by Hal Erickson
synopsis
Though not the first episode filmed for The Bob Newhart Show's fourth season, "The Longest Good-Bye" was chosen as the season opener on September 13, 1975. Tom Poston makes the first of several appearances as Bob's prankish old college chum Cliff Murdock. Having arrived in Chicago to close a business deal, Cliff moves in "temporarily" with Bob and Emily -- and before long has firmly entrenched himself, virtually taking over the Hartleys' home and lives. "The Longest Good-Bye" was written by Tom Patchett and Jay Tarses.
