Ep 20. Duke of Dunk
- TVG
- January 31, 1976
- 25 min
-
8.1 (97)
Dr. Bob Hartley (Bob Newhart) is a psychologist who works with patients at a medical clinic located in Chicago. In season 4 episode 20 of the show, titled "Duke of Dunk," Bob has uncovered a secret talent that he never knew he had: basketball. Bob joins a local basketball league and finds that he is actually quite good at the sport.
Bob's newfound basketball skills bring him a sense of confidence and excitement that he has never experienced before. He joins a team of other amateur basketball players and quickly becomes their star player, known as the "Duke of Dunk." Bob quickly becomes enamored with the sport and begins to spend all of his free time playing basketball and practicing his moves on the court.
Despite his initial success, however, Bob begins to face some challenges as he struggles to balance his new hobby with his work and family life. His wife Emily (Suzanne Pleshette) is initially supportive of Bob's new hobby, but soon grows frustrated with his constant obsession with basketball. His patients also begin to notice a change in Bob's demeanor, as he becomes increasingly distracted during therapy sessions.
As the episode progresses, Bob's passion for basketball begins to cause conflict in his personal life. He misses family outings and struggles to maintain a work-life balance, causing him to question whether his love of basketball is worth risking everything else in his life for.
Ultimately, Bob is forced to make a difficult decision about his future with basketball, and must decide what is truly important to him. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about the importance of balance and finding fulfillment in all aspects of life, and is forced to confront some of his own personal demons in the process.
Overall, season 4 episode 20 of The Bob Newhart Show is a poignant exploration of the human desire for success and fulfillment, and a reminder to always keep sight of what really matters in life. With its mix of humor, heart, and drama, it is an excellent addition to the series' already impressive canon.
