Ep 8. The Fan

In Newhart season 3 episode 8, Bob Newhart plays the role of Dick Loudon, a writer and innkeeper who lives in Vermont with his wife Joanna. In this episode titled "The Fan", the Loudons are visited by an enthusiastic fan who claims to be a writer herself and is eager to meet Dick.

The episode starts with the Loudons welcoming their guests for the weekend, a newlywed couple named Jack and Marjorie. Shortly after their arrival, Dick receives a call from his fan, Cindy. She tells him she is in town and would love to meet him. Dick agrees to meet her at the inn later that afternoon.

When Cindy arrives, she is clearly smitten with Dick and gushes about every detail of his life and work. She tells him she's read all his books and can recite his speeches by heart. Dick is flattered but also a bit taken aback by her obsession. However, he tries to be polite and invites her to stay at the inn for the night.

As the night progresses, Cindy's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and unsettling. She follows Dick around the inn, interrupting his conversations and trying to monopolize his time. She even appears in his bedroom, claiming to have lost her key.

The Loudons become increasingly worried about Cindy's behavior and decide to intervene. Joanna tries to distract Cindy by taking her out for a walk, but Cindy ends up becoming even more obsessed with Dick. The situation reaches a boiling point when Cindy locks herself in a bathroom and refuses to come out.

The Loudons call the police, who arrive to try and talk some sense into Cindy. However, she becomes even more agitated and ends up taking Dick hostage at gunpoint. The situation is tense, and the police negotiate for hours with Cindy to release him.

The episode ends with a surprising twist and a happy resolution for all involved. The Loudons reflect on just how far some people will go in order to meet their idols and how things can spiral out of control quickly when obsession turns to madness.

Overall, Newhart season 3 episode 8 is a lighthearted yet thought-provoking exploration of the dangers of celebrity obsession. With its witty writing and solid performances by the cast, this episode is a standout in the series and a must-watch for fans of the show.