Ep 26. Where You Been, Fassbinder?

Rob Petrie is having a rough day at work, constantly being interrupted by phone calls and distractions. His fellow writers, Buddy Sorrell and Sally Rogers, are equally frustrated with the constant interruptions and lack of progress. Despite their difficulties, they try to stay focused on their task at hand: coming up with new material for their comedy show.

Just as they are on the verge of a breakthrough, Rob receives an unexpected visit from his old Army buddy, Harvey Fassbinder. Rob is thrilled to see his friend after so many years, but his excitement quickly turns to confusion when Harvey reveals that he has no memory of their time together in the service. To make matters worse, Harvey seems to be suffering from memory loss in general, frequently forgetting names and events from his past.

Rob is determined to help his old friend and decides to invite Harvey to stay at his house until he can figure out what is going on. However, this decision proves to be more challenging than Rob anticipated. Harvey's memory issues cause a series of comical mishaps and misunderstandings, much to the amusement of Rob's wife, Laura, and their neighbors, Jerry and Millie Helper.

As the days go by, Rob and Laura try to gently jog Harvey's memory by sharing stories and photographs from their time in the Army. Harvey seems genuinely interested in their anecdotes and enjoys looking at the old pictures, but his memory still doesn't return. Rob becomes increasingly frustrated and worried about his friend's condition, wondering if there is anything he can do to help him remember.

In the midst of the chaos, Rob and Laura also deal with their own daily struggles. Laura, a stay-at-home mom, tries to manage their young son, Ritchie, and keep the house in order while Rob is preoccupied with his friend. Their interactions provide lighthearted moments throughout the episode, showcasing their loving and playful relationship.

Meanwhile, at work, Buddy and Sally continue to wrestle with their creative blocks. The pressure to come up with fresh material becomes even more intense as they deal with Rob's absence and their own frustrations. They seek advice from Mel, the show's producer, who suggests they take a break and find inspiration outside of the office. While initially skeptical, Buddy and Sally decide to give it a try and embark on their own misadventures in the hopes of finding comedic inspiration.

As the episode nears its conclusion, Rob starts to lose hope for Harvey's recovery. However, in a heartwarming twist, a seemingly insignificant moment triggers a sudden surge of memories for Harvey, bringing back fragments of their Army days. Rob is overjoyed and relieved to see his friend regain his memory, and Harvey is grateful for Rob's patience and support throughout his struggle.

The episode concludes on a bittersweet note as Harvey prepares to leave Rob and Laura's home, fully recovered and ready to face the world. Rob and Laura say their goodbyes, cherishing the memories they created during Harvey's visit. The experience has taught them the value of friendship, patience, and the enduring bonds formed through shared experiences.

With heartfelt performances, comedic escapades, and a touching exploration of memory and friendship, "Where You Been, Fassbinder?" stands as an entertaining and emotionally resonant episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show. It reminds us that sometimes, the memories we cherish most are the ones we create together with the ones we love.