It feels like The Facts of Life didn't properly begin (the first season w/ Cindy, Molly, Nancy, Sue Ann and Mr. Bradley was more or less a "wading through the water" phase) until the second season when Jo first showed up. Kind of like how Star Trek: The Next Generation didn't really "begin" until Riker (Jonathan Frakes) showed up w/ his beard at the start of Season 2.

Well I would think the first season helped Molly Ringwald because she became a huge star. Maybe not because of the show but you never know if she wasnt on the show, would she have been a huge star in the 80s?

I get the premise of the show but I think there were too many characters.

I liked the 1st season of both FOL and TNG.

was there ever an explantion on what happend to the other girls that left

was there ever an explantion on what happend to the other girls that left

They continued to make guest appearances here and there at Eastland in order to ensure continuity (and of course Sue Ann, Nancy and Cindy reappeared in the "Little Chill" episode down the line). For example, Molly Ringwald reappeared in the second part of the Season 2 premiere.

I maybe in the minority, but I like the first season, especially the rifts between Blair and Sue Ann.

I maybe in the minority, but I like the first season, especially the rifts between Blair and Sue Ann.i enjoy the first season too

Molly was scheduled to make recurring spots like the other girls in seasons 2 and beyond, but after appearing in "New Girl" Part II, she got a movie offer and I'm sure a movie offer was too tempting to pass up--the chance to have your career expand or simply be a glorified extra on a what may not have been a show that was going to run a long time. I understand her decision easily. That movie was "Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone" with Peter Strauss. One of the first of the 3-D 80s fad movies. From that movie, she was spotted by John Hughes and the rest is history.

i always liked the 1st season, the only downside was just too many characters that weren't developed enough

There were just overanxious to tackle social issues--each episode had to deal with a certain problem that affected each of the girls. Nancy was the only one really not to have an episode devoted particularly about her--I don't consider the episode with the IQ scores a "Nancy" episode

There were just overanxious to tackle social issues--each episode had to deal with a certain problem that affected each of the girls. Nancy was the only one really not to have an episode devoted particularly about her--I don't consider the episode with the IQ scores a "Nancy" episode

I think Nancy's episode was the pilot.

Do you mean the pilot on Diff'rent Strokes? I know on the first season DVD interviews, Felice talks about how she felt that she was basically lied to about how central her character was to the show.

Do you mean the pilot on Diff'rent Strokes? I know on the first season DVD interviews, Felice talks about how she felt that she was basically lied to about how central her character was to the show.

Yes, if I remember right, Mrs Garrett went to Eastland (Eastlake in the pilot, I think) to temporarily fill in as house mother in one of the dorms. The school was putting on a play (Midsummer Night's Dream?). Nancy was a very popular student and star of the school play. It turns out that her parents could no longer pay her tuition so Mrs. Garrett convinces the headmaster to give Nancy a scholarship.

After the pilot, it seems that Nancy wasn't used much except to make boyfriend jokes. No wonder why Felice felt ripped-off.

i could never get in to nancys charactor one about the test scores was a pretty good one i was to busy looking at sue ann and cindy lol

I liked the first season. In fact, I liked the opening theme to the first season better than the one used for the rest of the series. Same music, but the lyrics were different.

What was interesting that in the very early episodes, Blair was kind of a "bad girl." She dressed somewhat provocatively (for the late '70s) in some episodes and she even smoked.

bet season one Blair would of got along with season 2 Jo better if she stayed that way just thought that all

bet season one Blair would of got along with season 2 Jo better if she stayed that way just thought that all

Now there's a thought. Jo strikes me more as the type of character who'd smoke. She had a bit of a rebellious, street attitude.

They also implied that Blair "got around" in that first season by the fact that she had many boyfriends or guys hovering around her. I believe Mrs. Garrett made a reference to this in one of the following seasons. Of course, by that point, Blair was no longer seen smoking and they'd softened her character to contrast with Jo's.

What was interesting that in the very early episodes, Blair was kind of a "bad girl." She dressed somewhat provocatively (for the late '70s) in some episodes and she even smoked.

I don't remember Blair smoking. You mean they actually showed it or it was just talked about?

I don't remember Blair smoking. You mean they actually showed it or it was just talked about?

