199: The Honeymooners Meet a Sexually Ambiguous Latino

“Mama Loves Mambo” (May 3, 1956)

While Ralph Kramden never met an out gay character on screen, he did once tussle with a new neighbor, Carlos Sanchez (Charles Korvin), who embodies all the traits of the “latin lover” stock character type. This includes being perceived as a threat to women while also being sensitive, empathetic and emotional — or in the midcentury binary, effeminate. We’re joined by Nu Julio himself, Tony Rodriguez, to discuss why this classic sitcom strikes a different chord than I Love Lucy, what to make of Ralph Kramden’s domestic violence threats and why you maybe didn’t see The Honeymooners in syndication back in the day.

Watch Tony's new movie Maximum Truth on Prime Video, Apple TV or YouTube.

Episode artwork by Ian O’Phelan.