Ep 18. If You Want to Shoot the Rapids You Have to Get Wet
- January 19, 1976
Rhoda season 2 episode 18 is entitled If You Want to Shoot the Rapids You Have to Get Wet. This episode revolves around the main character, Rhoda, and her attempts to overcome her fear of snakes.
Rhoda is a strong, independent woman who is not afraid to face her fears, but she is absolutely terrified of snakes. In this episode, she is forced to confront her fear head-on when she is invited to a weekend retreat by her friend Brenda. The retreat is taking place at a secluded cabin in the mountains and will involve a canoe trip down some rapids.
Rhoda is excited to spend time with Brenda and meet new people, but she is apprehensive about the canoe trip. As they embark on their journey down the river, Rhoda's fear of snakes begins to get the best of her. She imagines snakes slithering into the canoe and biting her. She becomes so overwhelmed with fear that she suggests they turn back before they even reach the rapids.
Brenda, sensing Rhoda's fear, tries to reassure her that everything will be fine. She reminds Rhoda that if she wants to shoot the rapids, she has to get wet. With Brenda's encouragement, Rhoda decides to face her fear and continue down the river. As they navigate the rapids, Rhoda begins to relax and enjoy herself. She realizes that her fear of snakes was holding her back from experiencing new things.
While on the trip, Rhoda also meets a man named Bob, played by guest star Stuart Margolin. Bob is a rough and tumble adventurer who is always looking for his next thrill. Rhoda is intrigued by his carefree attitude and devil-may-care approach to life. They strike up a conversation, and Rhoda finds herself surprisingly drawn to him.
During the trip, Bob decides to go off on his own and explore a nearby cave. When he doesn't return for some time, Rhoda begins to worry. She sets out to find him, but when she arrives at the cave, she finds him trapped inside with a snake. Rhoda must muster all of her courage to free Bob and escape the cave with him.
Overall, If You Want to Shoot the Rapids You Have to Get Wet is an excellent episode of Rhoda. It shows the importance of facing one's fears and the exhilaration that can come from pushing oneself out of their comfort zone. The episode also highlights the strong friendship between Rhoda and Brenda and introduces a fun and exciting new character in Bob.