Ep 15. I Do Not Choose to Run

Rob Petrie, a television comedy writer, finds himself in a sticky situation in the latest episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show. In season 5 episode 15 titled "I Do Not Choose to Run," Rob is approached by a local political party and asked to run for city council. Initially, Rob is hesitant and unsure whether he is the right person for the job, but ultimately decides to throw his hat in the ring.

As the episode progresses, Rob quickly realizes that running a political campaign is no easy feat. He struggles to come up with a platform and is unsure of how to appeal to voters. Additionally, he faces opposition from his wife Laura, who is not supportive of his decision to run and worries about the impact it will have on their family.

Despite these challenges, Rob pushes forward with his campaign. He hits the campaign trail, attending rallies and meeting with voters, and even films a campaign commercial. However, he soon realizes that he is out of his depth when it comes to politics. He struggles to answer tough questions and makes a few missteps along the way.

The bulk of the episode revolves around Rob's campaign, but there are also several subplots that add some humor to the mix. One subplot follows Rob's coworker Buddy, who becomes obsessed with discovering the identity of a mystery woman who has been calling him repeatedly. Another subplot involves Laura's attempts to hire a maid to help with the household chores.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Rob's campaign is not going as well as he had hoped. He is trailing in the polls and struggles to gain traction with voters. In the end, he must decide whether to drop out of the race or continue pushing forward.

"I Do Not Choose to Run" is a classic episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show that showcases the series' blend of humor and heart. The episode explores themes of family, ambition, and the challenges of political campaigning. It also provides a great showcase for Dick Van Dyke's comedic talents, as he navigates the ups and downs of Rob's campaign with charm and wit. Fans of the series are sure to enjoy this episode, which remains a beloved classic of television history.