OK, I’ll admit that the chemistry works.
February 28, 2015 1:33 pm
OK, I’ll admit that the chemistry works.
After a reboot of the DVR to recapture full utility of my Time Warner Cable On Demand, I sat down to the first two episodes of “The Odd Couple,” the pilot last night and this week’s follow-up this morning.
So now I must admit it.
My teeth-gnashing regarding Matthew Perry filling the shoes of my beloved Oscar Madison was unneeded fret and wail. This CBS remake of the Neil Simon classic is OK with me. Perry, the most neurotic of “Friends” Chandler Bing himself, pulls off the sloppy sportswriter played so well by Walter Matthau and Jack Klugman in my youth quite well. And his angst taken from the fastidiousness of roommate Felix Ungar, works quite well with the arch of Thomas Lennon. The chemistry is there.
I like how they’ve brought the story into 2015, in fact. Oscar is a sports radio host that works out of his living room. Their apartment is in a big city building that allows plenty of quirky friends and neighbors to drop by, and Oscar to wander to the nearby pub and flirt with women and do Oscarly things and Felix to take photographs and straighten Oscar’s ways and do Felixy things. They crack jokes about social media and even stray to the sligthly risque about singleness.
The supporting cast seems strong, with Yvette Nicole Brown from “Community” as Oscar’s assistant, Wendell Pierce from HBO’s “The Wire” and “Treme” as Oscar’s agent, and Lindsay Sloane from “Horrible Bosses” as a neighbor familiar and funny.
Now that my reboot worked, I’ll watch this reboot again.
Have you watched the remaked of “The Odd Couple” yet, and if so, what do you think? Do you want them to bring back more old shows and bring them into today’s age, and if so, which shows? Which actors would you like to play classic roles?
Posted by markbialczak
Categories: TV
Tags: 'The Odd Couple', Matthew Perry, Odd Couple, Oscar Madison, Thomas Lennon
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OK, finally getting around to replying here. Like I mentioned in an earlier post, I was skeptical going in (The Klugman-Randall OC is my favorite TV series of all time), but I like the new version.
A few quick thoughts
– The chemistry of the leads is essential, and like you said, it’s there.
– Perry is not trying to re-do Klugman or Matthau, and that’s good. His Oscar is more of a grown-up-frat-boy, and I think that works well.
– Lennon is just great as Felix (and yes, the supporting cast, especially Brown, is really good).
– So far, they really have been able to keep the feel of the original series while modernizing it.
– And I loved that they snuck this joke in the pilot, from Oscar about a message that Felix had left: ” ‘Pick up your socks, F.U.’ It took me two days to figure out that F.U. meant Felix Unger!” I saw that as a bit of an homage to past “Odd Couple” versions, because a version of that joke, I’m pretty sure, was used in Simon’s play, in the Matthau-Lemon movie AND in the Klugman-Randall series.
So far, so good. I’ll keep watching.
I hope you are well, my friend, and hopefully I’ll see you on the golf course in the not-too-distant future.
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By George Owens on March 16, 2015 at 12:52 pm
I like your take on this version, George, and I agree. I still like it. It is paying homage to the past versions, in small, knowing ways. (F.U. included.)
This past week gave me hope that we will be playing gold in Syracuse this summer after all, my friend. April for us, maybe? markbialczak@gmail.com is where you can get me.
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By markbialczak on March 16, 2015 at 3:35 pm
Yay! You liked it after all, I’m glad. I remember your hesitancy.
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By Audrey Dawn - Oldest Daughter Redheaded Sister on March 1, 2015 at 11:12 pm
Yes, it won me over. I was very skeptical, Aud.
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By markbialczak on March 2, 2015 at 7:48 am
Glad it was a winner for you. As a Matthew Perry fan, I would watch him in anything. Sounds like a great role for him. As you said in your earlier post, it’s a classic story and what fun to see it updated and see that it still works.
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By Liz on March 1, 2015 at 11:01 pm
He’s what Oscar would be today, it seems, Liz. I thought the show was funny. Yay.
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By markbialczak on March 2, 2015 at 7:42 am
I thought Oscar was an aquarium fish.
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By Carl D'Agostino on March 1, 2015 at 11:00 am
You’re a scaly one, Carl!
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By markbialczak on March 1, 2015 at 11:48 am
It’s nice to know Perry has the versatility to pull it off. I had hoped he’d do well. Haven’t seen the show yet, but think it is one I’d enjoy.
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By Kate Loveton on March 1, 2015 at 10:15 am
If you get a chance, let me know if you like it, or he annoys you, Kate. 🙂
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By markbialczak on March 1, 2015 at 10:28 am
Will do. My husband can’t stand Perry so I will have to drown out his comments! 😄
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By Kate Loveton on March 1, 2015 at 11:18 am
Wait until he’s otherwise occpied, if you can, Kate. 🙂
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By markbialczak on March 1, 2015 at 11:49 am
I liked it — I thought both actors were well chosen for the characters and they played off of each other really well. I liked the original best of course — but I think I’ll enjoy this one too.
