When slobby Jim and well-groomed Leo move into student housing together, their initial personality clash evolves into an unlikely friendship as they share the triumphs and humiliations of life in Sydney.

>>> over the course of the first episode, they come to understand each other and connect

Not so fast! The essence of an Odd Couple relationship is that their differences are irreconcilable. They may need each other (to pay the rent, etc.) but their inability to understand each other and connect should persist, because that inability is a running gag, a major ongoing source of conflict and comedy. Each episode presents a new problem they have to solve -- but that isn't the prime source of conflict and comedy. The prime source of conflict and comedy is and must continue to be the incompatible personality styles they have in dealing with the problem.

>>> over the course of the first episode, they come to understand each other and connect

Not so fast! The essence of an Odd Couple relationship is that their differences are irreconcilable. They may need each other (to pay the rent, etc.) but their inability to understand each other and connect should persist, because that inability is a running gag, a major ongoing source of conflict and comedy. Each episode presents a new problem they have to solve -- but that isn't the prime source of conflict and comedy. The prime source of conflict and comedy is and must continue to be the incompatible personality styles they have in dealing with the problem.

It is indeed an Odd Couple scenario. As you mention, the two characters do start out very incompatibly however the idea is that, over the course of the first episode, they come to understand each other and connect. However they are still very different people so conflict will be generated through their differing personalities and also through being young uni students trying to find themselves. From financial burdens to family expectations and their own dreams.

I hear what you are saying about desiring higher stakes etc. in the presence of the logline, however this will change from episode to episode, as will their personal challenges. Again, take a look at the premise for comedies like Broad City, Inbetweeners, Flight of the Concords. Self-contained episodes where there are some ongoing threads.