The Paul Lynde Show

I've seen 23 of the 26 episodes and this show really isn't as bad as most reviews let on. While it is nearly impossible to believe Paul as a straight family man, it doesn't hurt the show at all. The writing and plots tread on very familiar ground--that of many other sitcoms of the 60's and 70's--so at times, the show can get predictable. Having Paul head the show, however, is what gives it a unique twist and even when the plots may seem like they've been done before they still feel new. The first time I watched the show I was reminded of the feeling I got the first time I watched the Joey Bishop Show sitcom from the mid 60's. Lynde's character can be described as a flamboyant 1970's Joey Barnes. I do agree with the other review regarding cast chemistry which is pretty thin. Some highlights do come from the various guest stars that are sprinkled throughout, including Jerry Stiller. Recommended and entertaining!

It's supposed to be about a harried lawyer with a wife and kids but with Lynde it's actually about a campy gay man with a wife and kids. A full season was probably fifteen episodes too long.

Probably the single most underrated sitcom of the 70's. Brilliant performance by Sir Paul and deserving of acting and writing awards! A solid supporting cast and fun, quick, witty plot lines that gave everyone great one liners and quick comebacks.

I remember this show. Say what you may, I thought the show was hilarious! The opening credits begin with Paul Simms stepping out of his car. His neighbor yells "How goes the rat race?" Looking over with that unmistakable sneer, he replies "The rats are winning!" Not only must Paul Simms deal with the rat race at work but must also face home-life with his son-in-law, Howie, who not only is smarter than Paul, but is determined not to let materialism get the best of him. In other words, Howie is lazy and has no ambition to do anything more than to live off his father-in-law! His younger daughter is not only nice and well-mannered, but sneaky and forever trying to pull a thing or two over her dear old dad. One episode involved her planning to go out with her girl friends to see "Oh, Bombay" (which is a nude musical like "Oh, Calcutta"). When he got wind of the plan, he grabbed the phone from his daughter and sneered, "Go back to your Cosmopolitan centerfolds" before promptly hanging up the phone. One of the funniest episodes involves Paul Simms and his straight faced long suffering wife, Martha, meeting Howie's parents. Unlike the Simms, Howie's father is the straight faced long suffering husband and Howie's mother is snide and sarcastic, the female version of Paul Simms. This show never failed to leave me laughing. The late, great Paul Lynde was that kind of comedian. He could crack me up just by giving the time of day. It be great if this series could rise from the past as a DVD set!

I believe my mom summed up "The Paul Lynde Show" accurately, after watching an episode or two. "He's really funny in short segments," she said, "but 30 minutes of him at a time is just too much."

Apparently Mom wasn't the only one who felt that way. Still, the series had one great trailer moment. Paul walks from his car, toward the door of the house, and someone (Howie, the son-in-law, I believe) cries out "How goes the rat race?" Lynde, in his patented style, gives a grimacing smile and replies "The rats are winning!" (Incidentally, has anyone ever tried to DESCRIBE Paul Lynde to someone who has never seen him on TV? Unless one can actually imitate his voice & mannerisms, it isn't easy!)

The plot, of course, was Paul being frustrated by his over-educated, unambitious, freeloading son-in-law. (Sound like any other 1970s sit-coms?) Lynde and the crew gave it a good whirl and the show wasn't bad at all. It was just as Mom said -- in snippets on Bewitched, Hollywood Squares, guest appearances on The Munsters and numerous sit-coms, or in his classic performance in Bye, Bye Birdie, Paul Lynde earned his reputation as one of the funniest comics of the 1960s and 1970s. But, like the Brylcream ad of the day, "A little dab'll do ya!"