Ep 13. The Third One from the Left
- TV-G
- January 1, 1964
- 25 min
-
7.9 (218)
Rob, Buddy, and Sally are tasked with finding a replacement dancer for a variety show that they are writing. After auditioning several candidates, they settle on a young woman named Billie who is enthusiastic but inexperienced. However, when they see her dance on the night of the show, they realize they have made a mistake – Billie is terrible. As they try to come up with a solution, the director informs them that the third dancer from the left has sprained her ankle and won't be able to perform.
Desperate, Rob, Buddy, and Sally beg the director to let them replace the injured dancer with Billie. Reluctantly, he agrees, warning them that the third spot is the most important and most visible on stage. On the night of the show, Billie performs her routine, but the third spot proves to be a challenge, and she struggles to keep up with the other dancers. As the show progresses, the trio becomes increasingly anxious as Billie's mistakes become more apparent.
In an effort to help her succeed, Rob, Buddy, and Sally try different tactics to distract the audience's attention from Billie. They try to lead the applause, make faces, and even dance obnoxiously, but the audience remains fixated on Billie and her mistakes. After the show, the trio is devastated, thinking they have ruined Billie's career and their show. However, to their surprise, they find out that Billie's performance became a hit with the audience, who loved her for her enthusiasm and determination despite her mistakes.
In the end, the trio learns an important lesson about the importance of perseverance and determination, and how mistakes can sometimes lead to success. The episode is a fun and lighthearted exploration of the pressure and challenges of show business, and the importance of supporting each other through difficult times. As always, the chemistry between Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, and the rest of the cast is fantastic, making this episode a fan favorite and a must-watch for anyone looking for a fun and heartwarming experience.
