The ‘Odds’ Are on KDOC

Though its a huge hit in syndication, The Odd Couple never hit blockbuster status during its original 1970-75 run. ABC did everything it could to kill the comedy series based on Neil Simon’s hit 1965 Broadway play and 1968 movie: It changed the show’s time slot six times.

Despite the shuffling, the critically lauded comedy did manage to establish a core following. The series earned Emmy awards for its stars-Tony Randall (one) and Jack Klugman (two)-who played the mismatched roommates, the fastidious Felix Unger and the ultimate slob Oscar Madison.

Garry Marshall, the show’s co- executive producer and writer, later went on to create and produce “Happy Days,” “Laverne & Shirley” and in the 1980s became a major film director. His most recent movie was last year’s box-office hit “Pretty Woman.”

The good news for its legion of fans is “The Odd Couple” recently joined the KDOC early evening lineup.

The show featured the perfect chemistry of Randall and Klugman, who was noted more for his dramatic skills before the series.

“The Odd Couple” also boasted a terrific supporting cast. Al Molinaro, who later played Al on “Happy Days,” portrayed Oscar’s poker buddy, Murray the cop. A pre-”Laverne & Shirley” Penny Marshall, Garry’s kid sister, spent three seasons as Oscar’s secretary, Myrna.

Elinor Donahue, a.k.a. Princess of “Father Knows Best,” was featured for several seasons as Felix’s girlfriend, and Bret Sommers, then married to Klugman, popped up every so often as Oscar’s ex-wife, Blanche.

Seven years after “The Odd Couple” was canceled, ABC attempted a black version with Ron Glass of “Barney Miller” as Felix and Demond Wilson of “Sanford and Son” as Oscar. That series lasted less than a season.

“The Odd Couple” airs Monday-Friday at 6 p.m. on KDOC.