Ep 13. Beauty and the Pest

In Newhart season 8 episode 13, titled "Beauty and the Pest", viewers are treated to a hilarious and heartwarming story that showcases the wit and charm that made this show so popular.

The episode kicks off with a simple premise - a nasty winter storm has left the Stratford Inn with no guests, except for one particularly unwelcome visitor - a mouse that has taken up residence in the hotel restaurant. The mouse, voiced by comedian Bobcat Goldthwait, is small but mighty, causing chaos and mayhem as it dines on the crumbs left behind by the absent humans.

Enter Dick Loudon (played by Bob Newhart), the owner of the Stratford Inn and the calm, collected voice of reason in the midst of the mouse-related madness. Despite his best efforts, however, the mouse continues to elude him, wreaking havoc with abandon and proving to be a formidable foe.

As the storm rages on outside, Dick is forced to get creative in his battle with the mouse, enlisting the help of his wife Joanna (played by Mary Frann), his friend George (played by Tom Poston), and the rest of the hotel staff. Along the way, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, including a bumbling exterminator, a wealthy guest with a penchant for cheese, and a brooding poet who may hold the key to their mouse problem.

Throughout it all, the show is infused with the trademark humor and warmth that made Newhart such a beloved series. The onscreen chemistry between Newhart and Frann is palpable, as the two deftly navigate the ups and downs of their marriage with equal parts wit and affection. Meanwhile, the rest of the cast shines in their supporting roles, providing ample laughs and heartwarming moments as they band together to tackle their mouse problem.

As the episode draws to a close, the mouse is eventually caught and the storm begins to clear, bringing a sense of calm and resolution to the beleaguered hotel staff. Despite the chaos and uncertainty of the night before, they emerge stronger and more united than ever, having bonded over their shared struggle against their small but mighty foe.

Overall, "Beauty and the Pest" is a standout episode of Newhart that showcases the show's unique blend of humor, heart, and clever storytelling. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer to the world of Stratford Inn, this episode is sure to delight and entertain.