Sal
06-04-2002, 09:33 AM
There is one bond that seems to unite all sitcom characters and that is that the viewers either love them or hate them. There are many that people just can't get enough of and want to see every week as often as possible (The Fonz, Mork, Vinnie Barbarino) and there are those that are on too much and you wish would disappear after about 2 episodes (Steve Urkel, "Mimi" from Drew Carey's show, the entire casts of "Seinfeld" and "Full House"). Somewhere in between are the characters that might appear for an episode or two and then you never hear from them again or they might show up again years later just when you thought they were gone for good. A good example of this is Rachel's mother on "Friends" as played by the delightful Marlo Thomas, who has been getting more screen time lately thanks to Rachel's pregnancy but only appeared in a couple of episodes before this season which makes me wonder why. If my mom was Marlo Thomas I'd make sure she was seen as often as possible. God knows we've seen enough of Ross and Monica's parents, who are funny but also on the boring side. On the other hand, just knowing Rachel's mom used to be "That Girl" and who today is still as lovely and as funny as ever, what's not to like? Here's a few more examples from sitcoms of yore that I ranked by personal preference:
1. GEORGE HASKELL---Eddie's father ("Leave It To Beaver")
Played by George Petrie who played many different roles on "The Honeymooners" and was last seen as Paul's co-worker on "Mad About You". What made this role special was the fact that he was the one person in this series that could keep the loud-mouthed egotistical Eddie Haskell grounded despite several frustrating attempts by the Cleavers. He even showed up on the new "Beaver" series, which shows that he wasn't completely forgotten.
2. MICKEY MALPH---Ralph's father ("Happy Days")
Played by Jack Dodson, who played the annoyingly anal Howard Sprague on "The Andy Griffith Show" before reuniting with Ron Howard on "Happy Days" to play a fun-loving optometrist who could turn serious when he had to be. The chemistry between father and son here was excellent. For examples, just check the episodes where Fonzie needs glasses and where Ralph has a gambling problem.
3. STACEY PETRIE---Rob's brother ("The Dick Van Dyke Show")
Played by Jerry Van Dyke in only 4 episodes, who was perenially overshadowed by brother Dick despite proving in "Coach" that he could be just as funny. He will forever live with the fact that he starred in "My Mother The Car" after turning down the role of Gilligan but I won't hold that against him. I love and respect him too much.
4. PEARL BODINE---Jethro's mother ("The Beverly Hillbillies")
Played by the wonderful Bea Benaderet who was great in any role that she played. She always managed to bring out the best---and sometimes the worst---in Granny, and stole nearly every scene she was in. She was so good that she was immediately given her own show , "Petticoat Junction", where she finally became a star, and only showed up on her old show one last time, when Jethro was drafted.
5. "CROSS-OVER" CHARACTERS
This is like when the cast of "Green Acres" would show up on "Petticoat Junction" and vice versa. A common practice in the old days but almost non-existent today, except during the odd "Sweeps Week". It would be fun to try and would give some much-needed life to shows that can use a boost in the ratings.
Next week I want to talk about another type of character, the character actor: one where you can't remember their names, but their faces are everywhere. You'll see what I mean when I get to them. It should be fun!
1. GEORGE HASKELL---Eddie's father ("Leave It To Beaver")
Played by George Petrie who played many different roles on "The Honeymooners" and was last seen as Paul's co-worker on "Mad About You". What made this role special was the fact that he was the one person in this series that could keep the loud-mouthed egotistical Eddie Haskell grounded despite several frustrating attempts by the Cleavers. He even showed up on the new "Beaver" series, which shows that he wasn't completely forgotten.
2. MICKEY MALPH---Ralph's father ("Happy Days")
Played by Jack Dodson, who played the annoyingly anal Howard Sprague on "The Andy Griffith Show" before reuniting with Ron Howard on "Happy Days" to play a fun-loving optometrist who could turn serious when he had to be. The chemistry between father and son here was excellent. For examples, just check the episodes where Fonzie needs glasses and where Ralph has a gambling problem.
3. STACEY PETRIE---Rob's brother ("The Dick Van Dyke Show")
Played by Jerry Van Dyke in only 4 episodes, who was perenially overshadowed by brother Dick despite proving in "Coach" that he could be just as funny. He will forever live with the fact that he starred in "My Mother The Car" after turning down the role of Gilligan but I won't hold that against him. I love and respect him too much.
4. PEARL BODINE---Jethro's mother ("The Beverly Hillbillies")
Played by the wonderful Bea Benaderet who was great in any role that she played. She always managed to bring out the best---and sometimes the worst---in Granny, and stole nearly every scene she was in. She was so good that she was immediately given her own show , "Petticoat Junction", where she finally became a star, and only showed up on her old show one last time, when Jethro was drafted.
5. "CROSS-OVER" CHARACTERS
This is like when the cast of "Green Acres" would show up on "Petticoat Junction" and vice versa. A common practice in the old days but almost non-existent today, except during the odd "Sweeps Week". It would be fun to try and would give some much-needed life to shows that can use a boost in the ratings.
Next week I want to talk about another type of character, the character actor: one where you can't remember their names, but their faces are everywhere. You'll see what I mean when I get to them. It should be fun!