As the podcast returns, so does the recurring weekly feature in which we rank one aspect of the show we cover. Remember two things: 1) This list reflects how these characters would fare against each other if they squared off on a neutral field in Peoria, Illinois; and 2) It's all in fun.
That said, let's look at The Bob Newhart Show and its deep list of regulars. All contribute to the series in some way, but some contribute to my personal enjoyment more than others. I'm not ranking Bob because, hey, he's an easy number one, right?
Also, you know, I'm still watching TBNS, and I have to say, we touched on it, but, man, Bob Hartley is pretty grouchy and more of a jerk more often than I thought. I'm not sure he deserves to see himself at number one at this moment in time.
1) Emily Hartley: She has her own quirks and inconsistencies, but Suzanne Pleshette's outstanding performance makes Emily one of the most effective sitcom wives around. She's a truly interesting character I could envision in her own series. Now, that doesn't mean I want to see a ton of TBNS episodes with her and with very little Bob, but still!
2) Jerry Robinson: An easy number two for me. Jerry, as we said on the pod, has a surprising edge to him sometimes and lends a lot of spice to the series while staying likable. He's a great foil for Bob yet remains effective in scenes without Bob.
3) Carol Kester: When I first saw the show years ago, I didn't appreciate this character, but I now realize that her receptionist is goofy in the right ways but also grounded in others, making what could ahve been a cliched man-hungry work subordinate a compelling and funny person.
4) Howard Borden: Of the "core four" of non-Bob characters, he's my least favorite. I don't mean this as an insult to Bill Daily, who is great, but I am less interested in seeing Howard without Bob than I am the others. I will say that Howard and Emily work well together, and there is a funny tension between Howard and Jerry sometimes. Anything lower than this spot would be an insult, though, because we now move on to the not-as-regular regulars.
5) Bernie Tupperman: This may be a controversial placement because the office urologist is not exactly a huge presence on the show, but I always enjoy seeing Larry Gelman, so I am putting him above the patients.
6) Elliot Carlin: Despite Jack Riley's obvious skills, I think the show often uses Mr, Carlin just a touch more than would be optimal. I bet many fans would place him at least several slots higher, but I am going to risk adding to his neuroses by putting him here.
7) Emil Peterson: John Fielder is another performer who makes everything he is in better, and I think his Mr. Peterson is my favorite of the group therapy members. I put him below Carlin due to his relative lack of signature moments.
8) Craig Plager: I enjoy Howard Hesseman's low-key portrayal of this group member. It's a nice contrast to the more
9) Larry Bondurant: Some of you might be asking, "Who?" Well, Larry married Carol, and he was only in 7 episodes according to IMDB, but he gets credit for not being annoying like a late-joining character very well could be.
10) Lillian Bakerman: She gets credit for longevity and consistency, but there is that weird thing we mention on the pod where Florida Friebus leaves the series and is sorta kinda replaced by a similar character. That still weirds me out.
Also receiving votes: The Peeper (best for what he brings out in Bob), Michelle Nardo, Ellen Hartley, Victor Gianelli, Ed Herd, Dick Loudon
