Ritchie. They didn't need him at all.

Like lots of shows, the little kid was shown when necessary to the plot. That being said, he was invauable in the ep where the woodpecker was chasing him around.

Definitely Ritchie.

I did not care for the character of Jerry Helper. I thought he was a jerk.

I wish there were more plots around Laura and Millie's friendship. MTM and Ann Guibert were great together in their scenes and the chemistry between them was great. That was an underrated best friend team. They were in the vein of Lucy and Ethel but more tamed not so over the top like Lucy and Ethel were.

I think that Jerry was inportant to have because of the plots around Rob and him. It showed what a sweetie Rob was and how lucky Laura was to have him and not Jerry like her best friend did.
I also agree that there should have been WAY more episodes revolving around Laura and Millie. They were the Mary and Rhoda of The Dick Van Dyke Show. A Long Nights Journey Into Day is my VERY favorite episode!!!
MILLIE: There's a burglar in the house!
LAURA: Yes, but we're not going to scream and we're not going to panic.
MILLIE: What are we going to do?
LAURA: We are very calmy going into the garage.
MILLIE: What are we going to do there?
LAURA: We're going to get in my car and get outa here!!!!
(From A LONG NIGHT"S JOURNEY INTO DAY)

~LauraNamesake ;)

Ritchie. They didn't need him at all.
Loopie63,
Unfortunately for Larry (Matthews), I have to agree with you.
I wish there were more plots around Laura and Millie's friendship. MTM and Ann Guibert were great together in their scenes and the chemistry between them was great. That was an underrated best friend team. They were in the vein of Lucy and Ethel but more tamed not so over the top like Lucy and Ethel were.
mstewart,
I've felt that way for years. Thanks for saying it.

Steve