Ep 22. You Can Win 'Em All

Dr. Bob Hartley, a mild-mannered and witty psychologist, is faced with a new challenge in season 1 episode 22 of The Bob Newhart Show titled "You Can Win 'Em All." With his patience and stability, Dr. Hartley always finds a way to help and guide his patients to solve their problems, but this time he must help himself and deal with a personal issue.

The episode starts with Bob running late to a tennis game with his friend Jerry Robinson, a pompous and overly competitive tennis player who always seeks victory, no matter the cost. Bob, on the other hand, is more relaxed about the game and enjoys playing tennis for the sake of playing.

Jerry is a sore loser and, after losing the match, he chews out Bob for not being competitive enough. Jerry, who has won every tournament, brags about his success and boasts about how he never loses. Bob listens patiently before trying to leave, but Jerry demands a rematch. Bob agrees, but this time at his own pace.

Meanwhile, Bob's wife, Emily, is preparing for a party and is in a frenzy, instructing Bob to buy liquor for the guests. Bob tries to deflect but eventually gives in and agrees to buy the liquor.

Later on, Jerry comes to Bob's office demanding the rematch, but Bob says he has already arranged to play with his friend, Mr. Hathaway. Jerry, outraged, insults Hathaway and is even more insulted when Bob says he would rather lose with Hathaway than win with Jerry. Bob also says he doesn't need to win to feel good about himself and refuses to play with Jerry.

Bob's self-assurance irks Jerry, who is used to always winning and has never learned how to lose gracefully. This prompts Jerry to make a bet with Bob that he can't resist; whoever wins the tournament, the loser must serve drinks at the party while wearing a Tinkerbell costume. Bob has no intention of accepting the bet, but Jerry's persistence and arrogance get the better of him, and he finally agrees to the bet.

The day of the tournament arrives, and Jerry is more determined than ever, convinced that he will win. Bob, however, is not trying to win and plays for fun, which frustrates Jerry even more. Despite his competitive drive, Jerry's ego gets in the way of his game, causing him to lose and be forced to serve drinks wearing a humiliating costume at the party.

As the party starts, Bob feels guilty about making Jerry wear the Tinkerbell costume and considers letting him off the hook. Emily tries to persuade Bob not to compromise on the bet as Jerry hasn't learned his lesson. She reminds Bob that Jerry's behavior justifies the punishment, and that sometimes people need a dose of humility to learn to be more humble.

Jerry finally arrives at the party in the Tinkerbell costume, forcing him to confront his arrogance and learn to lose gracefully. Jerry admits his faults and apologizes to everyone for his behavior. Bob forgives him and they finally reconcile, ending their rivalry.

The Bob Newhart Show season 1, episode 22, You Can Win 'Em All, is an insightful and funny story about learning to lose gracefully, the dangers of arrogance, and the value of humility. Bob's unwavering self-confidence and level-headedness allow him to teach a valuable lesson to those around him, making him a lovable and relatable character.