Shows
1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple PodcastSCRIPTS - SECURITY ARMS & YOU SAVED MY LIFEIn this episode we discuss the differences between "Revised Final Scripts" for the two S2 episodes "Security Arms" and "You Saved My life" and the actual released episodes. If you want access to PDFs of the scripts please email us at 1049Pod@Gmail.com.
2023-12-031h 031049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple PodcastTony and Jack Post OC Shows - Pt. 2.Tony Randall Show, Love Sydney, You Again?The second half of our discussion about Jack and Tony's series after The Odd Couple contains in-depth looks at The Tony Randall Show (1976-78), Love Sydney (1981-1983) and You Again? (1986-87).
2023-01-091h 481049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple PodcastTony and Jack Post OC Shows - Pt. 1. Quincy, M.E.In this episode we start looking at the four series Jack and Tony did after The Odd Couple - Quincy, The Tony Randall Show, Love, Sydney and You Again?. This is part one where we cover only Quincy. The next episode will cover the three sitcoms.
2023-01-021h 231049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple PodcastTony and Jack ClipsThis episode covers Jack Klugman and Tony Randall's TV appearances as themselves - on talk shows, in ads, on Dean Martin roast, and in song.
2022-11-131h 491049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast1993 TV-Movie, 2015-2017 CBS, 1975 Cartoon The Oddball CoupleIn this episode our subjects are:
1) The 1993 reunion movie featuring Jack and Tony. We cover the behind-the-scenes talent that was and was not involved with the project; who was and was not in front of the camera; the quality of the writing (or lack of it); and how it performed in the ratings.
2) The 2015-2017 CBS reboot starring Matthew Perry and Thomas Lennon. Topics include how this fits into the other CBS sitcoms of the era; the differences in characters vs. the original series; how Matthew Perry was the driving force behind its existence; and tw...2022-09-261h 271049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple PodcastThe New Odd Couple (1982/83)We start the episode intending to discuss both the 1982/83 New Odd Couple (“NOC”) AND the 1993 Odd Couple reunion TV-movie but end up speaking so long about New Odd Couple we decide on the fly to hold the movie for another episode. Before we start I surprise Garrett with an item I bought on eBay – the full PDF can be seen here
Odd Couple Program
Regarding NOC we 1) provide our overall opinion on the series 2) discuss the cast 3) analyze the TV ratings situation for the time 4) review why the show is made up of recycled scripts from the...2022-08-081h 391049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple PodcastThe Neil Simon / Odd Couple Universe Outside of The TV ShowThis week we delve into the world of The Odd Couple centering around the plays and the movies, some of which were made before the TV show and some of which came after. We discuss the origins of the play and how that turned into the movie; our thoughts on the film; the updated versions of the play that Neil Simon wrote later in his career and the unnecessary film sequel. We play dialogue from the movie that was re-used in the series and the Neal Hefti theme WITH lyrics.
2022-07-241h 291049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple PodcastSuper Fan InterviewsThis week Ted and Garrett stop talking so much and let two other Odd Couple fans discuss the show with them. First up: James Bradley discusses his love of S1 and explains why there is a group of fans who enjoy it passionately. Second is Lee Spilberg who has helped the podcast with lots of information especially regarding all of the music cuts. These are two separate interviews.
2022-07-171h 521049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple PodcastThe Murray Awards!This week, Ted and Garrett hand out The Murray Awards for various "best of" categories regarding The Odd Couple. Examples include - Best Use Of Honking, Best Scene Where Felix Gets Mad at Oscar (and vice verse), Best Performance by a Male Celebrity Playing Themself, and many others. Yes, we could have just called it "The Oscars", but we have been using Murray as a metric since early on the podcast so we stuck with it.
2022-07-091h 001049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple PodcastOdd Couple Look Back - Our Most and Least Favorite EpisodesWith the episode by episode recap now over we look back and discuss our most and least favorite episodes by season and of the series overall. We focus on S2-S5 but do have some discussion of S1.
2022-06-261h 121049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”Felix Remarries”Felix and Gloria get back together in the series finale “Felix Remarries”. In our discussion we cover 1) some new info our listeners provided to fill in the gaps on our prior episode about Laugh Clown Laugh, 2) the return of Janis Hansen / Doney Oatman / Leif Garrett 3) the multiple classic lines in the episode – some of which came from the play/movie 4) goop mélange 5) who is and who is not at the wedding, 6) the behind the scenes planning for the finale 7) and our plans for future episodes of the podcast now that the episode-by-episode analysis is over.
2022-06-121h 171049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”Laugh Clown Laugh”Felix has a feud with Oscar’s latest TV show co-host Richard Dawson in the series’ penultimate episode Laugh Clown Laugh. We cover 1) Dawson’s career and how he came to appear on this episode 2) the resume of guest star magician Mark Wilson, the quality of his on-air tricks and the way he comes out onto the show 3) the mystery of who wrote this episode 4) Felix’s history in WWII 5) the multiple funny bits with Murray 6) the acrobats / teeter-totter scene, the actors involved and the connection to a prior episode, 7) the unintentional appearance of Tony Randall in an establishing shot 8) th...2022-06-051h 281049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”Old Flames Never Die”Felix feels old after finding out his high school sweetheart is a grandmother, and drags Oscar into his misery, in S5E20 “Old Flames Never Die”. We discuss 1) the production order of this episode 2) the implications of this storyline on how old Felix and Oscar are; 3) the second appearance of Oscar’s “new” secretary Tina; 4) the numerous guest stars including the return of some old favorites; 5) how one of those guest stars, Leonard Barr, breaks the fourth wall and does his stand-up act for the studio audience; 6) the dancing in the episode; and 7) the reference to the wreck of the Hesperu2022-05-3155 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”The Roy Clark Show”Roy Clark guest stars on an episode named after him in S5E19 “The Roy Clark Show”. We discuss the many songs and pieces of music in this episode; Clark’s resume and his time on Hee Haw; the return of John Wheeler a Mr. Felscher; guest star Albert Paulsen; edits on the version airing on Decades TV; our observations of ad-libs and laugh tracks in the episode.
