The fifth and final season of the TV sitcom classic starring Tony Randall and Jack Klugman as NYC divorced BFF’s failed attempts to not drive each other crazy is offered its 22 episodes from 1974-75 in this 3-disc set.

CRITIQUE 

By the time things began to settle down for this comedy classic in the making and solidifying the gold  comic team of neat nut shutterbug Felix Unger and forever sloppy sports journalist Oscar Madison (Randall and Klugman, who would both gain Emmy nods and another golden gal for Randall) the series had pretty much covered all its bases with as many madcap situations the pair could  be set up with including the usual broad slapstick humor, put-down one-liner zingers and in general modus operandi  of opposites attraction in full bloom. 

The show began to rely more on the stars as the supporting cast was edged out of most of the final season’s shows but what an ensemble still: Penny Marshall as the nasal assistant to Oscar, Myrna Turner; well-meaning but inept NYC beat cop Murray (the always welcome Al Molinaro and frequent butt  -or nose  - of jokes); Elinor Donahue’s Miriam, the on-again/off-again gal pal of Felix’; and Felix’ kids  Leonard (future Teen Beat heart throb & VH1  causality celeb Leif Garrett) and Edna (Doney Oatman) ; but it is Felix’ ex Gloria (sexpot Janis Hansen) who figured prominently for the series’ swan song: remarrying Felix.

For my two cents Randall and Klugman were an unsung comedy team the likes of Laurel & Hardy, Abbott & Costello and their film counterpoints Lemmon & Matthau, that proved to be timeless and impeccable  as actors and breathed life into what easily could’ve been cardboard caricatures; Randall’s melodramatic overtones worked well against the gruff but lovable everyman’s Klugman and it sure makes me smile to know that all their work is finally preserved like in ember: forever to make new generations  laugh;  a truly treasured gift if you ask me.

DISC ONE:

The Rain in Spain – Heartbroken Myrna tries to win back her odd ball boyfriend Sheldnn (yes w/out an o!  They forgot to put it on his birth certificate!!) - played by Marshall’s real-life husband (at the time) Rob Reiner and finds Felix’ advice to be problematic to say the least.

To Bowl or Not to Bowl - Felix’ impromptu quitting from the gang’s bowling team proves to be a crux Oscar cannot concede to but that doesn’t mean he’ll forgive and forget.

The Frog - One of the more memorable ones and a fave; Felix’ son Leonard has entered his pet frog in a jumping contest and after leaving it in Oscar’s care the reptile is MIA! One word: “Jumpka!”

The Hollywood Story - After Oscar gets a bit part in a film, Felix’ decision to become his agent leads to all sorts  of trouble. Bob Hope has a fun cameo.

The Dog Story - After a photo shoot with a famous Hollywood dog, Felix kidnaps the poor pooch for his own good upon witnessing mistreatment by the animal’s foul-tempered manager.  Another good one with Felix reprising his courtroom impersonation of a litigator at the expense of you guessed it, Oscar.

Strike Up the Band or Else - When Oscar finds himself owing big-time to a wealthy Texan he is forced to make good on his IOU by producing a genuine country music band: enter Felix and his Sophisticatos!  Parnell Roberts (“Trapper John, M.D.”) guest stars.

The Odd Candidate - Oscar is reluctantly entered into a political run for city council thanks to Felix’ overzealous bid to make New York’s’ playgrounds safer.

DISC TWO:

The Subway Story -  One of the boys’ best: Felix’ attempt to prove to a vacation-bound Oscar that New York City isn’t all that bad gets his gumption while the duo are stuck in the subway seeing the city’s true colors.  Scatman Crothers, Barney Martin (who would go on to play Jerry’s dad on “Seinfeld”, and show producer Garry Marshall have guest  starring bits.  Best bit here: Felix’s handkerchief puppet Harvey asking Oscar what he’s doing; his reply, “Dying of embarrassment.”

The Paul Williams Story - When Edna is refused permission to wait all night outdoors for tickets to a Paul Williams concert, she runs away with the boys finding her waitressing in an upstate lodge where the singer - who guest stars amiably – is appearing.

Our Fathers - One of the more ambitious episodes: Felix tells Murray in flashback the story of how his & Oscar’s dads met during Prohibition.  Funny and winning and most notable for the sole episode where Klugman is sans hairpiece (!)

The Big Broadcast - When Oscar lands a job as a host of a live radio program Felix comes aboard to show him how it should be done in this lively, imaginative and truly hilarious episode featuring Randall at his sharp, witty best.

Oscar in Love - Oscar finds his sudden romance blossom into the possibility of marriage - or at least if Felix has his way.  Dina Merrill guest stars as Oscar’s love interest.

The Bigger They Are - Felix is in a pickle involving an advertising campaign for a weight loss product when his obese cousin leaves him high and dry and a reluctant Oscar once again at his roomie’s mercy.  Comic John Byner guest stars as the unscrupulous client.

Two on the Aisle - Oscar is forced to fill-in for the paper’s theatre critic so he tricks his buddy into being Mr. First Nighter by giving him comp tix and then a post-show grilling to get his review in before the evening deadline.  The show’s playwright/creator Neil Simon has a fun cameo.

Your Mother Wears Army Boots - Oscar’s rival Howard Cosell has an open spot on his program and it’s up to Felix to get his friend a shot at the big time.  Comic Jack Carter guest stars as well as Cosell.

DISC THREE:

Felix the Horse Player - It’s too good to be true but Felix proves to be Oscar’s good luck charm in his winning streak at the track.

The Rent Strike - Felix leads the good fight in an apartment rent strike much to Oscar’s chagrin.

Two Men on a Hoarse - Oscar’s throat operation proves a sore point when Felix pushes his last nerve.  Phil Foster (who would go on to play Penny Marshall’s pizza parlor owning dad in “Laverne & Shirley”) guest stars as the phlegmatic physician.

The Roy Clark Show - Country western star Roy Clark (best known for “Hee-Haw”) guests as an old Army buddy of Oscar’s who gets under Felix’ skin as he visits but proves to be more than what he is: an accomplished classical violinist.

Old Flames Never Die - When Felix finds out an old high school flame is now a grandmother he decides to prove to himself - and Oscar – that they are younger than they are by painting the town red.

Laugh Clown, Laugh - Comedian Richard Dawson (future host of “The Family Feud”) guests as Felix ‘ex-partner during the war who is in town hosting a TV show and naturally Oscar finds his buddy’s envy to be a thorny issue.

Felix Remarries - The grand finale for the series: Felix’ ex-wife agrees to re-marry him at the apartment and freeing Oscar at last of the fussbudget once and for all!

THE VIDEO

Presented in its original 4:3 full screen aspect ratio, even Oscar could appreciate the neat transfer!

THE AUDIO

English mono with no subtitles in Dolby Digital that is as good as it can get.

THE EXTRAS

Bupkus!  Sadly only the first season had some worth mentioning.

FINAL THOUGHT