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By Musings from a Tangled Mind on March 1, 2015 at 12:43 am
It was good, Wendy, and we have found a worthy Oscar and Felix for 2015. Holy Cow. I never thought I’d type that line. Let’s see if enough people agree with you and I to keep it on the air.
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By markbialczak on March 1, 2015 at 8:59 am
For now, I’m still boycotting on principle. Later, I may give in and watch. I’ll let you know. 🙂
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By rachelcarrera on March 1, 2015 at 12:39 am
You are stubborn, Rachel. And I like it. ❤
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By markbialczak on March 1, 2015 at 8:58 am
LOL! 🙂
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By rachelcarrera on March 1, 2015 at 1:45 pm
I had no idea there was a reboot of this show. Hmmm, I don’t know. I’m not crazy about remaking shows. Jack Klugman and Tony Randall will always be Oscar and Felix for me. Then again they were a remake of the movie and I liked the TV show better. Okay, I’ll watch an episode. But really, is there such a lack of original ideas that this needs to happen?
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By RMW on February 28, 2015 at 11:51 pm
I was against the idea from the start, with my first post about it, Ros. Now, after watching, my thought is, well why not have a new generation be exposed to this great idea for a show?
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By markbialczak on March 1, 2015 at 8:40 am
I’ll TRY to be open minded!
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By RMW on March 1, 2015 at 11:57 am
I watched the pilot, and have dvr’d the second show Mark. I will watch it. I was glad I liked it! 🙂 Now….what will I do if we get rid of tv!!!!! 😉
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By Chatter Master on February 28, 2015 at 11:15 pm
You will find ways to watch TV on the sly, MB Colleen, visiting your children’s houses at opportune times. 🙂
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By markbialczak on March 1, 2015 at 8:34 am
oooooooooooo………great thinking MasterMindMark!!!! 😉
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By Chatter Master on March 1, 2015 at 6:55 pm
😉
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By markbialczak on March 1, 2015 at 7:12 pm
I’ve enjoyed it so far. It’s not my favorite show, but it’s good enough to put it on the DVR schedule again next week.
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By Austin on February 28, 2015 at 9:39 pm
I was so afraid I was going to hate it, Austin, that I was delighted that I didn’t!
What do you like in the batch of new shows? I set my DVR to record ‘Battle Creek’ with Josh Duhamel tonight following ‘The Good Wife.’ That looks like a promising ensemble cast. I may try Patricia Arquette’s ”CSI: Cyber,’ too, merely because I like here work.
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By markbialczak on March 1, 2015 at 8:27 am
I might DVR Battle Creek because the ads have got me a little intrigued. The new CSI doesn’t have me, though, despite Dawson and this year’s Oscar winner…
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By Austin on March 1, 2015 at 10:13 am
I don’t watch any of the other CSI shows and never have, so we shall see on that one. But I’m stoked for Battle Creek.
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By markbialczak on March 1, 2015 at 10:28 am
Now, if they cast Joey Potter instead of Dawson, I would totally watch.
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By Austin on March 1, 2015 at 10:29 am
Yeah, nobody likes poor Dawson. 🙂
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By markbialczak on March 1, 2015 at 11:47 am
But we all love Joey. 🙂
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By Austin on March 1, 2015 at 12:55 pm
How could we not love her?!
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By markbialczak on March 1, 2015 at 12:57 pm
I loved Walter Matthau as Oscar Madison and Jack Lemmon as Felix Unger in the 1968 movie. I also loved Jack Klugman and Tony Randall in the same roles on the TV show. I haven’t seen the updated version yet with Matthew Perry, but I hope it holds up for the viewers. 😉
I’m not a big fan of remakes of movies or TV shows because the remake is often a pale version of the original.
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By earthriderjudyberman on February 28, 2015 at 8:34 pm
That was a great fear. But I had to watch and give it a chance, Judy, because, I thought, what if they could pull it off …
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By markbialczak on March 1, 2015 at 8:07 am
Haven’t seen it yet, but Perry has talent.
Nice to see it utilized.
I was concerned too; I have lots of love for the original.
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By The Hook on February 28, 2015 at 8:29 pm
It’s worth a look. Garry Marshall, the producer of the original TV show, is listed in the credits as a consultant. And I could see his touch, Hook, mixed in with the modern. And yes, Perry does need a show. Might as well have a premise we know we like. Thanks for stopping by, my friend, at talking TV today.
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By markbialczak on March 1, 2015 at 8:05 am
I watched, I didn’t hate, I’ll watch again. One or two more times. It takes a while for some shows to grow on me.