2022-05-161h 111049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”Two Men On A Hoarse”Oscar and Felix both lose their voice in “Two Men On A Hoarse” - S5E18. We discuss 1) guest star Dick Cavett 2) Jack Klugman’s real appearance on The Dick Cavett Show and discussion of his real-life throat issues, 3) guest star Phil Foster, 4) The return of guest actors Louis Guss, Filip Field, and Joshua Shelley, 5) a mention of The Odd Couple on the new Paramount+ series The Offer 6) Laurence Oliver’s Polaroid TV ads, 7) the music cut in this episode, 8) Jack Klugman singing “Together" on the cast album of Gypsy, 9) Tony Randall breaking the 4th wall and Jack Klugman visibly lau...2022-05-081h 141049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”The Rent Strike”Felix organizes a rent strike against 1049 Park Avenue after its new manager fails to keep up the building in S5E17 “The Rent Strike”. Topics covered include 1) The Library of Congress receiving Neil Simon’s archives 2) Jerry Lewis' failed talk shows 3) guest star Victor Buono 4) the potential tie-in of his character’s name and The Wild Wild West 5) guest star Rodney Allen Rippy and his Jack In The Box ads 6) the song “Buckle Down Winsocki” 7) Miriam knowing that Felix sees other women 8) the music edit on the DVD 9) the return of actors Ed Peck, Herbie Faye, and Peter Hobbs 10) the weird way...2022-05-021h 131049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”Felix, The Horse Player”Oscar and Felix use inside source Harry Tallman, a horse exercise rider, to make a lot of money at the track in “Felix The Horse Player”, S5E16. Topics discussed include 1) guest player Jerry Maren, 2) the two entrances of the San Remo which stands in for 1049 Park Avenue, 3) the many uses of the Press Box restaurant exterior, 4) guest star Fritz Feld and his “popping” noise, 5) the return of OC guest stars Johnny Silver and Robert Ball 6) the use of NYC exteriors and obvious stand-in for Jerry Maren in those scenes, 7) Felix’s lucky sweater, 8) the very memorable lines in this episo...2022-04-181h 121049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”Your Mother Wears Army Boots”Howard Cosell and opera singer Martina Arroyo co-star in the infamous “Your Mother Wears Army Boots”, S5E15. We discuss and/or debate: 1) Other appearances of TV show creators on their own shows in reference to last week’s Neil Simon appearance 2) how this episode came together 3) when it was filmed 4) similarities to the prior Cosell episode 5) Arroyo’s background 6) guest star Jack Carter 7) guest star Roone Arledge, 8) an instance where Felix now refers to them living on CPW although we hold 1049 Park Avenue as canon 9) the logistics of Arroyo’s entrance into the living room after being introduced by Felix 10) t...2022-04-111h 241049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”Two On The Aisle”Oscar uses Felix to write off-Broadway theater reviews in S5E14 “Two on the Aisle”. We dive into such details as 1) Neil Simon’s cameo 2) the appearance of real-life theater critics John Simon, Dan Sullivan and Joan Crosby, 3) appearance of real-life TV host John Barbour, 4) the theater critic George Jean Nathan, 5) the playwright Jean Anouilh 6) the apartment bathroom, 7) Felix’s dates, 8) an appearance by Myrna as Oscar’s secretary although she got married and quit months earlier 9) the continuity error regarding Felix’s large “Thanks” photo of himself, 10) and the Joe Louis and Max Schmeling fights.
2022-04-041h 251049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”The Bigger They Are”Oscar wears a fat suit for a TV commercial Felix is directing in S5E13 “The Bigger They Are”. We discuss 1) The silliness of the plot and all the holes it brings including the fraud being committed 2) whether or not the opening shot is of the Plaza hotel 3) the return of John Byner 4) the return of other guest actors Peter Hobbs and Cliff Emmich 4) the bizarre fake ads shown at the end of the episode 5) the fat suit 6) famous NYC newscasters of the 1980s
2022-03-281h 101049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”Oscar In Love”Oscar dates a widower with two kids in S5E12 “Oscar In Love”. The many topics we discuss include 1) episode writer Carl Gottlieb 2) guest star Dina Merrill, 3) I Love Lucy on Paramount+, 4) the child actors who play the kids 5) words we learned from TV shows 6) the current state of RKO pictures, 7) the magic tricks depicted and how Tony Randall “milks” a joke using an illogical gesture, 8) How long Felix and Oscar have lived together 9) the return of Richard Stahl and Garry Walberg 9 ) how Anita goes the way of Yawbus.
2022-03-211h 271049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”The Big Broadcast”Felix meddles in Oscar’s radio show in S5E11 “The Big Broadcast”. Topics discussed include: 1) Tony Randall and writer Frank Buxton’s enthusiasm for old-time radio, 2) Dick Butkus’ wedding 3) How audiences of the 1970s remember entertainment from the 1920s-1930s. 4) Angry radio in the 1970s and host Bob Grant 5) How S5 of The Odd Couple was aired out of production order and how that impacts the character of Tina, Oscar’s new/temporary secretary, 6) the lackluster “Adventuring Ranger” scene 7) the fantastic Babe Ruth / penicillin scene and 8) and how this episode has some of the best lines in the whole series. 2022-03-141h 151049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”Our Fathers”Felix tells the story of how Oscar’s father tried to kill Felix’s father via a flashback to the 1920s in S5E10 “Our Fathers”. We cover 1) the exact year of the episode 2) the character timelines and inconsistencies that occur and the ones that don’t 3) the way the 1920s/1930s setting is established 3) the connections to The Untouchables 4) the career of guest star Elijah Cook Jr. 5) Garrett’s impression of Morris Unger, 6) the removal of Tony and Jack’s toupees to play their fathers, 7) and the return of many guest players from other episodes.
