Is there a cast departure that didn't really do anything to hurt the show?

Gordy? Phyllis? Rhoda?

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTZPFzlRQ208foi4y-84fnB-xyiQXSZqa-7R7YXQNbnN-VvddOE8Q

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSTMDEbdvMUWlirZ43HFVLMeFhcBDCtlXVWJ4vIPqID0tNqKcU6

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR2B2bWTBIcW2aM1ttStWUz_F6TnsFaLIXgpSv0d3TA83PkUugS

All were losses as they added to the show. But if I have to pick I'd say Gordy. And that was because he wasn't given very much visibility to begin with. Shame too, as John Amos was great in the role.

Have to say Gordy too as he wasn't in it that much.

It did feel strange when both Rhoda and Phyllis left the building Mary lived

in,probably explains why they moved Mary shortly into season6.

The 2nd apartment just didn't have the cosy feel of Mary's first apartment.

Betty White was a welcome addition to tthe newsroom as Sue-

Ann,otherwise it would have been too male dominated.