Which TV Series Finale Was the Most Memorable: Bob Newharts Implausible yet Compelling Finale
The End of an Era: The Most Memorable Finale of "The Bob Newhart Show" and "Newhart"
Introduction
A television series finale is not just about saying goodbye; it is about delivering a satisfying, memorable conclusion to a character's journey, often filled with emotions and surprises. Over the decades, several memorable finales have captured viewers' hearts and minds, but few can match the ingenuity and unexpectedness of Bob Newhart's finales. We'll delve into the most memorable finales of The Bob Newhart Show and Newhart, which have left a lasting impression on fans.
A Hilarious and Heartwarming Finale: The Bob Newhart Show
The Bob Newhart Show, which aired from 1972 to 1978, was a beloved sitcom starring Bob Newhart as a Chicago psychologist, Robert “Bob” Hartley. The show's premise revolved around the humorous interactions between Bob, his wife Suzanne Pleshette, and his patients, friends, and coworkers. A standout feature of the show was the bedtime conversations between Bob and his wife, which often brought a delightful, yet poignant, touch of drama to the sitcom.
The Closing Curtain: The Bob Newhart Show Finale
The series finale of The Bob Newhart Show was titled Farewell. In this episode, the town that the show was set in was sold to a Japanese conglomerate, which transformed it into a gigantic golf resort. Most of the characters accepted massive buyouts, but Bob Newhart's character, Robert Hartley, refused to sell, symbolizing his strong sense of belonging and principle. Years later, his wife and he were still struggling, while the other characters became incredibly rich and successful. In the final scene, a reunion was organized, but a surprising twist awaited.
A Jarring Surprise with a Humorous Twist: Newhart Finale
Following the success of The Bob Newhart Show, Bob Newhart starred in a new sitcom titled Newhart, which aired from 1982 to 1990. In Newhart, he portrayed Dick Louden, a struggling writer of DIY books and travelogues who moved to rural Vermont to run a century-old inn. The show's finale, titled The Last Newhart, was a fitting send-off for the characters.
In The Last Newhart, the town of Newhart was acquired by the same Japanese conglomerate, transforming it into a gigantic golf resort. All the characters accepted the buyout, except for Dick Louden, who refused to sell his inn. Years later, at a reunion, Dick and his wife were still struggling, while the other characters had become very wealthy. Feeling fed up with the changes, Dick announced that he needed to leave. In a bizarre twist, right as he was leaving, he was hit by a golf ball. The episode’s final scene was famously voted one of the greatest moments in television history by TV Guide Magazine.
The Grand Finale: An In-Between Joke
The finale of The Last Newhart takes viewers on a time-hopping journey, with Dick and his wife waking up in the set of The Bob Newhart Show. Here, Bob Newhart as Robert Hartley is sharing a conversation with his wife Suzanne Pleshette, similar to their bedtime debates in the original show. In an unexpected twist, Suzanne Pleshette tells Bob that he should go back to sleep, as his dream was all a part of the television show. This humorous and cleverly crafted scene is a nod to the timeless nature of television and the cyclical nature of storytelling.
Conclusion
Beyond the surface of a sitcom, these finales highlighted the characters' resilience, the impact of their choices, and the enduring magic of storytelling. They capture the essence of TV shows and the lives they represent, making them stand out as some of the most memorable finales in television history. If you are a fan of Bob Newhart's work, or are curious about the brilliance of television finales, you won't want to miss these impactful moments.