Oscar Madison
The Odd Couple -- Series Finale
November 30, 2009
by David Krell
david@davidkrell.com
On November 13th, Felix Unger was asked to remove himself from his place of residence. That request came from his wife.
Deep down, he knew she was right. But he also knew that someday, he would return to her.
Five years later, he did.
In the final episode of The Odd Couple television series, Gloria Unger gave her fussy, neat, photographer ex-husband a second chance.
Felix and Gloria remarry in the apartment that Felix shares with his best friend -- New York Herald sportswriter Oscar Madison at 1049 Park Avenue in Manhattan.
Oscar’s sloppiness contrasts with Felix’ neatness. Great comedy results.
Their friendship endured their arguments, differences, and opposite views of life.
Where Oscar was chaotic, disorganized, and sloppy, Felix was careful, methodical, and neat.
Where Oscar was happily divorced, Felix kept a candle burning in his heart for Gloria.
In the series finale, the cherry on top was the final scene.
In a salute to their friendship, Felix empties a garbage can on the living room carpet. And Oscar says that in honor of Felix, he will pick up the garbage and put it back in the can.
Felix trusts him and the two men say goodbye as Felix departs for the next chapter in his life. But Oscar dismisses the garbage and leaves the living room.
A few seconds later, Felix returns and says that he knew Oscar wouldn’t pick up the garbage and does it himself.
A great ending to a great show. The final scene perfectly reflects the characters’ respective essences. It keeps Oscar and Felix true to themselves.
Where Oscar promises action, he often does not follow through, merely because he does not think the act in question presents import on any level.
Where Felix requests action, he often commits the act in question himself because it means more to him than it does to Oscar.
david@davidkrell.com
On November 13th, Felix Unger was asked to remove himself from his place of residence. That request came from his wife.
Deep down, he knew she was right. But he also knew that someday, he would return to her.
Five years later, he did.
In the final episode of The Odd Couple television series, Gloria Unger gave her fussy, neat, photographer ex-husband a second chance.
Felix and Gloria remarry in the apartment that Felix shares with his best friend -- New York Herald sportswriter Oscar Madison at 1049 Park Avenue in Manhattan.
Oscar’s sloppiness contrasts with Felix’ neatness. Great comedy results.
Their friendship endured their arguments, differences, and opposite views of life.
Where Oscar was chaotic, disorganized, and sloppy, Felix was careful, methodical, and neat.
Where Oscar was happily divorced, Felix kept a candle burning in his heart for Gloria.
In the series finale, the cherry on top was the final scene.
In a salute to their friendship, Felix empties a garbage can on the living room carpet. And Oscar says that in honor of Felix, he will pick up the garbage and put it back in the can.
Felix trusts him and the two men say goodbye as Felix departs for the next chapter in his life. But Oscar dismisses the garbage and leaves the living room.
A few seconds later, Felix returns and says that he knew Oscar wouldn’t pick up the garbage and does it himself.
A great ending to a great show. The final scene perfectly reflects the characters’ respective essences. It keeps Oscar and Felix true to themselves.
Where Oscar promises action, he often does not follow through, merely because he does not think the act in question presents import on any level.
Where Felix requests action, he often commits the act in question himself because it means more to him than it does to Oscar.
The Odd Couple - Guest Stars
June 15, 2009
by David Krell
david@davidkrell.com
During the broadcast history of The Odd Couple on ABC from 1970-75, we saw many celebrities play themselves interacting with Oscar Madison and Felix Unger, the famous sports writer for The New York Herald and the photographer with portraits a specialty, respectively.
Game show hosts were a constant presence.
Felix and Oscar went on Password and met host Allen Ludden and his wife, Betty White.
Richard Dawson played himself as a talk show host before his iconic role as the host of Family Feud. At the time, Dawson was known for his appearances on Match Game and Masquerade Party.
The consummate deal maker also guest starred on The Odd Couple. No, not a young Donald Trump. Monty Hall, the host of Let's Make A Deal, appeared as Oscar's pal from college. Oscar and Felix tried to win on Let's Make A Deal dressed as a horse.
Tennis great Bobby Riggs played himself and constantly battled old friend Oscar with bets about simple things. For example, Riggs bet that Oscar couldn't type his own name in less than ten seconds. Oscar lost the bet because he typed Oscar Madisoy.
