Ep 2. The Ghost of A. Chantz

The Dick Van Dyke Show season 4 episode 2, titled "The Ghost of A. Chantz," centers around the strange occurrences that happen in the Petrie household. The episode starts with Rob Petrie, played by Dick Van Dyke, coming home to find that his wife Laura, played by Mary Tyler Moore, and son Richie have all had strange experiences. Laura heard a whistling noise while alone in the living room, Richie claims that a monster was hiding under his bed, and Rob saw a figure standing outside their window.

As it turns out, all of these strange happenings can be traced back to a creepy old vaudevillian named A. Chantz. He was a friend of Rob's deceased uncle who was a former vaudeville performer. Apparently, A. Chantz made a promise to Rob's uncle that he would visit him every year on his death anniversary. This year, Rob's uncle passed away, and A. Chantz shows up at the Petrie home. The problem is that A. Chantz died two years ago, which makes his appearance all the more eerie.

From there, the episode follows the Petries as they try to unravel the mystery of A. Chantz's ghostly presence. They enlist the help of a humorous paranormal investigator named Harry Snowden, who comes to the Petrie home and sets up a bunch of scientific equipment to identify any supernatural activity. As their investigation continues, they discover that the strange occurrences are all part of a quirky plan that A. Chantz put in motion before his death.

Overall, "The Ghost of A. Chantz" showcases the comedic skills of the show's talented cast. Dick Van Dyke's physical humor and witty one-liners are a highlight of the episode, and Mary Tyler Moore's charm and likable personality make her character a joy to watch. The supporting cast also delivers excellent performances with the silly antics of Harry Snowden being especially entertaining.

The writing is top-notch as well, striking a perfect balance between humor and suspense. The episode has a light-hearted tone but still manages to keep viewers engaged in the mystery of A. Chantz's ghostly presence. The storyline is creative, and the plot twists keep the audience guessing until the very end.

Overall, "The Ghost of A. Chantz" is a delightful episode that captures the spirit of The Dick Van Dyke Show's comedic brilliance. Its witty writing and hilarious performances make it a must-watch for fans of classic television.