Ep 6. The Health King

The Doris Day Show is a classic American sitcom that aired for five seasons from 1968 to 1973. The show starred legendary actress and singer Doris Day as Doris Martin, a widowed mother of two young boys who moves from the city to the suburbs in order to start a new life. The show follows Doris as she navigates the ups and downs of suburban life, balancing her work as a secretary at Today's World magazine with her responsibilities as a mother and homemaker.

In season 2 episode 6, titled "The Health King", Doris becomes concerned about her health after reading an article in Today's World about a man named George Braidon (played by guest star Lawrence Dobkin), who is known as the "health king" for his strict healthy living regimen. Doris decides to follow Braidon's advice and begins eating a diet of raw fruits and vegetables, exercising rigorously, and even taking cold showers in an effort to improve her health.

Doris's new health kick causes some friction with her friends and family, who find her new habits to be bizarre and extreme. Her best friend Myrna (played by Rose Marie) is particularly skeptical, warning Doris that she is taking things too far and risking her health. Doris's children, Billy and Toby, are also less than enthusiastic about their mother's new lifestyle, as it means they have to give up their beloved junk food and participate in her exercise routines.

Despite the disapproval of those around her, Doris continues to follow Braidon's advice, attending his lectures and even going on a weekend retreat with him and a group of other health enthusiasts. However, things take a turn for the worse when Doris becomes so weak from her new regimen that she collapses and has to be hospitalized.

In the hospital, Doris realizes that she has been neglecting her responsibilities as a mother and friend in her quest for better health. She comes to the realization that being healthy is important, but not at the expense of her relationships and happiness. Doris decides to balance her health goals with her social and familial obligations, resolving to make healthier choices while still indulging in the occasional treat and spending quality time with her loved ones.

"The Health King" is a classic episode of The Doris Day Show that explores the theme of balance and the importance of taking care of oneself without sacrificing the things that truly matter in life. Doris's journey towards better health is both humorous and poignant, as she learns that true wellness comes from a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Guest star Lawrence Dobkin delivers a standout performance as the eccentric "health king" George Braidon, adding to the episode's charm and humor. Overall, "The Health King" is a must-watch episode of The Doris Day Show that is both entertaining and uplifting.