VERY VERY: Back Injury

Back in the mid-1990s, Nick at Nite ran a programming block on the weekends called "Very Very Nick at Nite," which looked at four episodes with a similar theme. Now I will look at four sitcom episodes from across the decades that have a similar plot or theme. This week's topic is Very Very Back Injury!

This Week's Episodes

The Bob Newhart Show #27 "Backlash" (First Aired: September 29, 1973)

Bob throws his back out right before a planned trip to Mexico with Emily that he was reluctant about going on to begin with.

Bob and Emily Hartley have one of TV's most underrated marriages. There was such a grounded realness in their interactions with each other and this episode, while filled with comedy, also includes honest conversations between the two of them. Bob Newhart is a gifted comedian but being stiff is a little bit a part of his shtick so seeing him actually physically stiff proved that there is another layer he doesn't usually have. This was a well-plotted episode that proves how one plot can carry an entire episode when it's done well.

Cheers #211 "Sam Time Next Year" (First Aired: February 14, 1991)

Sam injures his back on the night of an annual Valentine's Day date with an ex-girlfriend.

This episode probably had the least comedy connected to a back injury of the four but it still had its charms and even a Michael Dukakis cameo to open the episode. Barbara Feldon guest stars as Sam's once a year date and their scenes take place in a cozy Vermont cabin that the episode does a nice job of depicting. I did feel like Ted Danson could have played up the stiff back better and I think more comedy could have been mined by how that impacts his typically suave ways.

The Honeymooners #16 "Oh, My Aching Back" (First Aired: January 14, 1956)

Despite Alice's warnings, Ralph goes bowling the night before a physical for work and ends up throwing out his back.

The Honeymooners is very much a product of its time. The humor is broad and the situations and punchlines are a little bit predictable. But yet, the reason The Honeymooners is a classic is because it is still done so well. There are so many other shows that could (or did) do an episode very similar to this and they wouldn't come close to nailing the comedic timing this one does. The "Battle of the Sexes" treads familiar ground for these characters and yet they make it thoroughly enjoyable with Jackie Gleason doing some great physical comedy.

Rhoda #95 "Jack's Back" (First Aired: April 9, 1978)

Jack throws his back out while at Rhoda's apartment. He drives her crazy when he stays with her until he recovers.

If you read my Episode Guides features on Rhoda, you know I don't care much for the later episodes of the series and especially for ones featuring Jack. I think Kenneth McMillan's character, obviously a poor man's Lou Grant, was such a mistake because he's not likable at all. I certainly empathized with Rhoda getting frustrated with him in this episode. All the characters who hurt their backs in these episodes were a little irritating but in a lovable way. Not Jack. He was just irritating and the comedy was weak.

Best Episode: The Honeymooners

It was a close call between this and The Bob Newhart Show, but I just think The Honeymooners is a really solid episode from start to finish that proves simplicity can be golden.

Best Fit for the Theme: The Bob Newhart Show - this episode had the most consistent back injury jokes and moments throughout the entire episode.

Standout Performer: Jackie Gleason, The Honeymooners

Runners-Up: Bob Newhart (The Bob Newhart Show), Suzanne Pleshette (The Bob Newhart Show)

Tomorrow: The Friday Five - a look at the Top 5 TV news stories of the week!

Next Thursday: Very Very Stock Market!