"The Dick Van Dyke Show" was one of the best comedies of the 1960s...perhaps even the best. However, the show had a few lemons here and there...it was inevitable. "The Bad Old Days" is a real lemon, and it's not just me who thinks so, but it turns out to be Dick Van Dyke's least favorite episode in the series.
Early in the show, Buddy is stupidly extolling the virtues of the good 'ol days, when men were men and ruled the household with an iron fist. However, after Rob and Laura watch an old silent movie, Rob dreams he's a Simon Legree sort of old fashioned villain who beats his family.
First, the idea of Van Dyke playing a violently abusive man is pretty sick...and it's NOT what the show was all about in the first place. Second, the silent movie dream is pretty dumb. Overall, it's a show I am surprised they made and it's one that is very easy to skip.
Early in the show, Buddy is stupidly extolling the virtues of the good 'ol days, when men were men and ruled the household with an iron fist. However, after Rob and Laura watch an old silent movie, Rob dreams he's a Simon Legree sort of old fashioned villain who beats his family.
First, the idea of Van Dyke playing a violently abusive man is pretty sick...and it's NOT what the show was all about in the first place. Second, the silent movie dream is pretty dumb. Overall, it's a show I am surprised they made and it's one that is very easy to skip.
