Although Bob Newhart's fame initially rested on his inventive standup routines, he mastered the sitcom form seemingly without effort, turning this 1970s comedy into must-see TV for millions of Americans. The character of psychotherapist Dr. Bob Hartley was a perfect one on which to hang a show populated with quirky characters. Like most clever comedians starring in weekly series, Newhart surrounded himself with capable comic actors and allotted them a generous share of the laughs (much of the time he was just a “straight man” setting up the jokes they delivered). The supporting cast excels in the 24 episodes of this 1973-74 second season boxed set. “Emily in for Carol” finds Bob's wife Emily (Suzanne Pleshette) sitting in for his receptionist Carol (Marcia Wallace) when the latter goes on vacation—an arrangement everybody seems to like, except Bob. Pleshette also takes center stage in “Mister Emily Hartley,” in which Bob's self-esteem takes a hit when a routine test establishes that Emily's IQ is higher than his. “Have You Met Miss Dietz?” finds Bob's fellow medical-center tenant, orthodontist Jerry Robinson (Peter Bonerz), competing with his friend Howard Borden (Bill Daily) for the attentions of an attractive divorcee (guest star Mariette Hartley). And Jerry dominates “Confessions of an Orthodontist,” in which he tells Bob that he's in love with Carol. Overall, the writing is clever, the pace sprightly, and the performances engaging—without bathroom humor or smarmy sexual innuendos (imagine that!). DVD extras include audio commentaries and a new “making-of” featurette with cast interviews. (E. Hulse)
The Bob Newhart Show: The Complete Second Season
Fox, 3 discs, 645 min., not rated, DVD: $29.98 December 12, 2005
The Bob Newhart Show: The Complete Second Season
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