Ep 4. Very Old Shoes, Very Old Rice

In season 3 episode 4 of The Dick Van Dyke Show, titled "Very Old Shoes, Very Old Rice," Rob and Laura discover an old pair of shoes in their closet that Rob has had since high school. The shoes inspire Rob to take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing with Laura about his high school days and his former flame, Jolene.

Meanwhile, Buddy inadvertently throws away Laura's favorite bowl of rice that she had been saving for a special occasion. In an effort to make it up to her, Buddy offers to take her out to dinner. The only problem is, he doesn't have any money. Desperate for a solution, Buddy turns to Mel, who agrees to give him an advance on his next paycheck.

As the night progresses, Rob and Laura continue to reminisce about his past and Jolene, causing Rob to feel guilty for keeping his old shoes all these years. He decides to donate them to the high school, hoping that someone else can enjoy them as much as he did.

Back at the restaurant, Buddy and Laura's dinner takes an unexpected turn when they encounter Jolene, who is waitressing there. Rob's old flame still holds a torch for him, and Laura becomes jealous of their interaction. However, Jolene's husband eventually arrives, putting any potential love triangle to rest.

In the end, Rob and Laura come to appreciate the memories that old objects can hold, and Buddy learns the importance of communication in relationships. The episode ends with a heartwarming moment between Rob and Laura, as they dance to a song they used to love in high school.

"Very Old Shoes, Very Old Rice" is a classic episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show, offering a mix of humor, nostalgia, and heartfelt moments. The storyline about the shoes provides a unique way to explore Rob's backstory and add depth to his character, while the subplot with Buddy and Laura offers a fun and relatable storyline about miscommunication in relationships. Overall, this episode is a great example of what makes The Dick Van Dyke Show a timeless classic.