SVS: “The Dick Van Dyke Show”

So, confession time. But first, let me set the table (for maximum embarrassment).

First, I’ve always loved Dick Van Dyke. The guy is an absolute hoot; a goofy, plastic-faced, comedic wiz; basically, a real-life (but uncreepy) Gumby. And he reminds me of my dad. I suppose that’s probably a big part of why I love him.

Second, I’ve heard of the surpassing excellence of The Dick Van Dyke Show for years and years (and years and years). Including hearing about it from my dad for many of those very same years.

Third, it’s on NETFLIX INSTANT. All five seasons. And has been for some time.

Fourth, it’s available on HULU. All five seasons. And has been for some time. (I’m not talking about the subscription service, either. I’m talking about the “This is free, just as long as you’re willing to watch a few commercials” service. Although you can only watch Episode 20 of Season 3 if you have HULU+. I have absolutely no idea why. Something about “working with the Partner to get this live again as soon as possible.”)

Fifth, you can rent it from AMAZON INSTANT($) if you want to. (Just remember the part about 5 seasons, though. At 30 episodes each and roughly $2 a pop. That’ll add up, and right quick. You’re better off going with The Complete Series on Blu-ray for less than $55, I say.)

Which brings me to the confession part, I suppose. Can’t really put it off any longer.

I’d never watched it. Not really; not seriously. I’d seen a clip or two, I’m sure (because my dad loved it). But that was it. And that made no sense. There were nearly countless things to recommend it to me, but yet, I was almost entirely TDVDS-free.

In fact, if not for the boys, I’d probably still be largely free of its “clutches” to this day. But they asked to watch it one night — Sean (The Second Son) was the initial and most persistent catalyst, if I remember correctly — and since I was well aware of my dad’s affections for it, I let ’em go.

Within moments, the sound of riotous laughter rose from the basement. Mildly surprised (and now, a bit intrigued), I went downstairs to check on the commotion. Which means that within a few more moments, the riotous laughter included my own.

Some months (and many episodes) later, I can tell you that the show is as fantastic (and clever and insightful and heartwarming) as it’s cracked up to be. Even more so. My dad’d been right all along.

TV comedy writer Rob Petrie has his hands full balancing a suburban home life with pretty wife Laura and his work days with wise-cracking office pals.

The whole cast is highly watchable. Except for DVD himself, who’s way, way more than Highly Watchable. He’s Top-10 All-Time Watchable. Legendarily Watchable. Impossible Not to Watch-able. Er…I’m not really sure that last one’s an actual thing. But it’s true of Dick Van Dyke even if it’s not an actual thing.

And the best part? (Other than DVD, of course?) It’s funny. Really funny. Sure, there’s a fair bit of insight into family life that goes along with the funny, but first and foremost, it’s a hoot. Lots of jokes; both slap-stick (perfect for David, The Fourth) and sly (which plays right into Sean’s hand). You’ll laugh. Out loud. And your sides might even hurt. It’s happened to me, many a time.

“At least I’ll prove one thing tonight: Television writers marry the prettiest girls.”