The Bob Newhart Show: The Battle of the Groups

The Bob Newhart Show: The Battle of the Groups
CBS
September 21, 1974
Sitcom
DVD
B-

This Patchett & Tarses story has its moments (yes, some of them include Jack Riley streaking), but it doesn't work as well as it could.  On the one hand, the idea of Bob's two therapy groups going on a marathon weekend in the woods, with Emily tagging along, has potential, but unfortunately there are two many performers, and some of them are either not fleshed out or they're clearly substitutes for other characters or performers.  Meanwhile, Ellen apartment-sits for Bob and Emily, and Bob is clearly worried that Howard will spend the weekend there, too.  (He does, but only because Ellen gets the flu.)

Group #1 is comprised of Mr. Carlin, Mr. Gianelli (played by Daniel J. Travanti this once), Mrs. Havlicek (Lenore Woodward, doing her best Florida Friebus impression, knitting and all), Michelle, and Mr. Peterson, while Group #2 is Carlin again, Mr. Herd (Oliver Clark), Craig Plager (Hesseman), Shirley Ullman (Millie Slavin), and Mr. Vickers (Lucian Scott).