Smurf are missing. Brainy cannot fathom that Grouchy would abscond with Baby. Grouchy loved Baby very much, Papa explains, but was just afraid to show it!

The Smurfs send out a search party, including Feathers and the carrier bird. But Grouchy and Baby cannot be found. They are well hidden on a small island away from all the others. A terrible storm forces them to return to the village - Grouchy visibly bruised from the violent storm. Grouchy starts crying and says, "I hate giving up". Grouchy agrees to return Baby Smurf to the carrier bird.

No one is happy with the idea of returning Baby Smurf. Smurfette writes a letter of protest. Eventually, Baby Smurf flies off with the bird and the entire Smurf village is forlorn. That night, though, another blue moon appears - along with the carrier bird and Baby Smurf! Baby Smurf returns to the village with a note that reads, "Dear Smurfs, after due consideration, taking into account Smurfette's letter and the sincere devotion demonstrated by Grouchy Smurf, we have the pleasure of sending this Baby Smurf back to you. We are sorry for any inconvenience we may have caused." Papa Smurf says, "Baby Smurf is back home to stay!" The Smurfs break into chants of hip-hip-hooray, and the Smurfs rejoice. The episode ends with a song, sung by Papa Smurf and Dreamy Smurf, with the lyrics: "Once in a blue moon a baby comes to stay. Once in a blue moon, your heart is smurfed away. And once in a blue moon, your heart is filled with love, and all the things a baby brings from somewhere up above. [gentle laughter]"

Background Information

• This would be the first of several episodes designated as "premiere episodes" that would introduce new main characters to the Smurfs cast: Season 5's "The Smurflings", "Sassette", and "Puppy" would introduce a young Nat, Snappy, Slouchy, Sassette, and Puppy, Season 6's "Smurfquest" would introduce Grandpa Smurf, Season 7's "Smurf On The Wild Side" would introduce Wild Smurf, and Season 8's "The Lost Smurf" would introduce Nanny and Smoogle.