If you're not familiar, TDVDS was an early sixties, black and white sitcom, clearly inspired, in part, by the election of John F. Kennedy. Dick Van Dyke had the same tall, youthful look as the President, and his beautiful dark-haired wife, played by Mary Tyler Moore, was inspired by Jackie Kennedy. The show was considered not only funny, but hip and sophisticated during a time when most sitcoms were about midwestern, all-American families.
For a show that aired 60 years ago, it holds up pretty well. There are some really classic episodes (It May Look Like a Walnut and That's My Boy??, for example) and the show had a comedy vibe that was modern (for the 1960s) and often demonstrated some clear vaudevillian roots.
TDVDS ended intentionally after five seasons, the decision being made to go out before it got stale. So as Carol approached the last episodes, I made sure to watch with her because I didn't remember how it ended. I was anticipating a thoughtful, possibly emotional exit.
TDVDS ended intentionally after five seasons, the decision being made to go out before it got stale. So as Carol approached the last episodes, I made sure to watch with her because I didn't remember how it ended. I was anticipating a thoughtful, possibly emotional exit.
Unfortunately, the show completely drops the ball. The last two episodes are a dream episode, where Rob dreams that the cast are in a western, and a clip show. Yes, the last episode, the series finale, is a clip show.
The Dick Van Dyke Show was indeed sophisticated, even progressive, and a great show overall. But for a TV classic, what a disappointing ending.
2 comments:
The walnut episode terrified me as a kid.
^^^ That was me. I did not wish to remain anonymous.
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