Do You Think 'Laverne & Shirley' is A Copycat Show to 'The Odd Couple?' - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 04-25-2010, 02:55 PM

Any opinions if you think this was the female version of the Odd Couple?

biffbronson · 04-26-2010, 09:12 AM

First I might mention that, as most people are aware, Penny Marshall also had a recurring role in The Odd Couple.

But as far as the question: No, I don't see L & S as copying The Odd Couple because so much of OC centers on Oscar's messy behavior and Felix's constant cleaning compulsions. I just don't find Laverne and Shirley to be that way. Laverne is not portrayed as a "slob" type and Shirley is not obsessed with keeping their places clean. Also, with Oscar & Felix, there is a big difference in cultural background and appreciation for the arts. L & S come from similar backgrounds and share similar interests in film & TV. They work together performing the same tasks, both at Shotz and later Bardwell's -- while Oscar and Felix would be unlikely to ever share the exact same occupation.

One of the "My Network TV" descriptions of L & S calls them two very different women. I tend to disagree with that -- there are more similarites in their backgrounds, behavior, and desires than there are significant differences. L & S get into trouble most often following agreement on acting upon a common desire. With OC, the differences of the characters are played up far more, and they don't tend to seek the same ends.

Finally, I see L & S as more of a take-off on the situational humor Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance did on I Love Lucy and The Lucy Show (early seasons). Those series formed a more direct precedent for what Penny and Cindy were asked to do, and I would say L & S was inspired more by those than by OC. The kind of physical comedy that's common on the Lucy series and on L & S is just nowhere to be found on OC.

70s show watcher · 04-29-2010, 09:02 PM

no it wasant a copycat at all

TV DVD Fan · 04-29-2010, 09:05 PM

Well, it was from the same creative team so there's bound to be similarities. I think L+S was more of a buddy show while The Odd Couple centered around these two polar opposites trying to co-exist "peacefully." Both unique and very funny in their own rights.

lucyandethel · 05-24-2010, 01:25 AM

No. As a matter of fact, it was probably more of a takeoff of the Lucille Ball/Vivian Vance chemistry/characterizations. Remember, Garry was writing for "The Lucy Show" when Vivian Vance was on it.

lucyandethel · 01-23-2011, 05:22 AM

I agree. L&S was a younger, single version of Lucy & Viv from The Lucy Show. Why in God's name we don't have slapstick comedies like those today is beyond me. I don't know if it is because we don't have people who can write them or actors who can do that kind of comedy, because I think the audience wants them.

04-25-2010, 02:55 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Do You Think 'Laverne & Shirley' is A Copycat Show to 'The Odd Couple?' Any opinions if you think this was the female version of the Odd Couple? Attached Images
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04-26-2010, 09:12 AM	#2
biffbronson Sentimental Fool Forum Star Join Date: Aug 22, 2009 Location: Near Notre Dame Posts: 10,502	First I might mention that, as most people are aware, Penny Marshall also had a recurring role in The Odd Couple. But as far as the question: No, I don't see L & S as copying The Odd Couple because so much of OC centers on Oscar's messy behavior and Felix's constant cleaning compulsions. I just don't find Laverne and Shirley to be that way. Laverne is not portrayed as a "slob" type and Shirley is not obsessed with keeping their places clean. Also, with Oscar & Felix, there is a big difference in cultural background and appreciation for the arts. L & S come from similar backgrounds and share similar interests in film & TV. They work together performing the same tasks, both at Shotz and later Bardwell's -- while Oscar and Felix would be unlikely to ever share the exact same occupation. One of the "My Network TV" descriptions of L & S calls them two very different women. I tend to disagree with that -- there are more similarites in their backgrounds, behavior, and desires than there are significant differences. L & S get into trouble most often following agreement on acting upon a common desire. With OC, the differences of the characters are played up far more, and they don't tend to seek the same ends. Finally, I see L & S as more of a take-off on the situational humor Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance did on I Love Lucy and The Lucy Show (early seasons). Those series formed a more direct precedent for what Penny and Cindy were asked to do, and I would say L & S was inspired more by those than by OC. The kind of physical comedy that's common on the Lucy series and on L & S is just nowhere to be found on OC.
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04-29-2010, 09:05 PM	#4
TV DVD Fan Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 07, 2005 Posts: 2,602	Well, it was from the same creative team so there's bound to be similarities. I think L+S was more of a buddy show while The Odd Couple centered around these two polar opposites trying to co-exist "peacefully." Both unique and very funny in their own rights.
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04-29-2010, 09:02 PM	#3
70s show watcher Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: May 20, 2008 Location: between point place and studio 8 h Posts: 4,549	no it wasant a copycat at all

05-24-2010, 01:25 AM	#5
lucyandethel Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Dec 18, 2009 Location: Los Angeles CA Posts: 435	No. As a matter of fact, it was probably more of a takeoff of the Lucille Ball/Vivian Vance chemistry/characterizations. Remember, Garry was writing for "The Lucy Show" when Vivian Vance was on it.

01-23-2011, 05:22 AM	#6
lucyandethel Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Dec 18, 2009 Location: Los Angeles CA Posts: 435	I agree. L&S was a younger, single version of Lucy & Viv from The Lucy Show. Why in God's name we don't have slapstick comedies like those today is beyond me. I don't know if it is because we don't have people who can write them or actors who can do that kind of comedy, because I think the audience wants them.