C.P.O. Sharkey

C.P.O. Sharkey is a classic American television sitcom produced by Aaron Ruben and included in the noteworthy catalogue of the Shout! Factory. This show uniquely combines military life with humor and ran for two seasons from 1976 to 1978. Its main character, C.P.O. Otto Sharkey, is played by well-known comedian Don Rickles who was an integral part of the success of the show. Each episode masterfully weaves themes of comedy, friendship, resilience and leadership against the backdrop of the United States Navy.

The action of C.P.O. Sharkey takes place mainly inside the San Diego naval base. The base serves as a home and training ground—a veritable melting pot of newly enlisted raw recruits from different ethnical, cultural, and social backgrounds. Amid the clashes of personalities, Sharkey's daily routine finds him in constant unexpected and often hilarious situations.

Chief Petty Officer Sharkey, marked by his sarcastic sense of humor and balding head, is a gruff but good-natured career Navy man tasked with shaping up the ragtag group of recruits. The character exudes authenticity and typical navy life toughness, and Rickles’ portrayal lends credence and depth to the character. He perfectly embodies a leader who habitually swims against the tide. Despite his gruff exterior, Sharkey's conventional, no-nonsense approach to leadership shows a sincere interest in his recruits' welfare, leading him to become an unexpected mentor to them.

Complementing Sharkey’s character is his constant foil, Captain 'Buck' Buckner, played by Richard X. Slattery, the base commanding officer. The frosty relationship between these two forms the cornerstone of many comedic exchanges. Buckner is pompously sure of his command and consistently clashes with Sharkey's willful approach to shaping up the squad. The repartee between Sharkey and Buckner adds abundant laughs and repeatedly tests their already tenuous relationship.

The diverse group of recruits, an essential part of the storyline, adds yet another layer to the humor. The recruits are young and naïve with widely varied backgrounds, often invoking both laughs and sympathy from viewers. The motley crew includes a slick city slicker, a slow-witted farm boy, a street-smart Latino, a black intellectual, a shy Asian, a massive but gentle guy from the mid-west, and a naturally misunderstood Italian. Sharkey's efforts to mold them into a cohesive and disciplined force often leads to hilarious situations.

Departing from the traditional sitcom formula, C.P.O. Sharkey broadens its scope with some episodes venturing beyond the confines of the base, taking its characters into situations in the outside world. This arrangement not only brings an element of unpredictability to the plot but also affords the writers the limitless opportunity to exploit the humorous potential of its diverse cast.

A distinctive feature of C.P.O. Sharkey is its flexibility in handling subject matter. The show effectively touches on relevant social issues of the time, such as race relations and the generation gap, while maintaining a light-hearted tone. Much of the comedy hinges on the juxtaposition of Sharkey's old-school attitude against the changing world around him.

The addition of supporting roles, including Sharkey's Chief Assistant- Rodriguez (Harrison Page), and the timid, anxious seamen, Pruitt (Peter Isacksen) and Daniels (Jeff Hollis), creates another layer of humor and intrigue. Their interactions with Sharkey and the recruits continually incite laughter and enjoyment.

Overall, C.P.O. Sharkey is an enjoyable romp through military life from the 1970s. Its unique blending of humor, heart, and life lessons set against a military backdrop resonates with audiences even today. It exudes a charm that is both nostalgic and timeless, making it a valued part of Shout! Factory's collection of vintage television shows.