Why did Anne Meara leave towards the end of the third season? And how come Mrs. Canby was gone at the start of the 4th season? Murray's, Edith's and Katherine's lives were the only ones that were ones that had an explanation at where these characters went. I think without Anne Meara on the show for the 4th season hurt itself. She was a funny character and she brought out funny reactions in Archie. I think Veronica and Mrs. Canby should've stayed on and in the 4th season Gloria could've quit her job at the vet and remarried Mike and they could've moved back into Archie's house. Mike then could've became Archie's 3rd partner. Now as far as the a 5th season goes..........Archie could've married Mrs. Canby. That would've given the series a shake. The series really could've stuck around at least until 1990, like I mentioned above in the "Should've Had a Finale" Section.