Saturday, February 11, 2017

Must See TV?

As if you needed more reasons to dislike Don Ohlmeyer, he's also the one who decided to coin every NBC show "Must-See TV" in the 1990s. Everything -- whether it was a half-written, laugh-track-drenched episode of "Veronica's Closet," or a rerun of "Dateline." Here's some random clips from NBC sitcoms before Ohlmeyer's reign...
-From the pilot for "The Fresh Prince," Carlton sings "Silly Love Songs" in the shower. His medley of racial harmony is pretty good, but I can't find it online.


-A meme before memes, of Al Rosen (the old man extra with an occasional line) on Cheers, pledging his devotion to Frank Sinatra. Watch Ted Danson cover his face while trying not to laugh.  This is not an outtake.


-A compilation of clips from "Taxi," all featuring Louie. This is actually the second of three compilations someone has made. Granted, the show aired on ABC for its first four seasons (1978-82), but it DID join NBC for one last year (1982-83).


-From The Cosby Show (episode 18, season 2), "A Touch of Wonder," this is the climactic scene with Stevie Wonder. Interesting how Cliff (Bill Cosby) leaves at the beginning so as to give Stevie the spotlight. Or to avoid having to share it. Or MAYBE to buy time while he finds some roofies. Either way, he must have had some affection for Stevie, as evidenced by this parody/tribute from 1968, "Little Ol' Man" (aka "Uptight").

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