Stanley the Manley

Down at our rendezvous……

Believe it or not, that’s what they were actually saying. In almost every song, there is one line that is borderline indecipherable. For all of my life I thought they had just strung random syllables together because they couldn’t come up with a rhyme for “three’s company too”.

Oh and I love it that they threw a French word in there – fitting to the level of sophistication and the intricate and complex plot development of a show based on existential angst and witty social commentary……oh that and putting food on Jack’s head.

The show “Three’s Company” was the cultural touchstone of my generation (note to self, when you talk about your generation, that means you’re old).  You wanted to be Jack – albeit a little more successful romantically. You wanted to drink at the Regal Beagle…..hands down the best name for a bar, ever! You had a friend like Larry, and Chrissy……well lets face it, she made life worth living.

But, as I get older and more, well, crusty – I realize the best character on that show, that really set it apart was …… wait for it ……. Stanley Roper.

The crotchety landlord who lived downstairs. A wicked sense of sarcastic humor, a biting tongue, always somewhat angry about…..something. And of course, vaguely creepy. What’s not to love?

The best part of Stanley was what I affectionately refer to as the “camera of life”. Often Stanley would make another one of his cutting, almost cruel, jokes when no one else was around to hear it. But, that didn’t stop him from looking into the camera, smiling, and nodding his head as if he knew you were there – ala a Beautiful Mind.

So, lets take this up a notch. Sarcastic, moderately cruel, crotchety, and possibly schizophrenic – in an entertaining way. I don’t just like Stanley…..I am Stanley.

So keep it down up there!