Finally going through my season 1 DVD and gotten to where Sebastian Cabot had to leave the show briefly due to illness and a temporary replacement was brought in. Playing Mr. French's brother, actor John Williams was even in the opening credits during this time, which kind of taken me aback to see. If Sebastian not been able to return to the role, would you have enjoyed this other Mr. French just as much?

Another question, did Sebastian leave again during season 5?

He appeared in more than 20 episodes of Season 5. Taking a quick look through his listing, I don't see any significant periods of absence -- he seems to have been in most if not all of the eps.

I read that Nancy Walker joined the cast in season 5 as a maid hired to help French. So I was curious as to how that played out.

Since Brian Keith did like Fred McMurray and filmed his scenes for the seaon in a two month block, he must have to return to the set to film new scenes for when Sebastian Cabot fell ill.

Sebastian Cabot is one of my favorite things about Family Affair. However, the other Mr. French had his good moments.

Nancy Walker was only recurring in the fifth season. In the plot, Bill hired her more just to be nice, because she needed a job (if I recall correctly). So French had to put up with her. And I believe Cabot was in every episode of every season (minus the 9 eps he missed in season one).

As for the other question, I would have been okay with the second French, but I'm glad Sebastian came back. I really loved the growth of his character. Originally not wanting any of the kids, and then at one point when they believe Uncle Bill is marrying someone and leaving them, forcing them to split up, French decides to adopt them and raise them as his own. Of course, Uncle Bill didn't leave, but I thought that was a great moment for French to see how much he's grown since the beginning. We wouldn't have had that with French #2.

when i was a kid i called the second french the mean mr. french because he was so strict with the kids he didnt take any crap from them that for sure

Would love to get the other seasons, but the price is still a bit too much......over $30 at Amazon.