The Bob Newhart Show: A Crime Most Foul

The Bob Newhart Show: A Crime Most Foul
CBS
November 13, 1976
Sitcom
DVD
B-

In this Sy Rosen story, Bob loses his expensive new tape recorder and suspects everyone around him.  For those keeping track, when Emily refers to Bob's best friend, he assumes she means Jerry.  And Emily is a much better harmonica player than Bob.  This time around, Bob's group includes Mr. Herd (Oliver Clark) but not Michelle or the recently added Mr. Plager.

The Bob Newhart Show: The Great Rent Strike

The Bob Newhart Show: The Great Rent Strike
CBS
October 23, 1976
Sitcom
DVD
B+

This, the first of three BNS scripts by David Lloyd, who's more known for The Mary Tyler Moore Show, is sharp and funny, from Carol "busting her S" to Bob finding a way to get new landlord Carlin to make repairs.  It's interesting that there's no sexual connotation whatsoever to Howard crawling into bed with the Hartleys, or even going to a hotel with Emily.  This is Pleshette's 100th episode.

The Bob Newhart Show: Birth of a Salesman

Oliver Clark

The Bob Newhart Show: Birth of a Salesman
CBS
February 14, 1976
Sitcom
DVD
B-

In this Sy Rosen story, Mr. Herd (Oliver Clark) considers suing Bob for bad advice.  Meanwhile, Jerry tries on glasses that are garish even by mid-'70s standards.  This is the first of three series episodes directed by John C. Chulay.