I have only seen Don Rickles in two parts where he really got to let go and be Don Rickles. Those were CPO Sharkey and when he was the supply Sergent in Kelly's Heroes. Both parts must have been written for him since I never saw him in any other parts where he got to let it rip. I saw him in more than one part where he was supposed to be "nice" and it was not the same. It was often in those parts that he was defanged. My father was retired Navy as a CPO and he really like any show about the navy and this and McHale's Navy were two of his favorites. Too bad CPO Sharkey only had one or two seasons because with the right writing, directing, etc it could have gone on longer. I think most of it was in studio with a studio audience and if it had been shot on location somewhere it would have lasted longer. Not every comedy has to be done in a studio with an audience. Good job Mr. Rickles and rest in peace.
Review of CPO Sharkey