2022-03-071h 081049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”The Paul Williams Story”Edna runs away from home to follow Paul Williams and Felix and Oscar go after her in S5E9 “The Paul Williams Story”. Topic covered include 1) the career of guest star Paul Williams, 2) the fact that this episode was originally written for John Denver, 3) an Odd Couple reference in the current season of Billions, 4) the illogic in the episode’s plot, 5) the very funny bit when Felix reads Edna’s note after Oscar hands it to him, 6) the first meaty role for perennial bit actor Eddie Garrett, 7) and how quickly Paul Williams wrote an original song in the episode.
2022-02-281h 101049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”The Subway Story”Felix and Oscar get trapped on a stuck subway car in S5E8 “The Subway Story”. We go off on multiple tangents such as 1) catching up on the homework we had regarding some scenes from the prior episode ‘The Odd Candidate’, 2) Jack Klugman’s pre Odd Couple sitcom Harris Against The World, 3) New York crime in the 1960s and 1970s and a brief history of the NYC subway system, 4) the guest stars including Scatman Crothers, Barney Martin, Billy Sands and Garry Marshall himself, 5) the impressive subway set and the Marine recruiting poster that is shown, 6) The nature of Felix and Miriam’...2022-02-211h 221049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”The Odd Candidate”Oscar runs for NYC Council in “The Odd Candidate.” We dive into such minutiae as 1) The many street scenes filmed in NYC, 2) the unusual angle of the kitchen that is shown which brings up issues of weirdly-placed shelving units, absence of 4th walls and a mysterious set of keys 3) 1970s local TV horror hosts 4) what footage is being used for The Mysterious Planet Debbie, 5) smoking cigarette billboards in Times Square, 6) Oscar’s campaign posters, 7) and Miriam as pollster.
2022-02-131h 161049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”Strike Up The Band or Else”Oscar owes $500 and tricks Felix into using his band into playing at a charity barn dance as payment in S5E6 “Strike Up The Band Or Else”. Topics covered include: 1) the horrendous musical cuts on the DVD featuring Cocktails For Two, while the Hulu version preserves the scenes with this song 2) the career of guest star Pernell Roberts, 3) the return of Felix’s band now called the Sophisticados 4) the connection between a poker player in this episode and The Honeymooners, 4) how “stuff you sorries in a sack mister” went from The Odd Couple to Seinfeld, 5) Ma Gump, 6) and the references...2022-02-061h 071049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”The Dog Story”Felix kidnaps a famous acting dog after witnessing poor treatment during a photo shoot in S5E5 The Dog Story. We discuss among other topics: 1) the return of guest star John Fiedler 2) Odd Couple writer Bill Idelson who plays the judge, replacing Curt Conway, 3) the many Sanford and Son spin-offs which ties into the episode’s writers 4) how much the studio audience loves the episode, 5) the appearance of Rona Barrett, 6) the multiple returning bit players in the courtroom scene, 7) the 70s being the era of the animal-as-hero in family movies, 8) the use of a flashback in the episode, 9) and the...2022-01-301h 041049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”The Hollywood Story”Felix and Oscar go to Hollywood for Oscar’s cameo in a sports movie but Felix poses as his agent to help get him more screen time and money in S5E4 "The Hollywood Story”. Topics covered include 1) the many plot similarities to I Love Lucy 2) the career and scandals of guest star George Montgomery 3) Bob Hope’s appearance 4) the return of Leonard Barr and Allan Arbus 5) the authentic location shooting, 6) the multiple times when TV’s 4th wall is kind of broken.
2022-01-241h 181049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”The Frog”Felix and Oscar must deal with Leonard’s missing/hurt frog in S5E3 “The Frog.” Topics covered include: 1) The career of guest star Leif Garett who plays Leonard for the first time 2) the career of Sabu who is referenced in the episode 3) the return of the great Richard Stahl, 4) the dangerous stunt with the frog and the blender 5) when the frog is real and when it is fake, 6) the music cut in the DVD version of the episode.
2022-01-181h 091049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”To Bowl Or Not To Bowl”Felix, the star bowler of Oscar’s bowling team, refuses to play in the championship out of principle but Oscar think Felix has a fear of losing in S5E2 “To Bowl Or Not To Bowl.” Topics covered include: Murray mentioning he has a son we have never heard about before; the careers of guest stars Noam Pitlik and Leonard Barr; the origins of the scene where Oscar sprays cleaner into Felix’s food; the phrase “Sorry doesn’t feed the admiral’s cat.”; the misattribution of one of the bowling players on IMDb; the return of Vinnie; and the unusual scen...2022-01-101h 161049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”Rain In Spain”We are back for our first episode of 2022 with the first episode of season five, “The Rain In Spain”. We discuss guest star Rob Reiner, All In The Family, other guest star Garo Yepremian, the chopped liver football, the reason Penny Marshall left the series and her wonderful performance here, and Jerry Vale + Corbett Monica.