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By Silver in the Barn on February 28, 2015 at 5:59 pm
I thought the jokes were actually pithy at times. It had the Odd Couple dig to it. So we shall see, Barbara!
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By markbialczak on February 28, 2015 at 6:05 pm
And to be fair, I spent half the show checking my Instagram feed!! LOL. Talk about a distracted viewer.
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By Silver in the Barn on February 28, 2015 at 6:07 pm
One of the ills of social media, Barbara, the total distraction factor. 😦
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By markbialczak on February 28, 2015 at 6:08 pm
It’s true and I am so guilty of falling prey to the lure of my phone. Meanwhile stacks of books sit in the background waving their little arms calling “Yoohoo! Remember us?”
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By Silver in the Barn on February 28, 2015 at 6:16 pm
That’s what suffers most from my WordPress habit, Barbara. What I used to consider “real reading.” Novel, isn’t it, considering a return to books?
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By markbialczak on February 28, 2015 at 6:23 pm
Me too, Mark. And it bothers me. I need to find a better balance. Too late for a New Year’s resolution? I don’t think so.
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By Silver in the Barn on February 28, 2015 at 6:33 pm
Resolve never goes out of style, Barbara. And sometimes it’s easier to keep without a label. 🙂
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By markbialczak on February 28, 2015 at 7:49 pm
i haven’t seen this yet, but i’ll check it out on your recommendation )
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By ksbeth on February 28, 2015 at 5:51 pm
Now the pressure is on, Beth. I hope you don’t hate it!
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By markbialczak on February 28, 2015 at 5:53 pm
You know, there have now been two separate nights in which the new Odd Couple sitcom played in my household, all the way through, mind you, and I have yet to know what was going on in either episode whatsoever. Oh, the life of a mother!
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By Marissa Bergen on February 28, 2015 at 5:45 pm
I have nothing to add to make things better for you, Marissa. Except, the years, they do fly past, my friend.
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By markbialczak on February 28, 2015 at 5:52 pm
A small sacrifice for missing a couple of sitcoms…or a couple thousand…
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By Marissa Bergen on February 28, 2015 at 6:07 pm
I have not watched it yet. May just have to watch it at least once though to find out what it’s like. Matthew Perry as Chandler is pretty hard to beat though 🙂
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By Christy Birmingham on February 28, 2015 at 5:13 pm
He’s a pretty cranky Oscar, and he’s plenty to crank about from Thomas Lennon’s Felix, Christy. Yes, he’s breaking out of the Chandler mold pretty well!
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By markbialczak on February 28, 2015 at 5:42 pm
I absolutely love the show!
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By Gibber on February 28, 2015 at 4:20 pm
Yes, another yay vote. Thanks, Gibber. I hope it gets good enough ratings to earn renewal. 🙂
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By markbialczak on February 28, 2015 at 4:58 pm
Me too!
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By Gibber on February 28, 2015 at 5:21 pm
I liked it a little bit, it seems to ‘grow’ on me. I find the friendship to be closer than I expected and the way they get through things really helps. The woman in the bar is so far, more annoying than Felix’s trait of being Mr. Clean. Smiles!
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By reocochran on February 28, 2015 at 2:11 pm
She is annoying, but I liked her selling the jewelry in the apartment at the very end of the show. Plus, they need somebody to make Felix seem less annoying at times. No, Robin?
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By markbialczak on February 28, 2015 at 2:50 pm
I haven’t watched yet Mark, but glad to hear you’re enjoying it. ❤
Diana xo
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By dianasschwenk on February 28, 2015 at 1:54 pm
Yes, it’s a classic story line, so I’m glad it’s OK in their hands, Diana. ❤
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By markbialczak on February 28, 2015 at 2:49 pm
I haven’t seen it yet, Mark, but I always enjoy the chemistry here.
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By Ann Koplow on February 28, 2015 at 1:43 pm
Thank you, Ann. I hope you have recovered from any jet lag, body chemistry-wise.
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By markbialczak on February 28, 2015 at 2:48 pm
I didn’t even know it was on last night. Our cable channels go from 700 to near 800, and CBS is 705, and we never bother to even channel down that low, so I don’t think I’ve watched a regular CBS show in a decade. I did see Tom Lennon on “The Soup” this morning; he is a true-life OCD little person, and I watched him balance on his head while Matthew set a mug on his special places, so perhaps it will prove entertaining.
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By kerbey on February 28, 2015 at 1:36 pm
That was one of the scenes from Thursday night’s show. See, chemistry!
Our cable runs the old-style networks on the old-style single digits as well as in the 1000s with their single-digit number, too. Maybe they pay more for this valet treatment. I watch the networks on the single-digits. Easier for me to remember and punch into the remote while changing during commercial breaks, Kerbey.
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By markbialczak on February 28, 2015 at 2:45 pm