For her first CBS-TV special of the 1975-76 season, Lucy chose to work with Jackie Gleason, whom she had only appeared with briefly in the "Lucy Visits Jack Benny" episdoe of Here's Lucy, broadcast September 30, 1968.  The pair appeared together in three sketches, "a blend of comedy, satire and pathos written by Renee Taylor and Joseph Bologna" (TV Guide).  The magazine went on to describe the special as "variations on love and marriage...Lucy and Jackie play 'Herb and Sally,' middle-aged marrieds seeking to restore excitement to their lives with a trip to Rome.  'Fred and Rita,' illicit lovers who meet in a dark restaurant and try to decide whether to tell their spouses about their affair.  'Mike and Pauline,' domineering parents coming to the painful realization that their kids are ready for independence."  The special, directed by Charles Walters and broadcast December 3, 1975, was universally panned, especially be Variety, which called it "a dismal trio of one-act plays about unpleasant and stupid people."  Although the program recieved high ratings, Lucy had yet to have a critically acclaimed production in her post-Here's Lucy career.  It would arrive in her next special.