Oh, Rob.

Have I expressed my love for The Dick Van Dyke Show lately? I don't think so.

You should know that I have a crush on Robert Petrie, the head writer of the Alan Brady Show. I like how he's such an incredibly graceful klutz. I like how his hair always looks perfect, but how it looks even nicer when it's mussed up. I like how he's a nice guy, sometimes a push-over, who tries to act tough when necessary but doesn't often succeed. I like how he speaks and sings. I like how, around the house, he wears those grandpa sweaters (for lack of a better word). I like that he's a tall string bean. I like how he wants to avoid conflict but will stand up when he has to.

But it's not just Rob Petrie...I love pretty much everything else about the show as well. The Dick Van Dyke Show is clever, hilarious, eloquent, and timeless.

I love how Rob trips over the step near the front door. And over ottomans. And stray toys.

I love how Richie {Rosebud} Petrie hides in cabinets and closets when he's little and always asks Rob what he brought home.

I love Buddy's cello playing and his jokes. And his wife, Pickles.

I especially love his bald jokes directed at Mel Cooley. And I love Mel's constant reply: a look of contempt and a "Yech!"

I love Alan Brady's obnoxiousness and his many toupees and hair pieces.

I love Sally's unusual voice (which I admit I found a little unsettling when I first started watching). And the inspirational proverbs by her Aunt Agnes. And Herman Glimscher.

I love the walnuts and Kolac from the planet Twilo.

I love all of the guest stars.

I love the theme song (did you know that Morey Amsterdam {Buddy} wrote lyrics for it?).

I love Jerry and Millie Helper.

I love the Twizzle. And its ability to get stuck in your head for days.

Some of my favorite episodes: Punch Thy Neighbor, I Am My Brother's Keeper, The Sleeping Brother, My Husband Is Not a Drunk, Gesundheit, Darling, A Man's Teeth Are Not His Own, That's My Boy?, 4 1/2, Stacey Petrie: Parts 1 and 2, Coast-to-Coast Big Mouth, and the Gunslinger.

So, how many of you guys are also fans of the show? If you are, I recommend reading Dick Van Dyke's new memoir: My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business. It's pretty good, and there's a chapter or so about the show in it. You can read my review here. If you've never seen an episode, what's wrong with you?? Just kidding. :) I think that a lot of the episodes are watchable online (maybe on Hulu and/or Youtube). Some of the episodes are public domain and available on those $1 DVDs that dollar stores have. Or you can save up and get them all on DVD (keep an eye on Amazon...the prices of the seasons go up and down very often). It's definitely worth it, I promise. :)

I also love this song. Well...the tune of it and Sally (Rose Marie) singing it. The lyrics are slightly too vengeful and mean for my taste. Still, I've had it stuck in my head ever since I watched this episode again a few days ago.

 Until next time,