The fourth season of the classic TV sitcom about two mismatched divorced buddies attempting not to drive each other crazy is compiled form its 1973-74 run of 22 original episodes in this 4 disc set.

CRITIQUE

The ongoing shenanigans of America’s favorite neat-freak fotog Felix Unger (Tony Randall) and quintessential sports writer mess  Oscar  Madison (Jack Klugman) continued to spin its web of comic gold (both again were nominated for Emmys with Klugman winning in 1973 as well as a nod to the show in ’74) as the duo truly became a force to be reckoned with in their perfect pitch timing and delivery of jokes (watching again I relished in seeing Klugman’s usual improv’d “Look at this!...” before he’d go into one of his frustrated rages) solidifying them as pop culture icons and the show as a contemporary classic (TV execs of today should totally take note of what funny is since the supposed death/dearth of today’s sitcom is on the wane in the blight of ‘reality’ shows ; uggggh!)

The ensemble of Penny Marshall’s long-suffering executive assistant Myrna Turner to her boss Oscar began to find her ways with nicely done one-liners or a piece of physical comedy; Al Molinaro’s Murray the Cop a joy to behold and to see him this season actually give back to the boys whenever he got fed up with their ways as well as being the go-to for a cheap laugh at the expense of his impressive honker; Elinor Donahue popping in as Felix’ gal pal Miriam added some feminist sparkly flavor to the mix (and of the Me Decade’s socio-political barometer); Felix’ beauty of an ex Gloria (the sigh-worthy Janis Hansen); and Blanche Somers reprising her caustic role as Oscar’s ex…Blanche.

DISC ONE:

Gloria Moves In – Felix’ ex Gloria comes for a visit, convincing the eternal optimist Felix that he has another shot at reconciling his marriage.

Last Tango in Newark – Funny turn with Felix infiltrating the recital of a children’s ballet with Edward Villella, a member of NYC’s Ballet, as himself.

The Odd Decathalon – Uproariously funny grudge match between the roomies to see who is the fittest; before Extreme Sports was ever coined a phrase, this is its precursor to hilarious results.

That Was No Lady – Former pro football star Alex Karras guests as the jealous husband who Oscar is trying to write a book on while Felix unknowingly falls in love for the lout’s cute, but neglected wife.

The Odd Holiday – In another go-for-easy laughs mechanism – the tried-and-true flashback – the vacation the married foursome attempted is recalled; personal note: I totally do not recall seeing in the syndicated repeats the scene where Gloria is an a sexy two-piece bathing suit (!) ; Yowsa, yowsa, yowsa!

The New Car – Oscar and Felix win a new car in a radio quiz show from guest star Dick Clark accurately depicting the pitfalls of owning an automobile in the jungle of New York City.

DISC TWO:

That Is the Army Mrs. Madison – Felix tells Murray and Myrna how Oscar and Blanche’s honeymoon in an Army barracks led to Oscar being detained…by his superior officer Felix.  Has one of the funniest exchanges between the duo:

FELIX: (chipper and said in his trademark staccato delivery):
“A penny for your thoughts!”

OSCAR: (slowly seething and to the point):
“A dollar for your death!”

The Songwriter – One of the instant classics of the show: Felix wants to write a hit song for Oscar’s current paramour, songstress Jaye P. Morgan (prior to her cult iconic turn on the gonzo ‘70s comedy game show “The Gong Show”), resulting in the tune “Happy and Peppy and Bursting With Love!” Wolfman Jack has a cameo as himself, a DJ bud of Oscar’s that Felix attempts to persuade him to broadcast.

Felix Directs - Auteur wannabe Felix decides to film a documentary on Oscar, but the subject’s reluctance only causes merry misunderstandings – including the backers being in the porn industry!  David White, Larry Tate of “Bewitched” guest stars as Felix’ producer.

The Pig Who Came to Dinner – One of the series most famous and best episodes showcases how ‘in’ the show was at the time, with guest star Bobby  Riggs, the male chauvinist pig who took on Billie Jean King in the ultimate grudge match of the decade, who visits Oscar and in an ongoing bet winds up playing ping-pong for Felix (!) King has a funny cameo.