2022-01-031h 221049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”One For The Bunny”In a flashback we see Oscar get Felix a job at Playboy, where Oscar works, but trouble arises when then-fiancée Gloria wants to pose nude in the S4 Finale “One For The Bunny”. Topics discussed include 1) the career of Melvin Belli, 2) the casting of Asian-American actor Lloyd Kino as Al Fischer 3) the Playboy magazine edition used in the episode 4) the third and final appearance of Curt Conway as a judge, 5) and the dubbed-in applause for Hugh Hefner.
2021-12-121h 031049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”New York‘s Oddest”
Felix decides to get involved in his community and join the NYPD civilian patrol, and drags Oscar along, in S4E21 “New York’s Oddest”.
Topics covered include 1) the set design when we are looking into the apartment from the outside hallway 2) the silent film history of guest star Lassie Lou Ahern 3) the credits of guest Michael Lerner, and 4) the multiple returning guest performers.
2021-11-3058 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”The Insomniacs”Felix has insomnia and it’s driving Oscar crazy in The Insomniacs – S4E20. Topics covered include 1) The old time actors mentioned by Felix on the “late, late, late show”, 2) the cut song “Dream” by Johnny Mercer, 3) the popularity of waterbeds, 4) the many visual gags in this episode, 5) how TV stations used to sign off the air overnight, and 6) Tony Randall showing off his poker chip tricks.
2021-11-221h 011049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”A Different Drummer”Monty Hall returns and Felix tries to get his band on Monty’s new TV show but needs Oscar’s help to make it happen in S4E19 “A Different Drummer”. Topics covered include: 1) the many songs from the 1920s that are sung in the show and the multiple music cuts 2) the firing of Julius LaRosa 3) another debate about whether is Oscar is 40 or 50 given that Monty, who is 53, and Oscar were in college together, 4) and the fact a clip from a prior episode is shown.
2021-11-151h 081049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”Shuffling Off To Buffalo”Felix moves to Buffalo to work with his brother at his bubble gum company in S4E18 “Shuffling Off To Buffalo.” Discussion includes the following topics: 1) Oscar’s wearing 74 on his jersey and our assumed reference to Merlin Olsen 2) The career of the main guest star William Redfield 3) the resume of some of the other guest stars 4) the early deaths of some of those guest stars 5) the use of telegrams in 1974 6) the fact that William Daniels was originally sought to play Floyd 7) and the impressive sets in the episode.
2021-11-071h 131049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”Vocal Girl Makes Good”A shy but talented woman whom Oscars works with has a crush on him while Felix wants her to sing Carmen in his opera in S4E17 “Vocal Girl Makes Good”. Topics discussed: The career of Marilyn Horne; the gullible and moronic nature of her character; the amount of singing in the episode; the timeline problems caused by an unnecessary prop that is very visible; and several oddly or incorrectly said lines.
2021-10-311h 081049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”The Flying Felix”Oscar helps Felix get over his fear of flying in S4E16 “The Flying Felix.” We discuss the numerous guest actors in the show including Teri Garr in one of her earliest roles; the state of air travel and air travel advertising in the early 1970s; the episode’s reference to the movie Patton; the higher budget of the episode given multiple sets and large number of guest actors and extras; the classic “I much fear there is serious trouble in the fuselage Frederick” line; two pronunciations of the word “annex”; and the Broadway writing background of guest actor George Furth.2021-10-241h 021049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”Cleanliness Is Next To Impossible”Oscar is hypnotized in order to become neat for his new girlfriend in S4E15 Cleanliness Is Next To Impossible. We discuss: 1) whether Felix said “specialty” or “special” when discussing Oscar’s crane operator date 2) the wonderful psychiatrist scene with Richard Stahl and the connection of the actress who plays the secretary to I Love Lucy 3) the famous Shakespeare quote used in the episode 4) the two mistakes that Jack Klugman makes 5) guest star Allan Arbus 6t) the period setting of the flashback to Young Oscar here vs. the one in Our Fathers and the appearance of Adam Klugman.
2021-10-111h 001049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”The Moonlighter”Oscar moonlights at a greasy spoon in order to pay back money Felix gave him for Yankees tickets that Oscar lost gambling. Among the many details we discuss are: 1) The tricky list of guest cast especially Sam Nudell 2) the return of Bella Bruck and Phil Leeds 3) the implausibility of having a cow, alone, in a NYC building zoned for commercial use, 4) non-dairy creamer 5) and how Tony Randall breaks the 4th wall which leads to one of Garrett’s all-time favorite lines.
2021-10-041h 011049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”A Barnacle Adventure”Oscar want Felix to invest in a new invention created by his dentist – barnacle glue in S4 E13, “A Barnacle Adventure”. Topic covered include the careers of the multiple guest stars including Val Avery who plays Dr. Elmo Most; Ted’s naïve wonderment at how they did the bowling ball / pencil gag; how Oscar wants to invest in the glue without using any of his own money; how Felix becomes President of the company when Elmo has the most money invested; the great presentation scene; and how barnacles are inspiring use of adhesives in the medical field in 2021.
2021-09-201h 061049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”The Exorcists”We discuss S4E12 “The Exorcists” in which Felix thinks the air conditioner is haunted. Ted really doesn’t like the episode and makes that clear early, Garrett is much more generous. Topics: 1) how Herbie Faye played the super in multiple episodes and seemed to always have a different name 2) guest star Victor Buono, 3) the jingle for Italian Swiss Colony wines 4) the similarities of the tag scene to other episodes.
2021-09-1256 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”Maid For Each Other”Felix hires a Nanny for Oscar in S4E11 “Maid For Each Other”. Topics discussed: 1) The mystery of writer Marlene Barr who has no other major credits 2) The IMDB error crediting “Crony 1” as the noted acting teacher Robert Lewis instead of the character actor Buddy Lewis and how Garret determines this is a mistake 3) how much the audience enjoys the episode 4) the great casting of Reta Shaw as Clare Frost 5) the multiple connections to the Honeymooners.
