Ep 2. Joey the Patient
- October 4, 1964
- 24 min
Joey Bishop, the titular host of his own talk show, finds himself on the other side of the interview chair in season 4 episode 2 of The Joey Bishop Show, titled "Joey the Patient." Joey has come down with a mystery ailment and takes the opportunity to document his journey through the healthcare system.
The episode opens with Joey arriving at the doctor's office, where he quizzes the receptionist on the expected wait time. Much to his chagrin, he's informed that he'll have to wait his turn like everyone else. As Joey sits down in the waiting room, he strikes up a conversation with an older woman about their shared symptoms.
Once Joey is finally called in to see the doctor, the real fun begins. He's poked, prodded, and subjected to a series of embarrassing tests as the medical staff tries to identify the cause of his illness. Joey's quick wit is on full display as he making quips and jokes through the entire ordeal.
Despite their efforts, the doctors are unable to pinpoint the root of Joey's symptoms and he's advised to stay home and rest. Joey, however, is not content to sit idly by as the world moves on without him. He enlists his secretary and personal assistant, Ellie, to bring the studio to his bedside and continue filming his show from home.
The resulting episodes are a mixed bag of hilarity and chaos. Joey's horde of celebrity friends drop by to wish him well, but his illness leaves him with a bit of a short fuse. His on-air interviews range from insightful to bizarre as he attempts to make the most of his compromised situation.
Throughout it all, Joey maintains his signature charming personality, but viewers can see the toll the illness is taking on him. He becomes increasingly frazzled as his symptoms persist, and he struggles to keep up with the relentless pace of his show. Viewers are left wondering if and when Joey will make a full recovery.
"Joey the Patient" is a hilarious and poignant installment of The Joey Bishop Show. It's a rare instance of a talk show host allowing himself to be vulnerable and putting his own life on display. Joey Bishop lights up the screen with his humor and charisma, but the underlying message of the episode is clear - even the biggest personalities can be brought down by illness.