The Odd Couple has been seen in many versions over the years. Starting out as a play in 1965, it was then turned into a film in 1968, which even sprouted a sequel 30 years later. ABC also adapted it twice as a sitcom, once in 1970, which had a successful run of 5 years, producing 114 episodes between 1970 and 1975, and again in 1982, which wasn't as successful and was cancelled after only 18 episodes. A cartoon and female version was also seen during the years.
Coming to CBS this February is a modern take of the concept. The show stars Matthew Perry as the easygoing slob sportscaster Oscar Madison and Thomas Lennon as the uptight neat freak photographer Felix Unger. Old friends from college who have been out of touch for a while, they meet once again when Felix shows up out the blue at doorstop of Oscar's lavish apartment while he is entertaining his neighbor "hot Casey". Felix tells Oscar that his wife Ashley threw him out and he didn't know where to go. Oscar, who has been divorced for a little over a year himself, decides to take Felix under his wing to guide him threw his new bachelorhood. However, Oscar has his carefree life turned upside down when Felix takes over his house and certain aspects of his life.
Co-starring in the show are Lindsay Sloane, Yvette Nicole Brown and Wendell Pierce. Lindsay Sloane plays Emily, the sister of Oscar's neighbor Casey. A recent divorcee, she relates with Felix, and although she acts as more of a friend to Felix in the pilot, it is safe to say that their relationship will turn to romance as the show progresses. She also has few similar mannerisms as Felix. She is also slightly awkward and lives in the shadow of her beautiful sister. Yvette Nicole Brown plays Oscar's longtime assistant Dani (played by Sarah Baker in the original pilot). Although seen in only the first scene of the pilot, Yvette won me over by her portrayal of the snarky assistant. However, Yvette assured me that her character will be seen more frequently in the next episodes. Wendell Pierce plays Teddy, Oscar’s agent and close friend.
Also featured in the show as recurring is Leslie Bibb as the aforementioned neighbor Casey (played by Georgia King in the original pilot), who is a model and is the love interest for Oscar. Casey is really forward with Oscar and tells him right away on their first date that she is not looking for a relationship and can only handle casual sex right now because of her career. Also set to appear in future episodes are Lauren Graham as Oscar’s ex-wife Gabby and Geoff Stults as a former baseball player who's trying to figure out his next career move after an injury.
The show is genuinely funny. Felix mannerism's will make you laugh and Oscar's reaction to them will surely make you chuckle. Matthew also has great comedic timing and delivers jokes through out the episode. Hopefully Dani's interactions with her boss Oscar will continue to be enjoyable.
Fans of Matthew Perry maybe vary of checking out this show seeing that his recent attempts to return to primetime television (Sunset on Studio 60, Mr. Sunshine and Go On) did not turn out to be successful, but I suggest them definitely to check this show out. Being on CBS it may have a longer life span.
The Odd Couple premieres on February 19th at 8:30 on CBS.
