This is insane. Hilarious story written by one of the great sitcom writers, Ben Starr.
Beautiful Thalia is cutting ties with Dobie because she has a thing for Chatsworth (Steve Franken) --and all his money! Lovesick and relentless Dobie, inspired by historical romantic tales, and the famous poem, "Why So Pale and Wan Fond Lover," by English writer Sir John Suckling, decides to go on a bold hunger strike to win back her gracious hand!
OMG. AND will it work?
There are shades of an episode of I LOVE LUCY here; Lucy goes on a hunger strike in Paris in order to keep an expensive dress, all the while Ethel is sneaking food to her. Guess what? Good old Maynard sneaks in a GIANT SALAMI to his starving bud! There's more! After pleading with Thalia to reconsider, frantic Winnie sneaks food to Dobie and insists he EAT, but not before Herb brings even MORE chow --and forces it down his throat! Dobie is stuffed!
This episode also holds the distinction of three siginificant actor debuts; Les Brown, Jr (as Frank), Marlo Thomas (as Frank's girlfriend) and Ryan O'Neal as Herm. Applause to Ben Starr for an totally off the wall script, who the following year would become series writer for MR. ED, later to co-create the FACTS OF LIFE and SILVER SPOONS.
By the way, Sir John Suckling is also famous for inventing the card game, cribbage. Good trivia question.
SEASON 1 EPISODE 17 remastered dvd box set. 5 dvds. 2020 release. Super color cover with Dobie and Maynard. In fact, all the color covers of the box sets are fantastic.