Classic TV Christmas Festival #3: The Bob Newhart Show

"The Bob Newhart Show" had several Christmas episodes, but the one I just saw is "His Busiest Season" from the first season DVD and available on Hulu. It's a funny show with some patented Bob reactions and that sort of thing. What strikes me about it, though, is its underlying melancholy, something you don't always get in this kind of sitcom holiday fare.

Of course, "Bob Newhart" was always a show with an adult sensibility, so it's not surprising that its take on the yuletide season would be a thoughtful one. But, while maybe I'm reaching here, I see a vague connection to a timeless special aimed at kids--"A Charlie Brown Christmas."

Both this episode and "Charlie" end on an upbeat note, but the happiness is preceded by a series of emotional ups and downs. You all know the story of the Peanuts gang, but Bob's Christmas experience begins (at least this half-hour does) with a group therapy session in which all his patients relate the bad memories and experiences they associate with the holiday. Later, the act of gift-giving causes anxiety as Bob must first find Emily a worthy gift, then go back out and get more after he sees the big stack of stuff she got him.

Then we see the happy couple relaxing in front of the TV on Christmas Eve. Howard* stops by, killing time before a flight to France, and all but invites himself in, clearly lonely and desperate for company. The 3 of them try to enjoy themselves but realize something is missing. Emily says it isn't Christmas without kids and a bunch of people, etc. So Bob throws a party at his house with all his patients.

Even though the place is bustling, there still is a pall in the air as the patients express some of their anxieties and fears. The ice finally thaws, if not breaks, when Bob admits it's a bad party and everyone, relieved it's not just them, joins in talking about what a bad party it is. So now they can all finally relax and have fun and sing carols, right?

Not quite. Jerry arrives, and while all the others are singing songs, he hesitates before entering the group, obviously troubled. When Bob asks him what's wrong, Jerry says he was late and everybody else is having a good time already, so he feels left out, which makes him sad. Note that this line isn't played for laughs at all. We only get a joke of sorts when Bob hastily assures the guests that Jerry didn't say he felt "sad," but that he felt "glad." As we head to the credits, the fragile, tentative Christmas cheer seems to be holding, but only after this final (we hope) reassurance from Dr. Bob Hartley.

At one point, Bob even gets up and says, almost sounding like a certain round-headed kid, "I'm not gonna let Christmas get me down," before organizing his impromptu party. The implication is that even surrounded by your wife, your best friend, and a beautiful tree surrounded by presents, you have to guard against the loneliness of the holiday.

Whew! There's a lot of angst in this episode, and not all of it is washed away with a joke or a funny take. It reminds me of the way "A Charlie Brown Christmas" captures some of the darkness that accompanies the "most wonderful time of the year." After all, if you don't feel happy, it can be difficult making it through the season with everyone telling you how happy they are--and how happy you should be.

*Thanks to Ivan for the save, as I originally mixed up my Bill Daily characters!