The episode with Riggs captures his rivalry with Billie Jean King, his opponent during the Battle of the Sexes tennis match at the Houston Astrodome on September 20, 1973.
Riggs and King revive the rivalry in a ping-pong match. It's fun to watch because you see how much fun Riggs and King are having.
Bob Hope had a cameo in an episode as did Dick Clark and Wolfman Jack. 1970's child star Rodney Allen Rippy had a cameo as the owner of the building where Felix and Oscar live. His reason for ownership -- tax shelter.
David Steinberg, a wry comedian popular during the 1960's and 1970's, played himself in one episode.
Steinberg evolved into a well-known director of television comedies -- Curb Your Enthusiasm, Designing Women, Mad About You.
No list of guest stars would be complete without Howard Cosell.
Cosell was a natural foil for Oscar Madison in his two guest appearances on the episodes Big Mouth and Your Mother Wears Army Boots.
The sportscaster versus the sports writer story line provided a cross-branding for ABC. Arguably, Cosell was the most recognizable person on ABC in the 1970's. ABC aired The Odd Couple.
In Big Mouth, Felix gives unsolicited advice to Cosell about his nasal twang. Felix believes the source to be similar to the triggers of his allergies or sinus problems.
Cosell confidently responds, That nasal twang is the most identifiable voice in all of broadcasting.
He also calls Felix "an inane drone." When Oscar asks Felix to explain the term, Felix searches for a meaning and says that it's "a dull bee." Oscar agrees.
Roone Arledge appears with Cosell in Your Mother Wears Army Boots, another natural fit as Arledge headed ABC Sports. He later ran ABC News.
david@davidkrell.com
During the broadcast history of The Odd Couple on ABC from 1970-75, we saw many celebrities play themselves interacting with Oscar Madison and Felix Unger, the famous sports writer for The New York Herald and the photographer with portraits a specialty, respectively.
Game show hosts were a constant presence.
Felix and Oscar went on Password and met host Allen Ludden and his wife, Betty White.
Richard Dawson played himself as a talk show host before his iconic role as the host of Family Feud. At the time, Dawson was known for his appearances on Match Game and Masquerade Party.
The consummate deal maker also guest starred on The Odd Couple. No, not a young Donald Trump. Monty Hall, the host of Let's Make A Deal, appeared as Oscar's pal from college. Oscar and Felix tried to win on Let's Make A Deal dressed as a horse.
Tennis great Bobby Riggs played himself and constantly battled old friend Oscar with bets about simple things. For example, Riggs bet that Oscar couldn't type his own name in less than ten seconds. Oscar lost the bet because he typed Oscar Madisoy.
The episode with Riggs captures his rivalry with Billie Jean King, his opponent during the Battle of the Sexes tennis match at the Houston Astrodome on September 20, 1973.
Riggs and King revive the rivalry in a ping-pong match. It's fun to watch because you see how much fun Riggs and King are having.
Bob Hope had a cameo in an episode as did Dick Clark and Wolfman Jack. 1970's child star Rodney Allen Rippy had a cameo as the owner of the building where Felix and Oscar live. His reason for ownership -- tax shelter.
David Steinberg, a wry comedian popular during the 1960's and 1970's, played himself in one episode.
Steinberg evolved into a well-known director of television comedies -- Curb Your Enthusiasm, Designing Women, Mad About You.
No list of guest stars would be complete without Howard Cosell.
Cosell was a natural foil for Oscar Madison in his two guest appearances on the episodes Big Mouth and Your Mother Wears Army Boots.
The sportscaster versus the sports writer story line provided a cross-branding for ABC. Arguably, Cosell was the most recognizable person on ABC in the 1970's. ABC aired The Odd Couple.
In Big Mouth, Felix gives unsolicited advice to Cosell about his nasal twang. Felix believes the source to be similar to the triggers of his allergies or sinus problems.
Cosell confidently responds, That nasal twang is the most identifiable voice in all of broadcasting.
He also calls Felix "an inane drone." When Oscar asks Felix to explain the term, Felix searches for a meaning and says that it's "a dull bee." Oscar agrees.
Roone Arledge appears with Cosell in Your Mother Wears Army Boots, another natural fit as Arledge headed ABC Sports. He later ran ABC News.