She actually smoked (sort of). In one scene in the pilot you see smoke rising from behind a chair. Then the shot changes to the other side of the chair and you see Blair sitting on the floor holding a lit cigarette.

She was a real snotty b**** in the pilot. She was much more likeable in the regular season.

I'm not sure Jo and season 1 Blair would have gotten along. I don't think Jo would have gotten along with anyone. She had a chip on her shoulder and was kind of a loner. She was often seen sitting off by herself in the early seaons.

She actually smoked (sort of). In one scene in the pilot you see smoke rising from behind a chair. Then the shot changes to the other side of the chair and you see Blair sitting on the floor holding a lit cigarette.

I remembered it as her actually taking a puff, but it's been so long since I"ve seen it. In any event, it was implied that she smoked and was a bit rebellious and "bad."

Hell yeah!
I've always said this was the best season because:

This is the show FACTS was meant to be.This was the show pitched to the NBC executives and picked up. A show about a GROUP of girls living in a DORM at a boarding school.

All the first season girls were great and it was good having a headmaster actively involved.

It is still dissapointing after all these years when the cast was downsized and the local shifted to the cafeteria.

And the best thing about season one was

NO JO!
She was the worst idea ever and was obnoxious with her constant threatening of physical violence against Blair.

I'm quite happy with how the show turned out, but I do think they should have included Sue Ann, Nancy and Cindy as recurring characters more who were the girls side friends and occasionally spoke with Ms. Garrett as well. I think it was a season 2 episode I was watching the other day where Nancy, Sue Ann and Cindy were pretty much hating on Natalie and it was really sad to watch because they were all good friends the previous season. I would have perferred any of them over that blonde friends of Blair's "Boots" that had a recurring role in season 5.

I really liked season 1, and I really liked the rest of the series. I guess if anything season 1 was kind of an introduction to the character development of Natalie, Blair, Tootie. We learned Blair struggles with her parents divorce, Natalie struggles with adoption, Tootie struggles with strict parents and it makes the episodes that deal with those issues in the future seasons better.

I'm quite happy with how the show turned out, but I do think they should have included Sue Ann, Nancy and Cindy as recurring characters more who were the girls side friends and occasionally spoke with Ms. Garrett as well. I think it was a season 2 episode I was watching the other day where Nancy, Sue Ann and Cindy were pretty much hating on Natalie and it was really sad to watch because they were all good friends the previous season. I would have perferred any of them over that blonde friends of Blair's "Boots" that had a recurring role in season 5.

I really liked season 1, and I really liked the rest of the series. I guess if anything season 1 was kind of an introduction to the character development of Natalie, Blair, Tootie. We learned Blair struggles with her parents divorce, Natalie struggles with adoption, Tootie struggles with strict parents and it makes the episodes that deal with those issues in the future seasons better.

I think season 1 was better. More characters, more variety. And I agree with the fact that Natalie's former friends suddenly turned on her. That would never have happened in season 1.

And they softened Blair too much over time.

I like season one because of all the eye-candy, especially Nancy! ;) Heck, I like it enough to write a fan fiction based on two characters from the first season.

I wish they did develop the characters even more, especially Cindy. What they should have done was to have a spin-off for Molly, Cindy, Sue Ann, and Nancy, but leave out Mr. Bradley.

Nancy was very cute. I was 13 at that time and she was a goddess to me.

Nancy was very cute. I was 13 at that time and she was a goddess to me.

I found she somewhat resembled Brooke Shields at the time.

I found she somewhat resembled Brooke Shields at the time.

I never saw the resemblance myself. I thought she was prettier.

Years later, they did some kind of a retrospective on the Facts girls and Felice had aged very well.

I never saw the resemblance myself. I thought she was prettier.

Years later, they did some kind of a retrospective on the Facts girls and Felice had aged very well.

Most of them did actually. Lisa is still very pretty as is Julie.

I liked the first season a great deal.Don't get me wrong i was glad when Jo came.But i was already a fan.I liked Blaire's charecthor better in season 1 and Sue ann was great.They all we're.

1. I liked the Natalie/Tootie friendship, and their very cute handshake, which the audience loved. Their chemistry was part of the reason why they were kept.

2. I liked that we met Tootie's Father, it was the last time that we would see him.

As to the posts commenting on how Blair smoked, she never smoked on FOL. Ever. She only smoked briefly in the backdoor pilot for the series, which was an episode of Diff'rent Strokes called "The Girls' School"; this episode also has no Cindy and Natalie, but instead has Jennifer and Laura (and Laura's infamous frog).

