DVD Review: Newhart (The Complete Second Season)

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When Dick Loudon (Bob Newhart) and his wife Joanna (Mary Frann) arrived in a small Vermont town to take over the historic Stratford Inn, few imagined they’d last a whole year. But the author of how-to-books was able to fake hotel management with the help of handyman George Utley (Tom Poston). Newhart quickly became a major hit. But the show wasn’t going merely repeat the action from its freshman outing. The sophomore season holds major changes for the show. First off is a swap from shooting on video to 35mm film. This change makes things look warmer on the screen. Newhart: The Complete Second Season features a series not quite set in its formula.

“It Happened One Afternoon” is a two part episode that sends Dick to Manhattan. He’s being interviewed to ghostwrite the autobiography of a sex symbol (Stella Stevens). The problem is that she likes to get intimate with the men in her life. Can Dick resist her charms? Back in Vermont, Leslie Vanderkellen has left the Inn to study in England. Her cousin Stephanie Vanderkellen (Julia Duffy) is the replacement maid. Stephanie has just divorced her husband after an extremely short marriage. She’s a spoiled rich girl who is learning what it means to work for a living. Leslie was just too good of a character to inspire too much hilarity. The bad part is that Kirk Devane (Steven Kampmann), the owner of the Minuteman diner, lost his love interest. “Animal Attractions” has Stephanie’s husband do his best to win her back. But what’s the prize? “The Stratford Wives” dares to buck the tradition of women and men eating separately at the town’s celebration. Joanne pushes Dick to direct the town’s play in “The Girl from Manhattan.” Things get nasty when he doesn’t give her the lead role. She’s not happy with her role. “Don’t Rain on My Parade” brings out Iron Eyes Cody.

“Lady & the Tramps” marks the return of Larry, Darryl, and Darryl. The trio of brothers get more appearances as the season went on. Kirk starts a singles group in “The Looks of Love.” Turns out he’s using this as a way to find his next girlfriend. “Kirk Goes for the Juggler” finally lets him find a new woman to date. But he’s taken back when she reveals her profession. “Curious George at the Firehouse” lets the handyman learn what it takes to not burn down the town.

“Book Beat” marks a major shift in the series. Dick gets interviewed on a local TV show about authors. A few minutes after they wrap up the producer (Bosom Buddies‘ Peter Scolari) offers Dick the host job. Dick as the talk show host would become the focus in the future seasons. The transition is put further into motion during “Vermont Today.” Instead of merely a book show, Dick finds himself hosting an all purpose talkshow. The seeds are planted for the vapid love affair between the producer and Stephanie. During the third season, Scolari becomes a regular cast member. “Best Friends” has Kirk doing his best to fight the plans of a fast food chain wanting to move into the town. But he quickly sees a positive side when they offer him a tidy sum for his cafe. Is he going to ruin Dick’s neighborhood? The sad news for the season is that Kirk gets pushed out of the town. But at least he gets a real storyline for his departure. “Kirk Pops the Question” has him get engaged to Cindy (Rebecca York). “Kirk Ties One On” stages their wedding at the Inn. Trouble is having Kirk make it through the ceremony. However before they can head out for their honeymoon, they get a visit from Ruth Gordon (Harold & Maude) in “Go, Grandma, Go.” Turns out Grandma might be a felon.

This was a season of major change with Leslie vanishing and Kirk departing. The shift from hotel management to talkshow host makes Dick a little less inept looking. While some might bemoan the creative tinkering, Newhart lasted another six seasons. Bob Newhart would make sure his little part of Vermont would maintain its primetime space.

The video is 1.33:1 full frame. The transfers bring out the change to film. The audio is Dolby Digial mono. Things sound fine for a sitcom. The episodes are Closed Captioned.

No bonus features.

Newhart: The Complete Second Season marks the last season where the focus is on Dick running the historic Stratford Inn. The arrival of Stephanie brings a taste of chaos to the staff since she really isn’t cut out to provide maid service. This is a season worth a weekend stay. The third season is scheduled to be released on April 22.

Shout! Factory presents Newhart: The Complete Second Season. Starring: Bob Newhart, Mary Frann, Steven Kampmann, Julia Duffy and Tom Poston. Boxset Contents: 22 episodes on 3 DVDs. Released: February 11, 2014.

Joe Corey is the writer and director of "Danger! Health Films" currently streaming on Night Flight and Amazon Prime. He's the author of "The Seven Secrets of Great Walmart People Greeters." This is the last how to get a job book you'll ever need. He was Associate Producer of the documentary "Moving Midway." He's worked as local crew on several reality shows including Candid Camera, American's Most Wanted, Extreme Makeover Home Edition and ESPN's Gaters. He's been featured on The Today Show and CBS's 48 Hours. Dom DeLuise once said, "Joe, you look like an axe murderer." He was in charge of research and programming at the Moving Image Archive.