The Odd Couple
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 Ultimate TV Network
July 21, 2009
by David Krell
david@davidkrell.com
If I created the ultimate television network, the prime time program lineup would probably look like this:
On Sunday, I would start with the legends. I Love Lucy at 8:00pm followed by The Jack Benny Program at 8:30pm.
The pairing makes sense since Lucille Ball and Jack Benny were not only show business icons, but also neighbors in real life. They lived next door to each other on North Roxbury Drive in Beverly Hills.
Then, we turn to the rural heavyweights. The Andy Griffith Show at 9:00pm and The Beverly Hillbillies at 9:30pm.
Sunday nights should be nice and easy, after all. And what's nicer and easier than our friends in Mayberry and the hillbilly transplants to the land of Rodeo Drive?
At 10:00pm, The Sopranos.
On Monday nights, I would pair The Dick Van Dyke Show and Mary Tyler Moore in the 8 o'clock hour, followed by M*A*S*H and Murphy Brown in the 9 o'clock hour.
At 10:00pm, St. Elsewhere.
Tuesday nights would start with family comedy. The Cosby Show and Family Ties 8:00pm and 8:30pm respectively.
Everybody Loves Raymond at 9:00pm and Two and a Half Men at 9:30pm.
At 10:00pm, Law & Order.
Wednesday nights would start with sophistication.
Frasier at 8:00pm and The Odd Couple at 8:30pm. I'm sure Felix Unger would have enjoyed talking wine, opera, and art with the Crane brothers.
The 9 o'clock hour would consist of You'll Never Get Rich starring Phil Silvers as Sergeant Bilko and The Twilight Zone.
At 10:00pm, Hill Street Blues.
Of course, Thursday nights would truly be Must See TV with Cheers, Taxi, Seinfeld, and Friends followed by ER at 10:00pm.
Friday night would be another family-friendly night, starting with The Brady Bunch at 8:00pm and The Wonder Years at 8:30pm.
At 9:00pm, Friday Night Lights, a depiction of a west Texas town obsessed with high school football.
At 10:00pm, The Wire.
Saturday night begins with cartoons.
The Simpsons at 8:00pm and King of the Hill at 8:30pm.
The Honeymooners at 9:00pm and Curb Your Enthusiasm at 9:30pm.
At 10:00pm, Homicide: Life on the Street, an undervalued, underrated, and underwatched program during its tenure on NBC in the 1990's.
Reasonable minds can differ.
Should Happy Days be in the lineup instead of The Brady Bunch?
What about L.A. Law, thirtysomething, Scrubs, or All in the Family?
What's the standard for making the linuep?
All good questions.
For now, it's merely instinctive.
Programs can be replaced.
Or I can start another network.
david@davidkrell.com
If I created the ultimate television network, the prime time program lineup would probably look like this:
On Sunday, I would start with the legends. I Love Lucy at 8:00pm followed by The Jack Benny Program at 8:30pm.
The pairing makes sense since Lucille Ball and Jack Benny were not only show business icons, but also neighbors in real life. They lived next door to each other on North Roxbury Drive in Beverly Hills.
Then, we turn to the rural heavyweights. The Andy Griffith Show at 9:00pm and The Beverly Hillbillies at 9:30pm.
Sunday nights should be nice and easy, after all. And what's nicer and easier than our friends in Mayberry and the hillbilly transplants to the land of Rodeo Drive?
At 10:00pm, The Sopranos.
On Monday nights, I would pair The Dick Van Dyke Show and Mary Tyler Moore in the 8 o'clock hour, followed by M*A*S*H and Murphy Brown in the 9 o'clock hour.
At 10:00pm, St. Elsewhere.
Tuesday nights would start with family comedy. The Cosby Show and Family Ties 8:00pm and 8:30pm respectively.
Everybody Loves Raymond at 9:00pm and Two and a Half Men at 9:30pm.
At 10:00pm, Law & Order.
Wednesday nights would start with sophistication.
Frasier at 8:00pm and The Odd Couple at 8:30pm. I'm sure Felix Unger would have enjoyed talking wine, opera, and art with the Crane brothers.
The 9 o'clock hour would consist of You'll Never Get Rich starring Phil Silvers as Sergeant Bilko and The Twilight Zone.
At 10:00pm, Hill Street Blues.
Of course, Thursday nights would truly be Must See TV with Cheers, Taxi, Seinfeld, and Friends followed by ER at 10:00pm.
Friday night would be another family-friendly night, starting with The Brady Bunch at 8:00pm and The Wonder Years at 8:30pm.
At 9:00pm, Friday Night Lights, a depiction of a west Texas town obsessed with high school football.
At 10:00pm, The Wire.
Saturday night begins with cartoons.
The Simpsons at 8:00pm and King of the Hill at 8:30pm.
