Ep 15. The Impractical Joke

Rob and Buddy are feeling prankish in this episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show. The pair decide to play a joke on Mel, the show's producer, by pretending that Rob has been committed to a sanitarium for nervous exhaustion. The plan is to make Mel think that Rob has completely lost his mind, and they start by planting clues around the office and studio that point to Rob's supposed breakdown.

The ruse starts to spiral out of control when Mel takes the bait and begins to believe that Rob is actually in the mental hospital. Even Rob's wife Laura gets in on the joke, pretending to be a nurse when Mel calls the supposed sanitarium. But when Mel decides to visit Rob at the institution, Rob and Buddy must scramble to find a way out of their mess before it's too late.

Meanwhile, Sally is dealing with her own issues at work. She's been given a chance to audition for a part on another show, but she's struggling with nerves and self-doubt. Rob tries to help her out by coaching her through her lines, but Sally's anxiety gets the better of her and she takes an impromptu trip to the movies instead.

Back at the studio, Rob and Buddy are still trying to extricate themselves from the elaborate hoax they've pulled on Mel. Their plan to dress up as orderlies and sneak out of the sanitarium backfires when they're caught by a watchful nurse. It looks like their practical joke might have serious consequences after all.

Fortunately, everything works out in the end. Sally finally gets up the nerve to audition for the other show and nails her part. Mel is relieved to learn that Rob is not, in fact, insane, and even gets in on the joke himself by pretending to be a patient at the sanitarium. In the final scene, the whole gang gathers in the office to share a laugh and a drink, relieved that their practical joke didn't go too far off the rails.

This episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show is a classic example of the show's light-hearted charm and clever humor. The antics of Rob and Buddy are playful and good-natured, making the audience root for them even while they're making a mess of the situation. The subplot with Sally adds just enough emotional weight to the episode to keep it from feeling too silly, and the final scene is a satisfying payoff for all the wackiness that has come before.

Overall, The Impractical Joke is a great example of what makes The Dick Van Dyke Show such a beloved classic. The show's combination of slapstick and wit is hard to resist, and the chemistry between the cast members is undeniable. If you're looking for a fun and lighthearted comedy with a touch of heart, this episode is a perfect choice.