Last week, CBS re-launched The Odd Couple. I'm not exactly sure why they did this, but based on the success of Hawaii 5-0, I guess any old show stands a chance these days if it can get some buzz going. Before the show started, I was excited about watching it. Now that I've seen the first episode, I'm not sure it will be holding my interest.
It's a take as old as time. Two divorced college buddies that are as different as night and day end up living together and navigating the world through their differences in personality. Matthew Perry (Chandler) plays grumpy drinking Oscar and Thomas Lenin is likable as the completely neurotic and on the edge of a nervous breakdown Oscar. Felix is messy and he likes sports, while Oscar is a total neat freak that enjoys opera, arts and cooking. They make the acquaintance of two sisters that live in their apartment building, played by Leslie Bibb (Casey) and Lindsay Sloane (Emily) {it's important to note here as part of the WB network's two stars to a new project rule, both actresses were on the WB, Bibb in popular and Sloane in Sabrina the Teenage Witch}. The opening scenes followed the play version very closely, but with some 21st century upgrades (lots of TV's, Laptops, cell phones...).
As much as I like both actors, and enjoy their scenes in the movie 17 Again, it felt like a community theater production put to a laugh track. Only time will tell if it makes it to another season.