2021-09-061h 001049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"The Pig Who Came To Dinner"Oscar loses “everything”, including Felix, to hustler Bobby Riggs in “The Pig Who Came To Dinner.” We discuss the historical significance of this episode because of its timing just weeks after the “Battle Of The Sexes” Primetime tennis match, the fact Ted thinks Billie Jean King is a horrible actress while both Ted and Garrett agree Bobby Riggs is good, Ted being confused by the exact nature of the temperature bet, Riggs’ prowess at all the events show in the episode, and the lack of clues to the passage of time in the ping pong scene.
Here is the ad we ref...2021-08-281h 031049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Felix Directs"Felix sets out to make a documentary about Oscar and ends up almost directing a porno film in “Felix Directs”. Items of discussion include: the use of prunes for breakfast, the multiple NYC location shots, the career of guest actors David White and how he and character actor Louis Guss have a unique scene in the episode, how PBS’s American Family and the movie Mondo Cane are referenced, the differences in Super 8 & 16MM film, and what exactly is a XX rating.
2021-08-221h 041049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"The Songwriters"Jaye P. Morgan and Wolfman Jack guest star on “The Songwriters” as Felix writes the classic song “Happy and Peppy and Bursting With Love” for Morgan. Topics covered include 1) the biographies of Jaye P. Morgan and Wolfman Jack 2) the clever way the song come together 3) where the piano comes from and 4) is Tony Randall playing the piano?
2021-08-081h 001049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"This Is The Army Mrs. Madison"We flashback to Oscar and Blanche’s wedding night at an army base in This Is The Army Mrs. Madison. Topics examined include 1) the dizzying amount of continuity issues in this episode 2) the attempts and non-attempts to make the actors look younger 3) the odd names in this episode and the fact Blanche’s maiden name in this episode is the same as the actress that plays her 4) and Richard Stahl’s guest appearance.
2021-08-0155 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"The New Car"It’s our one year anniversary and 50th recorded episode! Oscar and Felix win a new car which ends up causing more problems than benefits in “The New Car”. We discuss 1) the geographic inconsistencies this episode causes regarding where Felix and Oscar live 2) the many external street scenes 3) John Byner and 4) Bella Bruck who plays Pushover Page
2021-07-251h 021049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"The New Car"It’s our one year anniversary and 50th recorded episode! Oscar and Felix win a new car which ends up causing more problems than benefits in “The New Car”. We discuss 1) the geographic inconsistencies this episode causes regarding where Felix and Oscar live 2) the many external street scenes 3) John Byner and 4) Bella Bruck who plays Pushover Page.2021-07-2555 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"The Odd Holiday"In “The Odd Holiday”, a flashback episode, Felix and Oscar go to the Caribbean with their wives and Felix tries to help Oscar’s marriage while not realizing his in jeopardy.
2021-07-1855 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"That Was No Lady"Felix falls for a football player’s wife but doesn’t know she is married in S4E4 “That Was No Lady”. Topics covered include: 1) Listener feedback to our question about the line “Every body loves pizza and beer” in our last episode 2) The biography of guest stars Alex Karras and Patricia Harty 3) phrases we are not familiar with such as “good offices”, “honky tonk”, “red dog”. 4) the way this episode celebrates romance in NYC 5) how the episode tells an emotional story in a short period of time 6) the significance of a “Chicano” musical named Lettuce 6) how this episode proves Miriam means nothing t2021-07-101h 071049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"The Odd Decathalon"Felix and Oscar compete in athletic events to prove who is the better insurance risk in S4E3 “The Odd Decathlon”. Topics discussed include 1) Our confusion as to why the studio audience applauds at the line “Every body needs Pizza and beer”, 2) Murray's terrible refereeing skills and 3) The state of employment insurance in the 1970s
2021-07-031h 001049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Last Tango In Newark"World-renowned ballet dancer Edward Villella guest stars in S4E2. We discuss 1) the selling of orange and orange beverages at theaters 2) the potential skittishness of ABC regarding the assumption that ballet implies lack of manliness 3) the resume of Dan Dailey and 4) the physical humor of Jack Klugman in this episode.
2021-06-2654 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Gloria Moves In"Gloria stays at Felix and Oscar’s apartment while her house is being painted in the 4th season premiere “Gloria Moves In”. Topics covered include 1) When this episode was filmed vs aired and how that impacts the living room furniture which had just been changed in the prior aired episode 2) The directing flourishes of Garry Marshall 3) Tony Randall’s great performance of Felix playing cards while drunk 4) the glimpses we get as to why Gloria divorced Felix 5) how sex is discussed in this episode 6) another cut musical scene 7) 1970’s mores regarding a single man being alone in a hotel 8) the inside...2021-06-191h 081049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"The Murray Who Came To Dinner"Murray has a fight with his wife and moves in with Felix and Oscar in the season three finale The Murray Who Came For Dinner. We discuss the fact this episode was the third filmed for the season but the last to air and speculate about why this was. We also cover in-depth that the actress who plays Murray’s wife also played Oscar’s mother this season. Other topics include: McGuffins vs red herrings; how good Al Molinaro is in the episode; rollerderbys; and the unnecessary use of recycled outdoor footage and establishing shots.
2021-06-151h 011049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”Take My Furniture, Please”Felix buys new furniture for the apartment but his tastes and Oscar's are very different in S3E22. We discuss the fantastic set design in this episode; the legendary character Charles Lane who makes an appearance; the terrible doormen in 1049 Park Avenue who let anyone up at anytime; the fact Miriam and Felix show mild affection here and the episode's great sight gags.
