Over the years, various stories came out that the set of Laverne & Shirley was filled with tension. Reportedly, Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams battled constantly over who had the most lines and screen time. They argued over which of them was responsible for making the show #1. The animosity between the two did little to hurt the show; it was still in the top twenty as the eighth season began.
While the show had lost some of its luster once the girls moved out to California, it could still be very funny. Honestly though, when I think of Laverne & Shirley, it’s Milwaukee that comes to mind, not California. As it was, the eighth season began, the first episode, “The Mummy’s Bride” finds Shirley getting set to marry. Strangely though, after eight years of an on again/off again relationship, the groom wasn’t Carmine Ragusa (Eddie Mekka), but rather an unknown military doctor named Walter Meeney. The next episode, “Window on Main Street” feels a bit strange given the previous one. Laverne and Shirley must live in a futuristic home display at the department store in which they work.
With no prior warning, that turned out to be Cindy Williams’ final appearance on Laverne & Shirley. Williams (pregnant with her first child), had gotten into a contract dispute with Paramount. When an agreement couldn’t be reached, Williams chose to leave the series. The following episode, “The Note” is a bit startling. Laverne is shocked when she can’t find Shirley, only to learn that she’s left town to join her husband Walter. Oddly, despite her departure, the show remained Laverne & Shirley for the remainder of its run.
Under the circumstances, the writers did a pretty good job of rewriting scripts and calling in a roster of noted guest stars to work alongside Penny Marshall. In one of the best, “The Playboy Show” finds Laverne attempting to become a Playboy bunny. Carrie Fisher comes along and gives it her best shot as well. Hugh Hefner also appears as himself. In another favorite, “The Fashion Show,” finds Laverne crashing a fashion show. Along with Carrie Fisher, this season’s guest stars include James Belushi, Adam West, Vicki Lawrence and Louise Lasser.
Shirley’s disappearance didn’t detract viewers very much. Ratings were only down slightly from the previous season. ABC considered a ninth season with just Laverne, but declined when Penny Marshall asked that the series be shot in New York. So, Laverne & Shirley wrapped production in 1983, after eight seasons and 178 episodes.
It’s interesting to note that just over thirty years later, Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams have apparently buried the hatchet. the duo reunited on Nickelodeon’s Sam & Cat, which was really nice to see.
Presented in the 1.33:1 aspect ratio, the image quality is unexpectedly good. There’s some minor dirt and wear throughout, but things are generally clean. Colors appeared bright and vivid, with no smearing or other issues. Flesh tones appear accurate.
While the 2.0 audio track isn’t really anything special, it does a fine job reproducing the show’s original audio.
English subtitles are available.
The following extras are included:
- Promos (:30) for the syndicated version are included for almost all of the episodes.
- Gag Reel (3:43) includes a few of Cindy Williams blowing her lines. But mostly Penny Marshall flubs up.
