Ep 1. Tell a Lie, Get a Check

In the season 3 premiere of Newhart, titled "Tell a Lie, Get a Check," the residents of the town of Stratford are eager to get their hands on a new windfall of cash that has come their way. It turns out that the town has mistakenly received a large check from a big corporation, and nobody seems to have any qualms about keeping it.

Dick Loudon, the owner of the local inn, is hesitant to endorse this plan, however. He doesn't think it's right to keep the money, even if it was sent to them by mistake. But when he discovers that his wife Joanna and their handyman George Utley have both lied in order to get a share of the cash, he realizes that he might not have a choice.

As more and more townsfolk come out of the woodwork to demand their share of the money, things become increasingly chaotic in Stratford. There are fights over who deserves what amount, accusations of greed and selfishness are hurled around, and Dick is caught in the middle of it all.

Meanwhile, Stephanie, the inn's maid, is dealing with some problems of her own. She's desperate to impress her handsome new boyfriend Todd, but she's not exactly sure how to do it. When Todd asks her to pretend to be his ex-girlfriend in an effort to make his current flame jealous, Stephanie reluctantly agrees. But when the plan backfires and Todd ends up getting dumped, Stephanie realizes that she may have made a huge mistake.

Throughout the episode, Dick tries to do the right thing by returning the money to its rightful owners. But the people of Stratford are clinging onto their newfound wealth with all their might, and Dick begins to wonder if he's fighting a losing battle.

In the end, the situation comes to a head when the real owner of the check arrives in town to claim his money. After a series of mishaps and misunderstandings, the townsfolk finally agree to return the cash. But as they prepare to hand it over, they hear that the company has decided to let them keep it after all. With everyone once again feeling flush and fortunate, peace is restored to the town of Stratford.

"Tell a Lie, Get a Check" is a classic episode of Newhart that showcases the quirky characters and offbeat humor that made the show a beloved hit. With its mix of zany plot twists and heartfelt moments, the episode is a great introduction to the world of Newhart for anyone who hasn't seen the show before. For longtime fans, it's a welcome return to the lovable characters and charming small-town setting that made the show such a delight to watch.