2021-06-071h 001049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"The Odyssey Couple"Felix finds Oscar a date who isn’t what she seems in order to make Oscar’s mother happy in S3E21 The Odyssey Couple. We talk about: 1) how people used to call a phone number to get the exact time, speculate about why there is a new actress play Oscar’s mother, 2) the 70s references to Dom DeLuise, Liz & Dick, John and Yoko and Raquel Welch, 3) the endless dancing in this episode, 4) the connection between this episode and the classic Saturday morning show Shazam! 5) the history of Lynne Miller who plays Helena 6) the significance of Boys In The Band, 7...2021-05-2951 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Let's Make A Deal"Monty Hall guest stars as Oscar burns Felix's custom mattress and tries to win a new one on Let's Make A Deal in S3E20. We make a few corrections/additions from the prior week's episode about My Strife in Court, play a short clip from Gilmore Girls referencing The Odd Couple, discuss Monty Hall's bio and why he was on the show, and cover the origins of a quote misattributed to Abraham Lincoln.
2021-05-2251 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"My Strife In Court"Felix and Oscar go to court to defend themselves against a charge of ticket scalping with Felix serving as counsel in S3E19 My Strife In Court. Topics covered include the great performance by Curt Conway who plays another judge, the resume of Oscar Homolka, the inconsistencies cited regarding when Murray met Oscar & Felix and of Felix serving in occupied France, and of course the origins of "you make an ass of u and me."
2021-05-1558 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast”The Hustler”In this episode we discuss S3E18 “The Hustler” in which Felix’s opera club needs money and Oscar helps via gambling and pool. Among the topics covered are: the signature credits of the multiple guest stars, the reasons this episode was likely inspired by the favorite real-life activities of its stars, the audience laughing too hard in some spots, the similarities to the movie The Hustler, and Garrett does some heavy sleuthing to figure out the origin of the song at the end.
2021-05-0851 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Myrna's Debut"Felix the impresario tries to jumpstart Mryna's lapsed/burgeoning tap dancing career in S3E17 "Myrna's Debut." Before we get into the episode itself we mention an enjoyable interview with Odd Couple writer Lowell Ganz on the I Love The Odd Couple Facebook page and relate some new info to our prior episode about The Ides Of April. We then discuss the rationale for this episode due to Penny Marshall's family history, the great use of guest characters, the wide use of music compared to other episodes on DVD / streaming where songs are cut, and the clever finale scene / ta...2021-05-0154 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"The Ides of April"This week our subject is S3E16 The Ides of April in which Felix is summoned to the IRS to resolve a discrepancy. We talk about the similarities to a Honeymooners episode; Ted’s view that the character of the tax examiner is inconsistent; how other 70’s shows put women in places of power in the workplace as part of their storylines; and the inclusion of a recognizable character actor in the credits (Louis Guss) who has no dialogue in the actual episode on DVD or streaming.
2021-04-2446 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"I Gotta Be Me"This week we discuss S3E15 “I Gotta Be Me” in which Felix and Oscar go to therapy and try role reversal. Topics include; pop psychology, some confusing dialogue that sets up the group therapy; the Hobo news; a music edit in the DVD and streaming version that ruins the tag; the fact that this is Ted’s favorite episode of the entire series and Garrett’s pet peeve.
2021-04-171h 081049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Sometimes A Great Ocean"Felix takes Oscar on a cruise for senior citizens to help his ulcer in S3E14. Topics include 1) the credits of the veterans who play their fellow cruise passengers 2) the sloppy prop work in this episode 3) the 2nd appearance of Monroe, the super's son 4) and some favorite lines of ours.
2021-04-0954 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Don't Believe In Roomers"Felix and Oscar fall for the same girl - with a mysterious past - in S3E13 "Don't Believe Roomers." We discuss the history of the song "Buckle Down Winsocki, the impressive set design of the diner scene, the 2nd appearance of guest Star Marlyn Mason, and the more adult themes of this episode.
2021-04-0351 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"The Odd Father"Felix tries to get Edna to like him by taking her to work and attending her baseball umpire debut in S3 E12 "The Odd Father". We discuss the cringey-but-funny little people scene, the big problem with an address Felix gives Oscar, the change of actress who plays Edna, the similarities to other episodes and the many visual gags in this episode.
2021-03-2652 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Password"ARISTOPHANES!
2021-03-1958 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Oscar's Birthday"Felix’s attempts to throw Oscar a surprise party is the plot of “Oscar’s Birthday” (S3E10) which is the topic of this week’s episode. We get into such details as: 1) Why the production started to use a building other than the real 1049 Park Avenue for exterior shots 2) the first of two appearances of Monroe - the super’s son and the actor who played him 3) speculation that Felix and Miriam seemed to have a platonic relationship instead of a romantic one 4) Oscar has a brother?!?!
2021-03-1257 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"The First Baby"The birth of Felix’s daughter Edna is the topic of S3E9 "The First Baby”. Enjoy as we get a bit lost trying to connect all the consistencies, inconsistencies and references in this episode to other episodes - but we eventually figure it all out. These include: which other episodes featured Oscar’s stuffed gorilla? when else was Lolita mentioned?; the fact Gloria was originally Oscars’ date; and who met Murray first. We also discuss 1) the fact Oscar says he has three bathrooms in this episode - Ted believes this is not true while Garrett isn’t so sure 2) bug...2021-03-061h 091049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Felix's First Commercial"Deacon Jones guest stars in S3E8 as Felix gets to direct a shaving commercial. We discuss Jones' NFL career, the appearances of Herbie Faye as the 1049 super, the real-life Press Box Steakhouse and the fact Felix should have had a career directing TV ads after this episode.