One may (and one here has) argue that Blair still smokes at least in "Rough Housing", the first episode of FOL season 1 as Mrs. Garrett tells Blair "Oh sure, you smoke, ya talk a good game...", but that is only a reference.

As to the posts commenting on how Blair smoked, she never smoked on FOL. Ever. She only smoked briefly in the backdoor pilot for the series, which was an episode of Diff'rent Strokes called "The Girls' School"; this episode also has no Cindy and Natalie, but instead has Jennifer and Laura (and Laura's infamous frog).

One may (and one here has) argue that Blair still smokes at least in "Rough Housing", the first episode of FOL season 1 as Mrs. Garrett tells Blair "Oh sure, you smoke, ya talk a good game...", but that is only a reference.

True, they toned that down as things went along. Blair was more of a "bad" girl in the very beginning. ;)

I just got the Complete Series, so I will refresh on the first season (other than the episodes TV Land showed last year, it's been eons since I've seen them).

As we know, Molly R. said she was supposed to be one of the four main girls when the show returned for season two, but Nancy McKeon took her place.

As we know, Molly R. said she was supposed to be one of the four main girls when the show returned for season two, but Nancy McKeon took her place.

Well, that's what Molly says, but one of the documentaries about the show claims that Julie Ann Haddock (Cindy), was the last of the girls to be let go.

Well, that's what Molly says, but one of the documentaries about the show claims that Julie Ann Haddock (Cindy), was the last of the girls to be let go.

To be honest, I'm not sure we'll ever know the complete story. We've heard so many conflicting stories over the years: there was the newspaper article which indicated that Felice would be staying; the documentary that said Julie Anne was the last lost girl let go; Molly's statements that she was going to be kept on; the fact that only Julie Pie appears at the end of the first season finale alongside Lisa, Kim, and Mindy; the evidence that Molly's name appears alongside the other girls' in the "New Girl" script; etc.

All of these things, by themselves, are strong evidence that one of the girls was going to be kept on, until Brandon Tartikoff suggested Nancy McKeon. And yet, each piece of evidence conflicts with the rest of the narrative.

Things were obviously pretty chaotic on set in Summer/Fall 1980. The show didn't begin taping until November, and aired starting in November. The more I look at this, the more I wonder what the hell was going on behind the scenes.

To be honest, I'm not sure we'll ever know the complete story. We've heard so many conflicting stories over the years: there was the newspaper article which indicated that Felice would be staying; the documentary that said Julie Anne was the last lost girl let go; Molly's statements that she was going to be kept on; the fact that only Julie Pie appears at the end of the first season finale alongside Lisa, Kim, and Mindy; the evidence that Molly's name appears alongside the other girls' in the "New Girl" script; etc.

All of these things, by themselves, are strong evidence that one of the girls was going to be kept on, until Brandon Tartikoff suggested Nancy McKeon. And yet, each piece of evidence conflicts with the rest of the narrative.

Things were obviously pretty chaotic on set in Summer/Fall 1980. The show didn't begin taping until November, and aired starting in November. The more I look at this, the more I wonder what the hell was going on behind the scenes.

I'm sure the main reason behind the show not airing until November was the writers strike that summer. Most fall shows didn't debut until around November, including Dallas, which was at the height of its popularity with the "Who Shot J.R." cliffhanger that had yet to be resolved.

Production had been shut down on all shows that summer and most were working feverishly to play catch-up.

I'm sure the main reason behind the show not airing until November was the writers strike that summer. Most fall shows didn't debut until around November, including Dallas, which was at the height of its popularity with the "Who Shot J.R." cliffhanger that had yet to be resolved.

Production had been shut down on all shows that summer and most were working feverishly to play catch-up.

Hey Dr. Thong! According to this (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_shot_J.R.%3F#Production), production of Dallas was shut down for eight weeks during the summer. Although the season premiere of Dallas was delayed until November, everyone was back to work by September.

Not so with FOL: the new episodes weren't even taped until November.

Hey Dr. Thong! According to this (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_shot_J.R.%3F#Production), production of Dallas was shut down for eight weeks during the summer. Although the season premiere of Dallas was delayed until November, everyone was back to work by September.

