Ep 19. Death Be My Destiny

In The Bob Newhart Show season 5 episode 19 titled "Death Be My Destiny," Bob Hartley (played by Bob Newhart) finds himself grappling with his own mortality after a series of incidents that lead him to believe he may be dying. The episode starts with Bob feeling dizzy while performing surgery on a patient at his medical practice, and he becomes convinced that he has a brain tumor. Despite the reassurances of his wife, Emily (played by Suzanne Pleshette), and his friend and colleague, Dr. Jerry Robinson (played by Peter Bonerz), Bob cannot shake the feeling that he is destined to die soon.

As the episode progresses, Bob's anxiety about his possible impending death becomes more pronounced, and Emily tries to help him cope by scheduling appointments with various doctors and specialists. However, each appointment only makes Bob more convinced that he has a serious illness, and he starts to make unusual decisions about his life. For example, he tells his friend Howard (played by Bill Daily) that he will take him to a baseball game, but only if he can do it tomorrow, as he is convinced that he will not live beyond that day.

Meanwhile, Emily tries to get Bob to relax and take his mind off his worries by suggesting they plan a vacation, but Bob insists that he doesn't want to do anything that might distract him from his impending death. At the same time, Dr. Robinson becomes increasingly concerned about Bob's mental state and decides to put him in touch with a psychiatrist. Bob initially resists the idea, but eventually agrees to see the psychiatrist, and this leads to a breakthrough in his thinking.

Without giving too much away, "Death Be My Destiny" is a poignant and thought-provoking episode that tackles themes of mortality, anxiety, and the fragility of life. Bob Newhart delivers one of his finest performances in the series, portraying Bob Hartley as a vulnerable and introspective character who is facing a crisis of faith. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Suzanne Pleshette bringing warmth and compassion to the role of Emily, and Peter Bonerz providing some much-needed levity as Dr. Robinson.

Overall, "Death Be My Destiny" is a standout episode of The Bob Newhart Show that showcases the show's ability to handle serious subjects with sensitivity and humor. Fans of the show will appreciate the way in which it explores the human experience of mortality, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches it.