2021-02-2047 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"The Odd Couples"Oscar's mother comes to visit but she doesn't know Oscar is divorced in S3E7 "The Odd Couples". We cover such topics as: Eddie and Debbie (and Tammy); the fact that the actress who played Oscar's mother later played Murray's wife along with some of her odd performance choices; and the inconsistencies in how long Oscar has been divorced and where exactly Blanche lives.
2021-02-1247 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"I'm Dying of Unger"Felix and Oscar go to Murray's cabin so Oscar can work on his book in our analysis of S3E6 "I'm Dying of Unger". We discuss Dorothy Parker and her quotes, Garry Marshall's notes on this episode from his memoir, and another instance where Tony Randall singing was edited out of the DVD for rights purposes.
2021-02-0552 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"The Odd Monks"“The Odd Monks”, S3E5, is our topic for this episode of 1049 Park Avenue. Felix and Oscar go to a monastery to escape work pressures but end up in trouble with the monks. We quote from Garry Marshall and Jack Klugman who both discuss this episode in their memoirs – in fact Gary Marshall says it is his favorite. We also discuss the terrible hair of Brother Lou, reading before bed, the speed at which dough can rise, the song that was cut from the DVD and the bizarre tag scene.
2021-01-291h 011049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple PodcastREPOST: "The Pen Is Mightier Than The Pencil" With Special Bonus Segment!While “The Pen Is Mightier Than The Pencil” is the next episode that we would cover sequentially on 1049 Park Avenue, it was the one we covered in our first podcast because we wanted to start with a mutual favorite. We are reposting our first episode here for you fellow obsessive compulsives who need things in order with a special bonus segment in which we discuss an interview with Elinor Donahue regarding her role as Miriam since this is her first prominent appearance, even if it is her 2nd episode.
2021-01-261h 201049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"The Princess"This week we analyze S3E3 "The Princess" in which Oscar falls in love with royalty. We discuss the resume of guest star Jean Simmons (who is not Gene Simmons), the lushness of this episode, the drama of this episode and the fact another TV series based on a Neil Simon play was on the ABC Fall schedule during The Odd Couple's first season.
2021-01-2355 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Big Mouth"Howard Cosell joins the boys for S2E2 "Big Mouth". Cosell plays himself of course and he is a pitchman for an ad campaign Felix is working on but Oscar insults him and then Felix insults him. They have to apologize so Felix can keep his job. We discuss Cosell's rise to fame, the odd addition of a boy scout character, the random little lines that dot this episode and the hilarious "play-by-play" coverage Felix gives as Oscar.
2021-01-1652 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Gloria, Hallelujah"We start a new year with a new season of The Odd Couple - S3E1 “Gloria Hallelujah”. Among the topics we cover are the history of computer dating, Elinor Donahue’s resume, the odd dynamic of the Felix / Miriam relationship and the perfectly-crafted scene when Oscar is filling out his dating form.2021-01-0952 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"All of Season 1!"In this extra long episode we analyze the 19 out of 24 S1 episodes that we can watch on streaming and address the 5 we could not watch (we don't own the DVD of S1 because we don't like S1). Each episode gets 2-7 minutes of our attention as some are too painful to discuss while others have some noteworthy moments.
2020-12-281h 391049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Psychic, Shmychic"We have come to the end of S2 with our coverage of "Psychic, Shmychic", the second season finale. Our topics include the careers of The Amazing Criswelll and Bernie Kopell, and the popularity of ESP in 1972.
2020-12-191h 021049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Oscar's Promotion"S2E22 - "Oscar's Promotion" - Oscar is assigned to be the editor of a new sports supplement at his newspaper and his first assigned is a Chinese v USA exhibition wrestling match. And he needs a photographer!
We discuss guest star Jack Soo, the state of Chinese-US relations & the time and the specific event that triggered this episode, and the fact that China's best wrestler is aged 55 according to this episode.
2020-12-1257 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple PodcastOddball 4-Pack - Mini Review of 4 Lesser Odd Couple S2 EpisodesWe divert from our normal format this week and cover four episodes of the show from S2 that we think are not very good. We call then "Oddballs" and we give each one about 20 minutes of time to discuss why we don't like them but also the funny moments that do exist (plus a clip). The episodes are "Natural Childbirth", "A Grave For Felix, "Does Your Mother Know You're Out Rigoletto" and "Where's Grandpa".
2020-12-051h 271049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"A Night To Dismember"This week we cover S2E21 "A Night To Dismember" -- a Rashomon-style episode depicting the New Year's Eve episode that led to Oscar and Blanche's divorce. Among the details we discuss are 1) the timeline inconsistencies this episode create 2) the origin and use of Rashomon in pop culture 3) Ted's search for the restaurant depicted in the opening scene and 4)guest star Joan Van Ark
2020-11-2159 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Good, Bad Boy"S2E20 "Good, Bad Boy" is our topic this week. Oscar and Felix help out a reform-school teen ager who asks Edna to the school dance. We discuss the KLM building in NYC, the career of guest actor Johnny Silver and the careers of Lew Alcindor/Kareem Abdul-Jabar, Walt Frazier and Earl The Pearl Monroe.
2020-11-1454 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Partner's Investment"In our Podcast this week we analyze S2E19 "Partner's Investment". In this episode Felix invests his money, and money he has stolen/secured from Oscar, in a Japanese restaurant. The topics we address include 1) the biography of guest star Pat Morita 2) the racist undertones of this episode 3) the absurd moments of this episode 4) and the history of Japanese food popularity in the U.S. in the 1970s. Enjoy!