Not so with FOL: the new episodes weren't even taped until November.

I never said Dallas went back to work in November, just stated that most shows didn't debut until November because the strike delayed the beginning of production on all shows.

If FOL was shooting shows in November and airing them later the same month, they must have been working feverishly in post production to prepare them.

I never said Dallas went back to work in November, just stated that most shows didn't debut until November because the strike delayed the beginning of production on all shows.

If FOL was shooting shows in November and airing them later the same month, they must have been working feverishly in post production to prepare them.

YES. It must have been crazy behind the scenes.

YES. It must have been crazy behind the scenes.

I read in a book that the cast and crew of Three's Company were working seven days a week to catch up. Of course, that was made even worse by Suzanne Somers not showing up for work to get more money.

But that's another sitcom and another forum.

;)

Nancy was very cute. I was 13 at that time and she was a goddess to me.

I agree. Nancy was an awesome part of the first season. She was great as a recurring character in later seasons. Too bad they dropped this idea later on. Felice was very pretty and had an element the other girls lacked, and I mean no disrespect in this. Nancy was a faster, worldlier boy-chaser than any of the others. For a show so devoted to tackling social issues, this alone should have made Nancy a bigger part of the show.

I agree. Nancy was an awesome part of the first season. She was great as a recurring character in later seasons. Too bad they dropped this idea later on. Felice was very pretty and had an element the other girls lacked, and I mean no disrespect in this. Nancy was a faster, worldlier boy-chaser than any of the others. For a show so devoted to tackling social issues, this alone should have made Nancy a bigger part of the show.

It was sad when Felice left the show. Honestly, she must have known by the episode "Dope", when the writers scripted her on-camera, to not get into "The Group".

It's interesting to think how different FOL would have been with Felice on the show: would she have lost her virginity with Roger, instead of all the girls unrealistically waiting nine seasons to go 'all the way'? Would a hook-up with Roger at the Chug A Lug have led to all the girls getting in hot water?

It was sad when Felice left the show. Honestly, she must have known by the episode "Dope", when the writers scripted her on-camera, to not get into "The Group".

I forgot we discussed that a year or two ago. That is such a coincidental parallel...Felice is to Nancy as the show's writers were to "The Group", lol. Poor Felice!

I'm relatively new here, so sorry if I reintroduced some previously discussed ideas.
I do like RetroGuy's idea about the impetus to the Chug A Lug visit. Nancy wanting to meet Roger there would have been a more realistic plot point.
I also think Roger would have made a great frequently mentioned but never seen character.

I'm relatively new here, so sorry if I reintroduced some previously discussed ideas.
I do like RetroGuy's idea about the impetus to the Chug A Lug visit. Nancy wanting to meet Roger there would have been a more realistic plot point.
I also think Roger would have made a great frequently mentioned but never seen character.

Sorry, didn't mean to post that twice.

I forgot we discussed that a year or two ago. That is such a coincidental parallel...Felice is to Nancy as the show's writers were to "The Group", lol. Poor Felice!

Was it just coincidental, though?

I think you mentioned you once imagined the Lost Girls' firing as very dramatic, with girls' names being read, and roses being handed out to the losers, all The Bachelor-style. Here we have Felice, on camera, being told she didn't make it into 'The Group", and then Mrs. G takes her outside to put a flower in her hair. :lol:

Maybe the writers knew, by this point, that Felice was toast, so they wrote her a small farewell scene. That would definitely explain why Felice is not in the final scene in "Dope", when Mrs. G says, "Well, at least our group is back together again!" And just four girls and Mrs G hug and laugh, as the audience applauds.

I'm relatively new here, so sorry if I reintroduced some previously discussed ideas.

Not at all! We rehash ideas all the time, and it's nice to see some Felice love around here! She's my third-favorite Lost Girl, after only Julie Pie and Julie Anne, so I quite like talking about her with other FOL fans.


I do like RetroGuy's idea about the impetus to the Chug A Lug visit. Nancy wanting to meet Roger there would have been a more realistic plot point.
I also think Roger would have made a great frequently mentioned but never seen character.

