Why did Ed never talk to anyone but Wilbur?

In the first episode Ed tells Wilbur that he only talks to him because "you're the only person I ever liked well enough". In another episode Wilbur tries to get him to talk (to testify in court and get Wilbur out of jail) and Ed says "if they find out I can talk I'll end up in a circus". So I don't think there was supposed to be any other mystery about it (although I don't think they ever explain why he can talk in the first place).

The reason Ed only speaks to Wilbur and not to everyone is simple: It's funnier that way!

My husband INSISTS that Ed isn't actually talking but rather that Wilbur is schizophrenic. We've been arguing about this for weeks and every time the show is on. He never saw this show as a kid. He was deprived. He saw it for the first time ever a few weeks ago. I've decided to stop arguing with him and to continue loving and enjoying this show!!!

Mrsmarkdave, I don't believe your husband really said that. Husbands can't talk. You must be schizophrenic. You merely think you heard him.

I can never figure out how Ed puts his eyeglasses on -- not to mention how he had his vision checked.

Yep, he talked to "Eddie Munster!"

Wilbur Post does ask Mister Ed numerous times during the entire series why he only talks to him and never in front of other people. Mister Ed's replies have been:

"Because inside, you're all horse."

"Because you love animals. Because you trust them."

"I got tired of talking to parrots, and you were the next step up."

"Because you're the only one I liked well enough to talk to. And because you're very eccentric."

"I only talk to you and other dumb animals."

"I hate skeptics!" (implying that Wilbur isn't one).

I'm watching an episode now in which Ed is talking to Velma the maid. He called her on the phone, identifying himself as Walter, a secret admirer. Now he has gotten her to go out on the patio and he is talking to her, but she can't see him.

So maybe he talked to people as long as they couldn't see him.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNtz0r5pmXo#t=0m51s

I think in one episode Ed said that he would turn in to a freak show if everyone found out he talked and end up in the circus or something. He didn't want to give up his simple life eating and sleeping in the barn.