The Honeymooners at 9:00pm and Curb Your Enthusiasm at 9:30pm.
At 10:00pm, Homicide: Life on the Street, an undervalued, underrated, and underwatched program during its tenure on NBC in the 1990's.
Reasonable minds can differ.
Should Happy Days be in the lineup instead of The Brady Bunch?
What about L.A. Law, thirtysomething, Scrubs, or All in the Family?
What's the standard for making the linuep?
All good questions.
For now, it's merely instinctive.
Programs can be replaced.
Or I can start another network.
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.
Numbers
April 10, 2009
by David Krell
david@davidkrell.com
Numbers play important roles in television.
Nielsen ratings determine whether programs live or die.
There’s a show on CBS actually called Numbers because it deals with a mathematical approach to solving crimes.
But what about numerical references in the actual television shows?
Let’s take a journey on one through ten.
Titles:
The Single Guy.
The Odd Couple.
Three’s Company.
Number of characters:
Four seems to be a magic number.
4-A. Classic sitcoms. I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners, Seinfeld, and Will & Grace all share a striking similarity: four major characters in a New York apartment.
4-B. Law & Order. The longest running network drama has four major characters, two detectives and two assistant district attorneys. Purists might argue the number is six because of the police lieutenant and the D.A., however, most of the scenes appear to use some combination of the aforementioned four.
4-C. HBO’s Entourage uses four primary characters -- a movie star, his half-brother and his two friends.
Five children on The Partridge Family.
Six on The Brady Bunch. NBC’s powerhouse sitcom Friends also had six major characters.
Seven is interesting.
It was the name George Costanza chose for his future offspring on Seinfeld. Unfortunately, it lost significance when the pregnant cousin of George’s fiancé Susan took it for her newborn baby.
Seven was also the name of a child the Bundys adopted on Married With Children. Then, like Chuck Cunningham, he just wasn’t there one day, though he was referenced briefly in a dream sequence when Kelly had to empty her brain of useless information and a picture of Seven floated by.
Back to titles.
Eight is Enough.
The Nine.
Just the Ten of Us.
Numbers can play an important part in the plot line of a show. In Lost, the following numbers have terrific significance: 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42.
First, they’re Hurley’s winning lottery numbers.
Second, they’re on the bottle of medication that Desmond takes.
Third, they’re the numbers Desmond has to enter into the computer every 108 minutes. Coincidentally, or maybe not, the numbers total 108 when added together.
When he didn’t, he triggered a reaction that caused an Oceanic Airlines flight from Sydney to Los Angeles to crash on the island. The numbers have also appeared individually or in some combination throughout the series. For example, the Oceanic flight number is 815.
Numbers.
They’re not just for Nielsen ratings anymore.
david@davidkrell.com
Numbers play important roles in television.
Nielsen ratings determine whether programs live or die.
There’s a show on CBS actually called Numbers because it deals with a mathematical approach to solving crimes.
But what about numerical references in the actual television shows?
Let’s take a journey on one through ten.
Titles:
The Single Guy.
The Odd Couple.
Three’s Company.
Number of characters:
Four seems to be a magic number.
4-A. Classic sitcoms. I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners, Seinfeld, and Will & Grace all share a striking similarity: four major characters in a New York apartment.
4-B. Law & Order. The longest running network drama has four major characters, two detectives and two assistant district attorneys. Purists might argue the number is six because of the police lieutenant and the D.A., however, most of the scenes appear to use some combination of the aforementioned four.
4-C. HBO’s Entourage uses four primary characters -- a movie star, his half-brother and his two friends.
Five children on The Partridge Family.
Six on The Brady Bunch. NBC’s powerhouse sitcom Friends also had six major characters.
Seven is interesting.
It was the name George Costanza chose for his future offspring on Seinfeld. Unfortunately, it lost significance when the pregnant cousin of George’s fiancé Susan took it for her newborn baby.
Seven was also the name of a child the Bundys adopted on Married With Children. Then, like Chuck Cunningham, he just wasn’t there one day, though he was referenced briefly in a dream sequence when Kelly had to empty her brain of useless information and a picture of Seven floated by.
Back to titles.
Eight is Enough.
The Nine.
Just the Ten of Us.
Numbers can play an important part in the plot line of a show. In Lost, the following numbers have terrific significance: 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42.
First, they’re Hurley’s winning lottery numbers.
Second, they’re on the bottle of medication that Desmond takes.
Third, they’re the numbers Desmond has to enter into the computer every 108 minutes. Coincidentally, or maybe not, the numbers total 108 when added together.
When he didn’t, he triggered a reaction that caused an Oceanic Airlines flight from Sydney to Los Angeles to crash on the island. The numbers have also appeared individually or in some combination throughout the series. For example, the Oceanic flight number is 815.
Numbers.
They’re not just for Nielsen ratings anymore.