If Nancy had become/stayed a major character, I don't know how they could have kept Roger off-screen; how would they have had Felice in any dating scenes? I mean, with the other characters, we got to see their dates fairly consistently. Would Nancy have been regularly stood up by Roger? How would they explain why Roger was never around, while keeping Nancy, a very pretty girl, unavailable to other boys? Would they have sent Roger to 'Nam with Chuck Cunningham? ;)

The Unseen Character trope worked with Norm's wife on Cheers because they didn't need Vera on-camera to have Norm drinking all day in a bar. But it would have been quite difficult to have Nancy's date never be shown, considering all the dating the girls did on the show over the years.

JMO, as always.

Was it just coincidental, though?

Well in my belief I think subconsciously so. In my mind no one with the show saw cutting anyone until after season one was completed and aired (unless I learn otherwise). When I said "coincidence" I meant the parallel of the whole first season and Nancy's exclusion from "the group"; she never did "get in" like most of the other girls did.


I think you mentioned you once imagined the Lost Girls' firing as very dramatic, with girls' names being read, and roses being handed out to the losers, all The Bachelor-style. Here we have Felice, on camera, being told she didn't make it into 'The Group", and then Mrs. G takes her outside to put a flower in her hair. :lol:

Haha, I forgot about the Bacheloresque revealing of the re-tool, lol. And what coincidence that Nancy is the first one "cut from the tribe" and she gets a flower. :lol: (personally I adore that flower moment as it totally dates the show and is a few-second time capsule of the times from whence the show came---plus, it's very amusing/funny nowadays!)


The Unseen Character trope worked with Norm's wife on Cheers

And it worked wonderfully with Iola's parents on Mama's Family, especially her mother!

Not at all! We rehash ideas all the time, and it's nice to see some Felice love around here! She's my third-favorite Lost Girl, after only Julie Pie and Julie Anne, so I quite like talking about her with other FOL fans.



If Nancy had become/stayed a major character, I don't know how they could have kept Roger off-screen; how would they have had Felice in any dating scenes? I mean, with the other characters, we got to see their dates fairly consistently. Would Nancy have been regularly stood up by Roger? How would they explain why Roger was never around, while keeping Nancy, a very pretty girl, unavailable to other boys? Would they have sent Roger to 'Nam with Chuck Cunningham? ;)

The Unseen Character trope worked with Norm's wife on Cheers because they didn't need Vera on-camera to have Norm drinking all day in a bar. But it would have been quite difficult to have Nancy's date never be shown, considering all the dating the girls did on the show over the years.

JMO, as always.

Good points! It would have been difficult to keep Roger off-screen and make Nancy a viable character in the pared-down girls seasons. Maybe she would date other guys too, as Roger frequently stood up her up, creating a running joke?

IDK, I just would have love to have seen more Felice/Nancy. She was indeed very pretty and Felice had nice comedic timing, IMO.

It's always fun to speculate on what could have been! Not that I didn't like the show post-Nancy-as-regular, of course.

I finished rewatching season one- while I like it fine enough, there's no doubt that bringing on Nancy McKeon was a wide move. Her acting was stronger than the "Lost Girls," especially in dramatic moments.

Of the "Lost Girls," it's a toss-up for me between Sue Ann and Nancy for being the least effective, in terms of acting. I think Nancy may have been slightly more convincing. There was just something about the way Julie P. delivered her lines- it just doesn't resonate fully with me.

I finished rewatching season one- while I like it fine enough, there's no doubt that bringing on Nancy McKeon was a wide move. Her acting was stronger than the "Lost Girls," especially in dramatic moments.

Nancy McKeon was great in dramatic moments, that's for sure. However, they lost a great actress with Julie Anne Haddock, who had appeared in both film and television before her stint on FOL.

Good points! It would have been difficult to keep Roger off-screen and make Nancy a viable character in the pared-down girls seasons. Maybe she would date other guys too, as Roger frequently stood up her up, creating a running joke?

That could have worked.


IDK, I just would have love to have seen more Felice/Nancy. She was indeed very pretty and Felice had nice comedic timing, IMO.

She sure did have good comedic timing. And she was very pretty.


It's always fun to speculate on what could have been! Not that I didn't like the show post-Nancy-as-regular, of course.

I really only liked the Eastland years. After that, the show got weird. Every year or so, they were opening or closing some new store, in an effort to keep these women living together.

Haha, I forgot about the Bacheloresque revealing of the re-tool, lol.

