What if one of the Smothers Brothers died suddenly?

What if Penn of Penn and Teller passed away?

The success of “buddy” movies depends on a “buddy,” does it not?

Without Vladimir, what would Pozzo do? Just wait for Godot alone?

“The Kominsky Method,” by writer-director Chuck Lorre (“The Big Bang Theory”) and starring big screen legends Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin, was for me more than a dry, funny, weekly sitcom.

Essentially it was a “buddy” story,” one with perfect chemistry, perfect casting.

For me, each week, I got to sit again and again in one of the red leather booths at Musso Frank’s, Hollywood Boulevard’s iconic steak house,  and sip billionaire agent Norman Newlander’s (Alan Arkin) two olive martinis, and acting coach Sandy Kominsky’s (Michael Douglas) Jack Daniels and diet Dr. Pepper, both slowly delivered by the ancient waiter Alex (Ramon Hilario).

The Kominsky Method will end its short run this month, as it plays out on Netflix without the great Alan Arkin. You heard it. Without Alan Arkin. And no one knows why Arkin has bowed out.

Yes, Kathleen Turner (Roz) is back as Sandy’s distant ex-wife. That’s good.

Mindy (Sarah Baker) returns as Michael’s daughter, with her upcoming wedding to Martin (an aging and chubby Paul Reiser), two characters I never fell in love with.

The other characters, the varied students in Sandy’s acting class, are still in their seats, but with a crop of new ones who only think about getting an agent.

Lorre has promised some surprises: Barry Levinson and the crusty, lovable Morgan Freeman will be here as the final season carries on without Arkin, having started on May 28 on Netflix.

These very good actors need an audience of comedy and tears to love them, so that they can pay the rent on Sandy’s building one more season.

I must tell you that the opening 10 or more minutes drags through Norman’s funeral as Douglas openly deals with the loss of his friend. But it picks up, without Alan Arkin.

J.P. Devine of Waterville is a former stage and screen actor.

Comments are not available on this story.

« Previous

J.P. Devine Movie Review: ‘The Answer Man’

Next »

Historical thriller ‘Atlantic Crossing’ becomes historical soap opera