Multi-layered and far hipper than one would assume—while for most shows, going “stagey” would be the kiss of death (save for Cheers which seemed to always exist at that same primary location), it works infinitely well for The Odd Couple in taking the Jekyll and Hyde aspects of Simon’s witty play and bringing them to life both conversationally and physically in the writing and performance. Thus in the end, it makes us feel as schizophrenic as Simon himself as we’re half-human and half-observers, falling in and out of hysterics and stepping back to dissect just what it is that makes it so damn funny.
Although, it’d be easy too make dismissive assumptions and say it was precisely this or precisely that, one shouldn’t because in the phrase that was first uttered by Randall’s Felix, “don’t assume, because when you assume, you make an ‘ass’ of ‘u’ and ‘me.’” Plus, it’s much too fun to become the observer-writer, storing up inspiration for future use and when Marshall, Randall, and Klugman were involved, you know you’ll have enough good stuff to keep you laughing for a long, long while.
Article comments
1 - Jordan "Boss" Richardson
Very, very good review, Jen. Really enjoyed reading that and always loved this show. Sweet!