I can't believe they thought that anyone would watch this in 1965, so why am I watching this? I'm watching for the pure superficial brain dead value of a mental hiatus, and for the train wreck value of it. "I can't believe they said that," or "Is that what they thought back then?" The actors are great, but my god, Jerry Van Dyke passed up the lead in "Gilligan's Island" for this because he said the former was inane? That's true, but this was a bit more inane than "Gilligan's Island" because of the dialogue. Its goofy and easy to mock, and maybe that's a redeeming quality. Just imagine Jerry Van Dyke playing the role of Gilligan instead of Bob Denver. Its difficult, but if it had happened that way, we would have thought nothing about it today.

Briefly I would like to touch on the neighboring husband in this episode. What is his deal? This guy is simply not a good human being. From the get go he is mean, rude, abusive, and inconsiderate. I figure inconsiderate by the fact that he owns a YMCA sweat suit when he threatens to leave. But what I really question is that he married this girl in the beginning? Did he not know that she was a bad cook? What was the courting process that got him to married her in the first place? All around he is just an ass.
But what I would most like to point out is how women were back in the day. Were they really this pliable? Women, don't get me wrong, I'm just asking if such acts as making dinner for someone else's husband or standing by your man is a reasonable thing to do when they are obviously not a good person. I'm not saying Dave is a bad guy, on the contrary, he's a good man that any wife would be proud to have. I'm only saying that in this episode the women are bending over backwards for causes that would normally be construed as reasons to make life a living hell for all around them. Not only the men involved, but the kids that would be caught in the crossfire. What went on in this episode was not only an act of pure will and devotion, but proof that something is not right in the world.
I'm all for women's rights and all that jazz, but am I missing something? Sure the neighbor in this episode was down right a bad person, but does that make it right for all of humanity to turn into monsters of what our ancestors wanted us to be. This show makes it obvious that there was once a thing called love that existed and ruled over all else. A burnt steak, or argument, or lack of communication was not grounds for divorce. No, something went wrong when everyone was forced to believe that they are better then everyone else.
My mother, not the car, thought me that we are all the same. It's not how we raise our voice, but what we have to say. I'm sorry to get all preachy, but I can't stand it to see that the dog had no screen time in this episode

I'm watching this series for the first time after hearing for years what a mistake it was that Jerry chose this. As it turns out, I like this show very much and am in tune to the sincerety between husband and wife... and gotta love the dog! As you said, compared to so many other truly silly shows that "made it', I am amazed what a bad rap this one got. I would think Jerry should be proud of this one, inspite of what others may say. I, for one, am enjoying watching every single episode, in order, and wish I could relay to Mr. Van Dyke, himself, what a pleasure it is to watch him with this truly enjoyable cast, in this surprisingly pleasurable series. Also, I should mention that considering it was one of the very last parts that Maggie Pierce (Barbara Crabtree) played in, I am very glad to have been introduced to her in a role that played so well off of, and along with, Jerry Van Dyke. The two played husband and wife as well as Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore ever did. The chemistry was definitely there. So, my opinion, a definite thumbs UP and benefit to the library of television series everywhere!

First I should mention that I loved this show when I was six. I think I cried myself to sleep one night when I missed it. Seeing it now in review I guess I was more into the idea of a talking car and the slapstick. physical humor that Jerry Van Dyke gave to it. It really does hold up. It makes me wonder why other surreal, flights of fancy [like, say, The Beverly Hillbillies] went on for a few seasons when this show was canceled after only one. I suppose the fact that it made it passed the 13 week trial period was good.The topic I'd like to touch upon is the pre-recorded laugh track so prominent in other filmed shows at the time. I'm only up to episode 5 [I'm watching them in order and getting in touch with my inner 6 year old] and realize that. so far, only episode 3 has that annoying canned laughter. And it detracted from the subtle humor on this otherwise broad comedy. As silly as the premise is it tries to show an honest relationship between husband and wife [Mr. and Mrs. Crabtree] amidst the slapstick antics.My point is; Canned laughter was television trying to force you to laugh whether or not it was truly funny and I think many shows suffered from it. Early episodes of "My Three Sons" didn't have it until they moved to CBS and went color. It was distracting and unnecessary.Opinions?