The Carol Burnett Show Season 5 Episode 2 with Tim Conway, The Carpenters
- September 22, 1971
The Carol Burnett Show Season 5 Episode 2: Tim Conway, The Carpenters
This episode of The Carol Burnett Show features two icons of comedy and music. Tim Conway, who had joined the cast of the show in its previous season, brings his unique brand of humor to several sketches. And the Carpenters, fresh off their breakthrough hit "We've Only Just Begun," perform a number of their signature songs.
The episode begins with a classic sketch in which Tim Conway plays "The Old Man," a character he often portrayed on the show. In this sketch, he is trying to teach his grandson (played by new cast member George W. Carlin) how to fish, but his unorthodox methods lead to chaos and hilarity. The interaction between Conway and Carlin is a delight, and Conway's physical comedy is in full force.
Next up is a musical number from the Carpenters. Karen Carpenter's voice is as beautiful as ever as she sings "I Won't Last a Day Without You" while her brother Richard accompanies her on piano. The Carpenters have a warm and inviting stage presence, and the audience clearly loves them.
After the musical number, Carol Burnett and Tim Conway lead a sketch that takes place in a department store. Conway plays a fast-talking salesman who is trying to sell Burnett a pool table. The sketch features some great physical comedy, as Conway sets up the pool table and chaos ensues. But what makes the sketch truly memorable is the way that Burnett and Conway play off each other. Their comic timing is impeccable, and their chemistry is undeniable.
The Carpenters return to the stage for their second musical number, "Yesterday Once More." This song is a tribute to the music of the past, and the Carpenters perform it with a sense of nostalgia that is both touching and uplifting. Karen's voice is especially poignant on this song, and the harmonies between her and Richard are beautiful.
The next sketch features Tim Conway and Harvey Korman in a Western-themed skit. Conway plays "Doc," a dentist who is called upon to extract a tooth from a gunslinger played by Korman. The sketch is full of ridiculous puns and wordplay, and Conway's performance is a highlight. He has a gift for finding the humor in even the most seemingly mundane situations.
The Carpenters return for their final musical number, "Superstar." This song is one of their biggest hits, and Karen's vocal performance is nothing short of stunning. She pours her heart and soul into the song, and her emotion is palpable.
The episode concludes with a sketch that features Carol Burnett and Tim Conway playing a married couple who are preparing for a big night out. The sketch is full of misunderstandings and mishaps, from a faulty zipper on Burnett's dress to Conway's efforts to put on a tuxedo. The sketch is a perfect showcase for Burnett and Conway's talents, and it ends the episode on a high note.
Overall, this episode of The Carol Burnett Show is a delight from start to finish. The comedy is both silly and smart, and the music of the Carpenters provides a welcome balance. The chemistry between Carol Burnett and Tim Conway is a joy to watch, and the Carpenters' performances are unforgettable.