Ep 7. Send This Boy to Camp

Bob Newhart is back with humor and wit in "The Bob Newhart Show" season 5 episode 7 entitled "Send This Boy to Camp." The episode revolves around Bob's patient, a 13-year-old child named Roland, who is sent to a summer camp to cure his bedwetting problem.

Initially hesitant, Roland's parents, Mrs. and Mr. Tupperman, decide to send him to "Camp Gutbuster," a boot camp known for its tough love and strict discipline, in hopes of helping their son overcome his bedwetting and other behavioral issues. Bob is consulted to manage Roland's medical concerns while at the camp.

Once at the camp, Roland is greeted by the no-nonsense camp director, who orders Roland to turn in all of his belongings, including his beloved teddy bear, and begin a rigorous routine of exercise and activities. Roland struggles to fit in with the other campers, who are all older and bigger than him. His bedwetting problem continues to persist, much to his embarrassment and shame.

Back in the city, Bob is wracked with guilt over sending Roland to camp and is consumed with thoughts of his young patient's wellbeing. He obsessively calls the camp's director to check on Roland and provides advice to Roland's parents on how to communicate with their son. Mrs. Tupperman, feeling guilty about sending her son away, becomes overbearing and clingy with her husband and begins to have difficulty focusing on her daily responsibilities.

As the weeks go by, Roland continues to struggle at camp while the Tuppermans grow increasingly frazzled in their everyday lives. Bob tries his best to counsel all involved - including the ever-hilarious Jerry and Emily in his reception area - to little avail.

Throughout the episode, there are moments of both humor and heartache as all parties navigate the challenging situation of sending a child away to camp. Bob struggles with his over-investment in his patient's life, and the Tuppermans are forced to confront the aftermath of sending their child away. Meanwhile, Roland learns hard lessons about striving to fit in and makes unlikely friendships with his fellow campers.

As the episode concludes, viewers are left with a message of hope as Roland returns home, displaying confidence and maturity that he didn't possess before attending camp. The Tuppermans accept their son with newfound understanding and love, while Bob realizes the importance of letting go of his patients and trusting in their own growth and development.

Overall, "Send This Boy to Camp" is a touching episode that explores themes of growth, letting go, and family. Viewers will enjoy the witty banter that Bob Newhart is known for, while also empathizing with the struggles faced by the characters involved.