The Odd Couple (1970) Season 2 Episode 5 A Grave for Felix

In The Odd Couple season 2 episode 5, titled A Grave for Felix, Felix and Oscar are at odds over how to handle a death in their building. When a neighbor passes away, Felix becomes obsessed with finding the perfect headstone to honor the deceased's memory. He spends hours pouring over catalogues and visiting funeral homes, determined to find the "best" option.

However, Oscar is more concerned with keeping things simple and cost-effective. He suggests they chip in together and buy a small plaque for the building's garden instead. This creates tension between the two roommates, and soon they find themselves in a series of petty arguments over every aspect of the situation.

As the episode progresses, Felix becomes increasingly fixated on his mission to find the perfect grave marker. He becomes irritable and neglectful of his other responsibilities, even skipping out on a poker game with the guys to continue his search. His behavior begins to worry Oscar and their friends, who stage an intervention to get him to see the bigger picture.

Ultimately, the disagreement between Felix and Oscar comes to a head when they attend the funeral service. Felix is appalled by the cheap plastic headstone the neighbor's family has chosen, and makes a scene by loudly criticizing its quality. Oscar is embarrassed by his friend's behavior and tries to calm him down, but things escalate to the point where they almost ruin the service entirely.

In the end, both Felix and Oscar realize that they were putting their own needs and desires ahead of the needs of the deceased and their loved ones. They come to a compromise and decide to contribute to a small fund for the neighbor's family, rather than spend money on an extravagant headstone. Through their argument, they learn the importance of compromise and empathy when dealing with sensitive situations.

Overall, A Grave for Felix is a humorous and heartwarming episode that delves into the complexities of grief, loss, and friendship. The performances by the cast are top-notch, with standout moments from both Matthew Perry as Oscar and Thomas Lennon as Felix. It's a must-watch for fans of The Odd Couple, and a great example of the show's blend of comedy and heart.