Ralph Monroe - most underrated character - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

PhoenixAcres · 01-26-2017, 09:14 PM

I think Ralph's time on the series is underrated. Mary Grace Canfield brought so much to that role. You could count on Ralph for chipper optimism ("Howdy Doody!"), sly arrogance toward Mr. Douglas, and emotional range when it came to boyfriend "Hanky". She was a rich fully developed character.

She seemed to be the only one of the townsfolk who was on Oliver's level of intelligence and who understood his confusion, despite disapproving of his frustration just the same. With that she was capable of firing unexpected insults and jabs back at him. One of my favorite Ralph moments was in "The Thing" when a massive crate is delivered to the farm.

When Lisa explains some ridiculous old Hungarian method of getting the crate open, Oliver says "What???"

Ralph then repeats what Lisa said.

Oliver: (frustrated) "I heard her the first time."

Ralph: (matter-of-factly with a tone of impatience) "But you didn't understand her. I could tell by the blank look on your face."

Ralph routinely defied Mr. Douglas by responding with the same self-assured and condescending attitude, making scenes between them comic gold. It's actually my belief that Ralph worked best when Alf wasn't in the picture. Not to say they didn't have their good moments as well, but Ralph was an extremely funny, well-written character all by herself.

I remember reading that Ms. Canfield never once over the course of the show was guaranteed a contract by Jay Sommers. That just seems wrong and a terrible shame. She was forced to live episode-by-episode, being brought in only when the occasional script required her. As one of my favorite characters on the show I would have loved if she was a full-fledged regular like Eb or Mr. Haney. But of course, that just makes her time on the series even more valuable.

Alan Brady's Hair · 01-26-2017, 10:22 PM

I think this is mostly right. Everyone has their little moments - like when the whole valley is planting based on Doris's lumbago, and she's actually just playing hooky - but, yes, I think Ralph is most consistent in showing some functional brain cells.

As I was reading through, I was going to mention the thing where the extended cast was stuck, typecast in the role but still formally week-to-week. You have to wonder how all of that could have worked out today, with these huge deals people get.

Bonniegirl · 01-27-2017, 01:00 AM

I LOVED Ralph Monroe!! She was one of my favorite characters on Green Acres!!!!

tlc38tlc38 · 01-27-2017, 03:39 PM

Ralph Monroe, and Fred & Doris Ziffel (the original Doris) are my 3 favorite characters from GA. This show had one of the best supporting casts in TV history.

Bonniegirl · 01-27-2017, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlc38tlc38

Ralph Monroe, and Fred & Doris Ziffel (the original Doris) are my 3 favorite characters from GA. This show had one of the best supporting casts in TV history.

I totally agree!

Those three were my favorite characters too!

AB · 01-28-2017, 02:56 PM

I thought Ralph was pretty funny especially with those deadpan expressions she would often make. She was much funnier than her brother Alf.

Pegbars · 01-23-2019, 09:51 PM

I have a lot of favorite characters on this show! Ralph is one. And who can't help but love Lisa! Arnold is a favorite, as well. Fred Ziffel is cool. I love Pat Buttram, but I actually want to kill him as Mr. Haney. Hank Kimball is uber funny, although he's uber annoying at the same time. Sam Drucker probably has the most common sense of all the townsfolk. Joe Carson I always wanted to kill, too. He's just a heartless con man.

vitoscotti · 02-17-2019, 03:32 AM

Howdy doody.

01-26-2017, 09:14 PM	#1
PhoenixAcres Member Moderator Senior Member Join Date: Jul 26, 2016 Location: United States Posts: 5,682	Ralph Monroe - most underrated character I think Ralph's time on the series is underrated. Mary Grace Canfield brought so much to that role. You could count on Ralph for chipper optimism ("Howdy Doody!"), sly arrogance toward Mr. Douglas, and emotional range when it came to boyfriend "Hanky". She was a rich fully developed character. She seemed to be the only one of the townsfolk who was on Oliver's level of intelligence and who understood his confusion, despite disapproving of his frustration just the same. With that she was capable of firing unexpected insults and jabs back at him. One of my favorite Ralph moments was in "The Thing" when a massive crate is delivered to the farm. When Lisa explains some ridiculous old Hungarian method of getting the crate open, Oliver says "What???" Ralph then repeats what Lisa said. Oliver: (frustrated) "I heard her the first time." Ralph: (matter-of-factly with a tone of impatience) "But you didn't understand her. I could tell by the blank look on your face." Ralph routinely defied Mr. Douglas by responding with the same self-assured and condescending attitude, making scenes between them comic gold. It's actually my belief that Ralph worked best when Alf wasn't in the picture. Not to say they didn't have their good moments as well, but Ralph was an extremely funny, well-written character all by herself. I remember reading that Ms. Canfield never once over the course of the show was guaranteed a contract by Jay Sommers. That just seems wrong and a terrible shame. She was forced to live episode-by-episode, being brought in only when the occasional script required her. As one of my favorite characters on the show I would have loved if she was a full-fledged regular like Eb or Mr. Haney. But of course, that just makes her time on the series even more valuable.

01-27-2017, 03:39 PM	#4
tlc38tlc38 Every day’s a Dolly day! Forum Veteran Join Date: May 02, 2008 Location: I’m just travelin’ thru Posts: 19,085	Ralph Monroe, and Fred & Doris Ziffel (the original Doris) are my 3 favorite characters from GA. This show had one of the best supporting casts in TV history.
	__________________ Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. Deuteronomy 15:10 In loving memory of my best friend, my Mama.

01-28-2017, 02:56 PM	#6
AB Supernatural - Dean Forum Celebrity Join Date: Dec 26, 2006 Location: The South Posts: 45,968	I thought Ralph was pretty funny especially with those deadpan expressions she would often make. She was much funnier than her brother Alf. Attached Images

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01-26-2017, 10:22 PM	#2
Alan Brady's Hair Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 30, 2014 Posts: 3,862	I think this is mostly right. Everyone has their little moments - like when the whole valley is planting based on Doris's lumbago, and she's actually just playing hooky - but, yes, I think Ralph is most consistent in showing some functional brain cells. As I was reading through, I was going to mention the thing where the extended cast was stuck, typecast in the role but still formally week-to-week. You have to wonder how all of that could have worked out today, with these huge deals people get.

01-27-2017, 01:00 AM	#3
Bonniegirl AKA Hazel Horvath Forum Celebrity Join Date: Jul 10, 2014 Posts: 42,563	I LOVED Ralph Monroe!! She was one of my favorite characters on Green Acres!!!!

01-23-2019, 09:51 PM	#7
Pegbars Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 23, 2019 Posts: 9	I have a lot of favorite characters on this show! Ralph is one. And who can't help but love Lisa! Arnold is a favorite, as well. Fred Ziffel is cool. I love Pat Buttram, but I actually want to kill him as Mr. Haney. Hank Kimball is uber funny, although he's uber annoying at the same time. Sam Drucker probably has the most common sense of all the townsfolk. Joe Carson I always wanted to kill, too. He's just a heartless con man.

02-17-2019, 03:32 AM	#8
vitoscotti Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Feb 14, 2017 Location: Illinois Posts: 240	Howdy doody.