I have been wondering about this. Jack Alberston died about 3 years after the series ended. I sometimes wonder how they would have handled it if he had died during the run of Chico and the Man, instead of Freddie Prinze. I think they probably would have had Ed's long lost brother, or cousin or mabye even a long lost nephew of his take over the Garage, having a similar type of conflict with Chico. Or how about this, Ed leaves the garage to Chico in his will. Chico then hires a young white guy to work for him, or mabye even a young black guy and the 2 of them don't hit it off so well at first with their conflicting personalities. What do you think?

That is a tough question....

If Jack had died before Freddie...

I think maybe out of respect for Jack Albertson, Freddie would said enough in regards the show would not be the same without Jack especially with the chemestry between the two of them. Freddie being as multitalented as he was would of persude other projects.

As for being Freddie who passed away first Isaac's Ruiz's Character Mando was considered to be a replacement after Freddie died, but Isaac knew that NO ONE could replace Freddie as he knew how gifted and talented he was. Freddie was irreplacable

Well let's just say the show had to go on without Ed? What are some possiblities you think the writers would have done to try to keep the show alive. I think the show probably would have only lasted one Season without Ed though.

I'd say Chico could would become the man. And then he'd have to find a new Chico lol.

I don't think the show would have lasted any longer had Jack died. What made the show was the relationship between Ed and Chico.

I also believe it was the chemistry between Jack and Freddie that made the show so popular. After Freddie was gone I stopped watching it - I just had no interest in it then. BUT, if Jack would have died before Freddie I'm sure I would have continued to watch it because I loved watching Freddie. Cheryl I think you are right by saying Chico would have probably become the new "Man" in that show if he did continue but I think Freddie may have pursued another avenue out of respect for Jack. You are right - Freddie did have many, many talents to fall back on.

The show went on, and failed miserably after Freddie died---if it was reversed and Ed had died first, I think it would have continued on and failed just the same. The chemistry between Jack and Freddie couldn't be replaced. Perhaps they would have had Della sell her Deli business and become a partner with Chico---then maybe it would've been more of a war between the sexes!

This is total supposition, but from what I've read about what was going on in his personal life; i.e. the pressure of doing the show, vegas, ex-wife et al.; if in fact Jack Albertson had passed away during the production. It's possible that it may have been enough of a reality check that the results might've helped him re-examine his life and make some positive changes; such as slowing down his schedule, learning to enjoy his success rather than letting it overtake his life. Who knows.

I can't see Chico and The Man without "The Man". I would rather see Freddie just say "No more" and the show end with a really good series finale and then have Freddie take time off to re-examine his life and slow down his schedule, as caladon stated in his thread.

During that time Freddie could have gone to counseling to help him deal with his fame and/or any problems he was having. Maybe, we'd still have him with us.

If Jack would've died first I believe that Freddie would've quit the show. Even if he was under contract he would've quit.

I agree, or maybe if he was still under contract and did not want to cause problems with who he was under contract with, Freddie would of dedicated the rest of that remaining season of the show honoring Jack with classic scenes that of his character Ed Brown.



If Jack would've died first I believe that Freddie would've quit the show. Even if he was under contract he would've quit.

Well they could have Chico find/read Eds will and it could have stated that after his death Chico is instructed to call Eds cranky borther (or sister)to take over the garage (in an attempt to keep the arguing and feuding going)

Question who would/could they have casted as Eds cranky brother ???

Interesting question.
Given the time frame, I would guess that among those considered would've been:
Red Buttons
Mickey Rooney
Ernest Borgnine

And if a sister:

Rose Marie
Reta Shaw
Mabel Albertson (His actual sister)
Kathleen Freeman

I caught Mabel Albertson on an ep of the Andy Griffith show the otehr day. She was Howard Spragues mother. Thought it was interesting both her & Jack were on that show...

I just came up with a fan fic idea. Since Howard Spragues mother is Ed Browns sister, thhey could have a CATM/Andy Griffith crossover story. Chico & Ed go to Mayberry to visit Eds sister who is Howard Spragues mother. And Aunt Bee's friend is the twin sister of one of those 2 ladies that wanted the Packard car emblem. Since on ot them was played by Aunt Bees friend. Neat premise huh? :)

I'd say Chico could would become the man. And then he'd have to find a new Chico lol.
That would be my theory, too...the junior partner (so to speak) inherits the senior role. Then he helps break the new kid in.

I WODER WHAT HIS SISTER MABEL WAS REALLY LIKE I NEVER REALLY CARED FOR ANY OF THE CHARECTERS SHE PLAYED

hat would be my theory, too...the junior partner (so to speak) inherits the senior role. Then he helps break the new kid in.

I agree and CHICO could see how ED felt trying to break him in but CHICO wouldn't be cranky though and they could change the name of the show to Chico and the Kid but they might have to change the theme song too or not.