Florida Friebus Movies

Comic actor Bob Dishyappears in this episode as a pharmacist who has made it his mission in life to protest against artificial food additives. The pharmacist takes his crusade to Mel's diner--where he announces his intention to dramatize his stand by committing suicide! The curious changes in the décor of Mel's Diner which are unique to this episode suggest that it was taped very early in Season Two, but held back for several months. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Future WKRP in Cincinnati co-star Howard Hesseman reprises his role as Mr. Plager, the gay, culturally inclined member of Bob's therapy group. Urged on by Bob and the other patients, Plager writes, produces, and directs a play. Unfortunately, Plager's masterpiece, though ostensibly set during WWI, is a thinly disguised carbon copy of the group's therapy sessions, replete with characters based on Mr. Carlin, Mr. Petersen, Mrs. Bakerman -- and Bob himself. (For the record, these "faux" roles are filled by Jerry Devine, Lou Cutell, Amzie Strickland, and Frank Ashmore, respectively). Scripted by Andrew Smith, "Group on a Hot Tin Roof" was originally scheduled to air in February or March of 1978, but was moved up to January 28, due to Bob Newhart's absence from several other like-vintage episodes. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Bob advises both Emily and his patients never to store up their anger, but to "vent" when venting is necessary. Unfortunately, Bob's theory doesn't work too well with Emily at home. Nor is it effective with the garage mechanic who blackens Bob's eye. Also in the cast are voice-over specialist Bob Ridgely as Marvin and Marsha Kramer as the receptionist. Written by Sy Rosen, "Shrinking Violence" was originally telecast on March 12, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

With the help of Bob and a bottle, henpecked Mr. Petersen (John Fiedler) stands up to his wife. The consequences are enormous, not only for the Petersens, but also for Bob. Toni Lamond appears as the much-discussed but seldom-seen Doris Petersen, while Larry Goldman is cast as the cop. Scripted by Glen and Les Charles and directed by the series' comedy consultant, Dick Martin, "Who Was That Masked Man?" first aired on October 15, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Future WKRP in Cincinnati regular Howard Hesseman makes a return appearance on The Bob Newhart Show, this time in the role of Bob's new patient, Mr. Plager. Described as "mildly neurotic with compulsive tendencies," Plager is welcomed by the rest of Bob's therapy group with open arms. Alas, those arms quickly fold up when it is learned that Plager is gay. Written by Patricia Jones, "Some of My Best Friends Are..." first aired on October 16, 1976, as the series' 100th episode. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Bob turns amateur detective when his expensive new tape recorder turns up missing. Deducing that there's a thief at large, Bob places everyone -- friends and family members alike -- under suspicion. But the solution to the mystery is embarrassingly close to home. Originally shown over the CBS network on November 13, 1976, "A Crime Most Foul" was one of several Bob Newhart Show episodes written by veteran comedy scrivener, Sy Rosen. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Emily wants Bob to accompany her on a two-month European cruise. Bob is reticent, fearing that his practice and his patients will suffer during his absence. The crisis is resolved with a stateroom scene that would have done the Marx Brothers proud. Longtime Tonight Show head writer Pat McCormick appears in a cameo role. Written by Austin and Irma Kalish, "Bum Voyage" originally aired on March 3, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

The ever-rising cost of living has forced Bob to increase his rates. Unfortunately, he chooses the worst possible time to inform his therapy group that he's raising their fees. The group rebels en masse -- and that's hardly the end of Bob's dilemma. In addition to the usual aggregation of "patients," Henry Corden appears as Mr. Nenn. Written by Tom Patchett and Jay Tarses, "Mutiny on the Hartley" first aired on November 10, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Though not the first episode of The Bob Newhart Show to be filmed, "Fly the Unfriendly Skies" was chosen as the series' premiere telecast on September 16, 1972. Bob Hartley's "Fear of Flying" workshop has booked plane passage from Chicago to New York. Emily supportively goes along on her husband Bob's maiden flight, neglecting to mention, until the last moment, that she too is terrified of flying. A pre-Laverne and Shirley Penny Marshall appears as the stewardess. "Fly the Unfriendly Skies" was written by series creators David Davis and Lorenzo Music. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Anne Baxter guest stars as Ironside's attorney friend Carolyn White, whom the authorities have tagged as the "most obvious" suspect in the murder of her cheating spouse. Convinced that Carolyn is being framed, Ironside (Raymond Burr) dedicates himself to proving his thesis, while his colleagues accuse him of allowing his heart to rule his head. Meanwhile, the search goes on for the murder victim's missing body--a search that yields startling results. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide