Ep 15. Lady in Wading

In the Newhart season 3 episode 15 titled "Lady in Wading," the cozy Vermont town of Stratford is abuzz with excitement, as the annual town picnic draws nearer. Dick Loudon (played by Bob Newhart), owner of the Stratford Inn, is doing his best to keep up with the preparations. Meanwhile, his wife Joanna (played by Mary Frann) is eager to unwind with some fishing at the local lake.

However, their relaxation plans get derailed when they discover a mystery woman in the water, wading around in nothing but her underwear. While some of the locals speculate that she might be an escaped mental patient, Dick and Joanna soon learn the truth: the woman is a famous actress named Natalie Granville (played by Dody Goodman), who has come to town to escape the hectic pace of Hollywood.

Dick, eager to take advantage of the celebrity status of his newest guest, invites Natalie to the town picnic as the guest of honor. But things quickly go awry when the actress's self-centered nature clashes with the down-to-earth community of Stratford. As Natalie becomes more demanding and difficult, Dick and Joana are forced to step in and help smooth things over.

As the day of the picnic approaches, tensions rise between Natalie and the rest of the town, culminating in a showdown at the festivities. But even as Natalie creates chaos in her wake, the townspeople come together to provide a heartwarming reminder of the true spirit of community.

"Lady in Wading" is a delightful episode that perfectly captures the charm and humor of the beloved television series, and features some wonderful performances from the talented cast. With its mix of slapstick comedy and wholesome small-town values, it's a must-see for fans of classic American sitcoms.