Maid for Each Other – Competition for a competent housekeeper of Felix’ liking is to be balanced also by Oscar’s desire for a pretty face; guest star Reta Shaw, a veteran character actress, makes a formidable foe as a candidate.

The Exorcists – Felix is convinced the apartment is haunted by the previous tenant’s spirit in their air conditioner and enlists their fellow apartment dweller Dr. Clove (formidable vet character actor, Victor Buono, best known as King Tut on TV’s campy “Batman”), a practitioner of the paranormal to exorcise their unwanted guest.

DISC THREE:

A Barnacle Adventure – Oscar attempts to get in on the ground floor of a get-rich quick scheme involving his dentist’s invention of a super glue made by barnacles (!)

The Moonlighter – One of my faves: Oscar moonlights in a greasy spoon unknowingly by Felix so he can repay him money earmarked for a favor he ended up losing at the track.  Oscar’s alias, “Cookie”, is just one of the many laughs milked for full fun effect.

Cleanliness Is Next to Impossible  - Oscar attempts to change his slovenly ways when his new girlfriend Phyllis (Janice Lynde in a short-lived love interest for Oscar) is turned off by his slob image, Felix enlists a hypnotist (Allan Arbus, best known for his recurring role as shrink Dr. Sidney Freedman on “M*A*S*H”).   Klugman’s son Adam has a fun cameo in a flashback to Little Oscar’s messiness.

The Flying Felix – Very funny episode with Felix’ fear of flying nearly jeopardizes him for a gig and having Oscar tag-along to qualm his hysterics en route is a true riot. Teri Garr has an amusing cameo as the exasperated airline ticket agent.

Vocal Girl Makes Good – Marilyn Horne of the NYC Opera plays a be smitten colleague of Oscar’s whose shyness to sing in public tweaks the interest of Felix to persuade her to star in his opera group’s production of “Carmen”.

DISC FOUR:

Shuffling Off to Buffalo -  After a visit by Felix’ brother Floyd from Buffalo (William Redfield, best known as Jack Nicholson’s irritating hospital inmate in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”) he decides to make the trek up north and take a job in his gum factory with especially sticky results: Oscar misses him!

A Different Drummer – Monty Hall returns for a visit, this time as a host of a nostalgic act program, and Felix has his sights to get his ‘band of renowns’ at any cost.  The  series creative force/producer Garry Marshall shows up as a drummer.

The Insomniacs – One of my all-time fave eps with Felix’ ongoing insomnia causing Oscar to loose sleep is laugh-out loud funny.  Best bit is attempting to reduce Felix to his childhood by Oscar bringing his kiddie affects from the cellar’s storage unit and the cellophaned bunny (“To keep him clean.  Those things collect dust!”), Mr. Friend.  After Oscar attempts to read a bed night story – reading every book to no avail – he wearily says, “…and Mr. Friend is asleep and Mr. Enemy is awake.”)

New York's Oddest – Fed up with the indifference of the city’s citizens Felix forces Oscar to join him on an auxiliary police force. Future Best Supporting Actor nominee Michael Lerner (“Barton Fink”) guest stars as the instructor of the course.

One for the Bunny – One of the funniest episodes with Oscar recalling in flashback for Murray how Felix needed supplemental income in order to marry Gloria, by getting a gig as a shutterbug for Playboy Magazine.  Most memorable  for the bodacious Hansen’s amazing décolletage in a skimpy bunny hostess outfit at one of the empire’s clubs and a chagrined Felix attempting to save his honey’s reputation by scowling at the clientele (“Eyes front mister!!!”)  Hugh Hefner has a fun cameo.

THE VIDEO

Presented in its original 4:3 full screen aspect ratio, the digital transfer is so impeccable it would measure up to Felix’ rigid specifications.

THE AUDIO

English mono with no subtitles in Dolby Digital that sounds perfect.

THE EXTRAS

Once again none; only offered in the first season’s set.

FINAL THOUGHT

One more for the series’ collector; another for those who like their comedies’ funny.