Why do you think O'Connor changed him to being slightly more understanding with the daily foibles of life? (Having a Jewish partner, becoming friendly with his black housekeeper). Did this change him into being more easy-going and less brash, more happy?

Whatever did happen to Ms. Canby? Did she leave the show? I always felt they could have cooked up some story where Mr. Van R was her high school teacher (which it later was revealed that he was one-history). And that he saw something happen to her brother because he was black but couldn't prove it once the trial happened since he soon became blind. The issue about her brother was actually mentioned in an episode where Archie gets into a fight at the supermarket with his lodge Captain over her being black and living with him.

And should Stephanie have been used more? After all, she was the co-star!

I haven't watched this show in ages but I think you are right. He wasn't as harsh and critical as in "All In the Family" from what I remember. Could be that he was missing Mike and Gloria and then didn't Edith die in this series as well?

I haven't watched this show in ages but I think you are right. He wasn't as harsh and critical as in "All In the Family" from what I remember. Could be that he was missing Mike and Gloria and then didn't Edith die in this series as well?

Yes, she did. There was a 2 part episode (aired originally as an hour episode) at the beginning of Season 2, acknowledging Edith's death.

Imad

He mellowed out way before ABP. It was evident in the last three seasons of AITF