THE NEW ODD COUPLE (1982-1983) – This sitcom was a reboot of the 1970-1975 series, now starring former Barney Miller co-star Ron Glass as obsessively tidy photographer Felix Unger and former Sanford & Son co-star Demond Wilson as pathologically sloppy sports reporter Oscar Madison. Coincidentally, Glass had made guest appearances on two Sanford & Son episodes in the 1970s.
John Schuck played Murray the Cop, Bart Braverman was Roy and Christopher Joy was Speed. The Pigeon Sisters were portrayed by Sheila Anderson and Ronalda Douglas.
Due to a writer’s strike at the time, eight episodes of The New Odd Couple were flat-out remakes of original Odd Couple installments. That prevented the new series from developing its own way and contributed to falling ratings and the show’s cancellation after just 18 episodes.
THOSE EPISODES:
THE IDES OF APRIL (Oct 29th, 1982) – Felix must go down to the IRS office to correct a computer error. While there, he accidentally lets slip Oscar’s tax cheating. Oscar gets audited, but Felix manages to get his roommate through the ordeal successfully. ESTHER ROLLE guest starred.
THE HUSTLER (Nov 5th) – Oscar helps Felix raise money for his amateur theater troupe via a Casino Night party. It’s a success, but then Oscar risks losing all the winnings playing pool against a hustler. It was Trivia Heaven for viewers as guest stars included Al Molinaro (the original Murray the Cop), Florida Friebus playing her Bob Newhart Show character Mrs. Bakerman, Ian Wolfe as Mr. Bakerman and Ben Powers from The Jeffersons as Side Pocket Sidney. Continue reading
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