Ep 7. Old Man Rivers

Dr. Bob Hartley is back in the second season of the classic comedy, The Bob Newhart Show. In this episode, titled "Old Man Rivers," we find Bob dealing with one of his most difficult patients yet – an elderly man named Mr. Rivers who is convinced he is dying.

As the show opens, we see Bob trying to examine Mr. Rivers, who is a cantankerous old man with a laundry list of health complaints. Despite Bob's best efforts to reassure him otherwise, Mr. Rivers is convinced that he is on his deathbed and that there is nothing Bob can do to save him.

As Bob struggles to deal with Mr. Rivers' anxiety and hypochondria, he finds himself becoming frustrated and even a little bit angry with his patient. However, he soon realizes that Mr. Rivers' behavior may be a result of deeper emotional issues related to his fear of death.

In an effort to help Mr. Rivers come to terms with his mortality, Bob enlists the help of his wife Emily, who happens to be a counselor. Together, they work to get Mr. Rivers to open up about his fears and anxieties, and help him to feel more at ease with the idea of death.

While the plot of the episode may not sound particularly comedic, The Bob Newhart Show manages to infuse the subject matter with plenty of humor and levity. From Bob's deadpan reactions to Mr. Rivers' outlandish claims, to the scene-stealing antics of Bob's receptionist Carol, the show keeps the laughs coming even as it tackles some more serious themes.

Overall, "Old Man Rivers" is a classic episode of what was, and still is, one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. With its relatable characters, smart writing, and timeless humor, it's no wonder that The Bob Newhart Show continues to be popular with audiences of all ages, even decades after it first aired.