Why Does Stanley Hold a Plunger in the Opening Credits?

[WalterTheDrinker]

I'm completely lost when I watch the opening credits to The Ropers. As I'm trying to ignore the silly, b-rate, "see how funny this is???" music, I see Stanley dancing with a plunger.

This makes no sense to me, since he's no longer a landlord on the show. Are they saying that Stanley and Helen clogged their toilet a lot? If so, why don't they follow up on this during the episodes?

I can't even really focus on the storyline for each episode, because I'm still stuck on the opening credits. Has someone figured this out?

[TVFactFan]

They probably wanted to maintain that Three's Company connection which is why they added the plunger. They probably wanted viewers to still see him as MR. ROPER FROM THREE"S COMPANY instead of STANLEY ROPER on THE ROPERS.

[ThomasE]

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

They probably wanted to maintain that Three's Company connection which is why they added the plunger. They probably wanted viewers to still see him as MR. ROPER FROM THREE"S COMPANY instead of STANLEY ROPER on THE ROPERS.

Well, the plunger is a prop that describes Mr. Roper in part just like that fake boa that Mrs. Roper dances with describes her gawdy but loveable taste.

[TVFactFan]

Originally Posted by ThomasE

Well, the plunger is a prop that describes Mr. Roper in part just like that fake boa that Mrs. Roper dances with describes her gawdy but loveable taste.

Yup I agree, some of that should have spilled over onto the set-LOL

[ThomasE]

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

Yup I agree, some of that should have spilled over onto the set-LOL

True. However, the opening is so corny that it really does amuse me. Jeffrey Tambor is a riot with that no dance index finger routine. LOL. I also love how Mrs. Roper slaps Mr. Roper with the fake boa when he pulls her away. LOL.