Ep 3. The Ugliest Dog in the World

Rob Petrie, a television comedy writer for the fictional "Alan Brady Show," eagerly awaits the arrival of an unusual package - a painting of a dog. His excitement is short-lived, however, when he realizes that the portrait depicts a hideously unappealing mutt with bulging eyes, drooling jaws, and hair like a wilted dishrag. The dog's owner, Mr. Jensen, is a relatively new acquaintance of Laura Petrie, Rob's wife, and insists that his beloved pet, whom he considers a thing of beauty, should grace the offices of the "Alan Brady Show."

Laura, who considers herself an animal lover, struggles to convince Rob that they should hang the painting prominently in their home as a token of their friendship to Mr. Jensen. Rob is adamantly against this, and this difference of opinion between the two escalates into a heated argument.

The tension brought on by the painting issue spills over into Rob's office, where Rob and Buddy Sorrell, his fellow writer, try to come up with a feasible storyline for the show's next episode. Their colleague, Sally Rogers, who is also involved in the production, joins them and immediately fixates on the dog painting. Sally is convinced that she can write a script around the portrait if given the opportunity.

Eventually, Rob and Laura invite Mr. Jensen and his dog, whom they never find physically appealing, to their home for dinner. While at dinner, Mr. Jensen talks incessantly about his dog and Laura, in an attempt to be polite to their guest, keeps complimenting Mr. Jensen's dog. Meanwhile, Rob, who still hates the painting, continues to criticize it. Mr. Jensen becomes angry at Rob's constant criticism of his dog and the party begins to take an unforeseen turn.

In the meantime, Sally writes a script for the show featuring the dog portrait, without Rob's knowledge. However, the plot is a disaster, forcing Rob and Buddy to come up with a new storyline just a few hours before the show goes on the air.

The episode ends with Rob and Laura making amends with Mr. Jensen, who acknowledges that his dog may not be the most attractive creature, but it has a good heart. Sally's script is thrown out, and Rob and Buddy emerge with a brilliant plot idea in the nick of time.

The Dick Van Dyke Show, aired from 1961-1966, remains one of the most beloved sitcoms in American history. Created by legendary writer Carl Reiner, the show starred Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam, and Richard Deacon. Known for its witty writing, clever dialogue, and lively cast of characters, the show tackled various issues and provided laughs for audiences of all ages.

In this particular episode, the show's writers introduce a common domestic disagreement that speaks to the dynamic of relationships and the importance of compromise. The painting of the unattractive dog serves as a metaphor for this issue, highlighting the divide that can exist between individuals in a relationship. The resolution of this issue serves to reinforce the value of mutual respect and understanding in a successful partnership.

Overall, "The Ugliest Dog in the World" is a testament to the enduring popularity and comedic excellence of The Dick Van Dyke Show. Its themes continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless classic of the sitcom genre.