DIck Van Dyke Show - Season One - Part III

Forty-four tickets **
One angry man **
Harrison B. Harding **

Standard filler episodes but with an extra something that makes them re-watchable. One Angry Man is the standard sitcom plot: “lead character holds out for Not guilty” I’d rate it higher, but the guest actors are terrible. Were they Carl Reiner’s neighbors? 44 Tickets – is the standard “Lead Character promised people tickets but doesn’t have them” trope. This one must go back to radio and Jack Benny. The only thing keeping it two stars? The always delightful Eleanor Audley shows up as the snooty “Mrs. Billingsley”. Harrison B. Harding – has some good writing, but the story’s a one-note piece of fluff. I would have rated it higher with a better guest star. Instead, it’s no more than adequate with 2nd banana Allen Melvin

To Tell or Not to Tell ** 1/2
Empress Carlotta's Necklace ** 1/2

MTM makes both these episodes above average. She dances in To tell or not to Tell. And her chemistry with Van Dyke in the final heartwarming scene was truly charming. In Carlotta’s Necklace her attempts to disguise her dislike of the necklace were hilarious. The episode also has some clever writing, whereby all of Laura's subtle but critical comments are taken by Van Dyke as proof she loves the necklace. The only keeping it from being 3 stars are the two terrible guest actors as Rob’s parents. 

My Blonde haired Brunette ***
Where did I come from? ***

Two good episodes that are memorable due to the two stars. MTM takes the standard “Wife dyes her hair with disastrous results” and makes it funny with over-the-top emotions, while Van dyke’s physical comedy lifts the usually boring “Dad acts crazy when his wife;s about to give birth”. Van Dyke sleeping with his hat on, to save time, is a highlight.

Oh, how we met the night that we danced ***
The great story of how Rob and Laura met while he was on in the Army. Best thing? MTM and Van Dyke sing/dance “You. Wonderful You”. I deducted ½ a star for the annoying Marty Ingels as “Sol” – Rob’s army friend. There’s way too much of this character, but Van Dyke and MTM save it.

Curious thing about women***1/2
The best episode of season one. Plot: Laura’s been opening Rob’s mail before he sees it. Annoyed,  Rob teaches her a lesson. Again, this is another old sitcom plot made fresh and funny by the two stars. MTM’s physical comedy as she tries to keep her curiosity in check and NOT open the package was great. The ending was stolen from Fibber McGee and Molly. But who knows who they stole it from. 

My only complaint? As in other episodes, Reiner  has Rob get self-righteous and obsessive about minor things. Here, Rob, is far too upset about Laura opening her mail, and complains too much.