Ep 9. Sixteen-Inch Softball

The Crazy Ones is a television sitcom series that aired on CBS from September 26, 2013, to April 17, 2014. The show is set in an advertising agency, Lewis, Roberts+Roberts, in Chicago, and follows the daily lives of the staff working there. The primary focus of the show is on the agency's creative director, Simon Roberts, played by Robin Williams.

In this particular episode, Sixteen-Inch Softball, Simon, and the team at Lewis, Roberts+Roberts, have landed a new account for a Chicago-style pizza chain. However, to secure the deal, they need to beat a competing agency, Dunn & Burman, in a sixteen-inch softball game. While Simon is relishing the idea of beating the competition, others in the team are not as excited about the prospect of playing softball.

Andrew, who is the company's Chief Financial Officer, does not want to play, and neither does Sydney, Simon's daughter, who works as a copywriter in the agency. Sydney is preoccupied with finding a new romantic partner after breaking up with a long-term boyfriend and feels that the softball game is just a distraction. Andrew, on the other hand, is scared of getting hurt and is more interested in funding the project.

To motivate Andrew and Syd, Simon decides to spray paint a foul line down the hallway of the office and brings in a pitcher to turn up the pressure on his team. In the meantime, Zach, the agency's art director, has promised to help his old high school pal, Gary, with a charity project. The charity is for a children's hospital and requires Gary to hit 200 consecutive pitches without a miss.

The episode progresses, showing the different ways the team members prepare for the upcoming softball game. Each character brings their own individual style to the game, whether it be Andrew's nerdy attempt at strategizing, or Sydney's reluctance to participate but willingness to help with the logistics.

Later in the episode, Simon proposes a high-stakes wager with the competing agency: if Lewis, Roberts+Roberts win the game, Dunn & Burman will give them free reign over the agency's creative direction. If Dunn & Burman wins, Simon will have to replace the water cooler with a champagne fountain for a full week.

The softball game eventually rolls around, and both teams are heavily invested in winning. The game has its highs and lows, but it's the final twist in the game that seals the story. I won't give it away, but I can say the pressure is on and the game ignites heated emotions.

Overall, the episode is an entertaining watch, showcasing the different personalities of the team and their unique approach to problem-solving. The team's dynamic is charming, witty and with Robin Williams ripping jokes continuously, it's clear why he was a beloved idol.