2020-11-071h 071049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"You Saved My Life"In this installment we discuss S2E17 "You Saved My Life" in which Felix becomes a pest by constantly thanking Oscar who saves him from falling out a window. Oscar tries to get Felix to save HIS life so they can be even. We discuss the introduction of Penny Marshall as Myrna Turner, the location of Oscar's office building and the bizarre Japanese grenade scene.
Here is the picture of Felix we discuss in the episode: https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5db718_bdcc28fc357444e29e9462e6855c347a~mv2.png
2020-10-3158 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Speak For Yourself"S2E16 “Speak For Yourself” Is our topic this week. We go back in time to watch the story behind Oscar proposing to Gloria for Felix in the 1950s. Among the topics covered are the major inconsistencies of the plot compared to other tales of how Felix and Oscar met; the bizarre fact that an actress plays a character named Mitzi in this episode set in the 1950s and essentially the same character in another episode set in the 1970s; and the brilliant pantomime work from Tony Randall.
2020-10-2457 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Security Arms"This week we analyze S2E15 - the classic "Security Arms". Felix and Oscar movie into a high-security apartment building after determining their building and neighborhood is unsafe. Topics include - character actor John Fiedler, what NYC was really like in the 1970s, the wonderful set design in this episode and the cartoonish scene that propels the storyline.
2020-10-171h 021049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast“And Leave The Greyhound To Us?”This week we analyze S2E14 in which Oscar wins a racing greyhound named Golden Earrings in a poker game. References/topics we discuss include Tuesday Weld, Death Of A Salesman, Father Flanagan, hijackings to Cuba and custom felt card-playing mats.
2020-10-1056 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Felix, The Calypso Singer"This week our topic is S2 E13 "Felix, The Calypso Singer". Oscar takes Felix on his Caribbean vacation when Nancy has to stay behind for work, but when Nancy eventually shows up Felix is kicked to the curb. We discuss the terrible tragedy of actress Barbara Colby who appears in this episode, the state of air travel in the 1970s and how Felix loves to be a martyr.
2020-10-031h 031049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Surprise, Surprise"This week we dive into S2E12 "Surprise, Surprise". Felix throws his daughter Edna a party for her 10th birthday. The surprise for Edna is his hiring of Sherman The Clown.
Among the topics we cover are 1) Garrett's personal connection to one of the writers of this episode who had a bad experience with Tony Randall working on the show 2) the meaning of "x-rated movies" in the early 1970s and 3) why its weird that Oscar refers to Edna as "your kid" when talking to Felix.
CORRECTION: In the episode we say that Pamelyn Ferdin played Bun...2020-09-251h 101049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Being Divorced Is Never Having To Say I Do"This week we cover S2E11 - "Being Divorced Is Never Having To Say I Do" - in which Oscar's ex-wife Blanche gets married to a man she just met. We discuss Brett Somers, since this is her first appearance on the show, and her on-screen chemistry with her-real-husband-at-the-time Jack Klugman, + how we learned about alimony as children from watching The Odd Couple.
2020-09-1958 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Win One For Felix"We tackle (pun!) S2E10 - "Win For Felix" - in which Oscar teaches Felix how to coach Leonard's (Felix's son) football team. We discuss how The Odd Couple was a pioneer in showing a divorced dad on TV acting emotionally open with his son, the pedigree and professionalism of Willie Aames, and Knute Rockne.
2020-09-121h 071049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"The Odd Couple Meet Their Host"This week we cover S2E9 "The Odd Couple Meet Their Host", guest starring comedian David Steinberg who puts both Felix and Oscar on his TV show where they make fun of each other. Topics include why Steinberg was such a big deal at the time, the location of Felix's photography studio in NYC, the "meta" aspects of this episode and the fact this features the maddest we ever hear Felix get at Oscar.
2020-09-051h 101049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Fat Farm"This week we cover S2E8 "Fat Farm" in which Felix and Oscar go to Dr. Berger's health retreat to lose weight and get in shape. We discuss the famous dining room scene where desserts are served on empty plates, the numerous bad audio and video cuts in this episode and the resume of the numerous guest players.
2020-08-291h 031049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Murray The Fink"This week we cover S2 E6 entitled "Murray The Fink" -- Felix and Oscar are arrested by Murray during their poker game after they tease him for being too timid and nice. Topics include a deep dive into Speed, Vinnie, Murray and the other guest characters in this episode; the great use of courtroom scenes in the series; and the fun names - real and fictional - used throughout the episode.
2020-08-221h 021049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Sleepwalker"We discuss a great episode - S2E4 "Sleepwalker" - in which Oscar attacks Felix while asleep because he is being extra nice while awake. This episode contains the famous "pits in my juice" and "Bolivian chickens" scenes.
2020-08-1555 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Hospital Mates"We discuss S2 E3 "Hospital Mates" - when Felix and Oscar have operations at the same time and then come home with Felix blind and Oscar on crutches. We also discuss the famous Felix Unger "honk" and the difference in Jack Lemmon's and Tony Randall's delivery of said honk.
2020-08-0952 min1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast"Felix's Wife's Boyfriend"This week we discuss S2E2 of The Odd Couple, "Felix's Wife's Boyfriend". We also cover how we chose this episode to tackle next, how we plan to chose episodes in the future, viewer feedback, where you can watch The Odd Couple and a shout out.
2020-07-311h 031049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple PodcastIntro and "The Pen Is Mightier Than The Pencil"Welcome to the first episode of "1049 Park Avenue: An Odd Couple Podcast" - the only podcast devoted to the 1970-1975 classic sitcom starring Tony Randall and Jack Klugman - one episode at a time.
For this first installment we introduce ourselves - Ted Linhart and Garrett Eisler - and discuss the S3 episode "The Pen Is Mightier Than The Pencil."
2020-07-2345 min