It's funny. After you mentioned that, I realized I had imagined the same scenario at one point, with everyone being gathered together to find out who was going to stay and who was going to go, all suspenseful as envelopes are opened...

But, in fact, the writers and producers had already telegraphed their intentions, for the most part: Molly, Julie Anne, and Felice were each only given one episode to shine.

I really only liked the Eastland years. After that, the show got weird. Every year or so, they were opening or closing some new store, in an effort to keep these women living together.

Well, I think Edna's Edibles was a pretty plausible scenario and an appreciated extension of the Eastland years. But yeah, Over Our Heads definitely stretches it (although there are a lot of really enjoyable episodes).


It's funny. After you mentioned that, I realized I had imagined the same scenario at one point, with everyone being gathered together to find out who was going to stay and who was going to go, all suspenseful as envelopes are opened...

Just like in "Overachieving" when the girls are all seated in folding chairs facing the area where the speakers stand for Career Day (where they try to manipulate Mr. Ramsey into letting Tootie stay at Eastland). That's how I've always pictured this for years...the girls in those folding chairs facing toward the producers who are standing at the right end of the sofa to reveal who stays, and who goes...lol.


But, in fact, the writers and producers had already telegraphed their intentions, for the most part: Molly, Julie Anne, and Felice were each only given one episode to shine.

I would even say Julie Anne had 1 1/2 episodes to shine (since she was the "supporting 2nd lead" under Sue Ann in "Running"), and poor Felice only really had 1/2 an episode to shine! ("I.Q.").

Oh, geeze, now that's how I'll be imagining the scene now: in those folding chairs.

Imagine...

Int. Dorm Commons.

Folding chairs are arranged, with all the cast seated.


Al Burton: Alright, girls...

Molly: We're women, Mr. Burton.

Al Burton: Right. Women. Now, women, as we discussed, the cast is just too large, and unfortunately, the decision has been made to... let some of you go...

Molly: What you really mean is fire some of us. Isn't that right, Mr. Burton?

Al Burton: No, no, no no, Molly. There's a huge difference between being 'let go' and being fired. No one did anything wrong. We're just... paring down the cast. For some reason, the executives at the network think there are 47 girls on the show, and we couldn't convince them otherwise.

Al Burton: Alright, let's open the first envelope, see who gets voted out of the dorm...

Blair: Well, it couldn't be me. *flips hair, opens envelope*

Tootie: You're right, Blair. It's not you.

Nancy: I guess I'm up next... I always get so nervous in these situations. Roger says [the rest of the line is edited out and ends up on the cutting room floor]

Nancy: Oh no... *pulls out a black rose. The room goes quiet, as everyone's momentarily stunned*

Tootie: I guess she didn't make it into "The Group".

Mrs. G: Come on, Nancy. Let's go put that flower in your hair... *leads Nancy off-stage*

Al Burton: Sue Ann, you're up next.

*Sue Ann opens the envelope. A black rose is inside.*

Sue Ann: *visibly upset* I'd give anything to stay on the show. How would you like to know you're going to spend the rest of your life in the basement?

*A PA leads Sue Ann to the door of the basement*

PA: Don't worry. We'll let you out twice a year for guest appearances. For the first couple of years, anyway...

Al Burton: Tootie, you're up next.

Tootie: Nat, let's open ours together.

*they open their envelopes together. No black roses*

Natalie: I knew we were soul sisters! *they hug*

Molly: I'm so nervous.

Al Burton: Don't worry, Molly. You have nothing to fear. Go on...

Molly: *opens envelope. A black rose is inside*

Molly: *picks up an out-of-tune guitar, sings*
Producers can't be trusted
My heart feels like it's busted
Boy am I disgusted
I've got a right to sing the blues...

*A PA leads Molly to the basement*

Al Burton: Cindy, you're up next.

*Cindy opens the envelope, pulls out a black rose*

Cindy: *visibly upset* You know, I was happy with baseball and tennis. I never should have gotten into acting.

Tootie: Please, Mr. Burton. Can't Cindy stay?

*girls begin chanting* Cin-dy, Cin-dy, Cin-dy! Cindy, Cindy, Cindy!

Al Burton: *relenting* Alright, alright, Cindy can stay.

*remaining girls cheer*

Al Burton: Of course, I'll need to check with Brandon Tartikoff, but I think we can manage to keep four girls... unless he has other plans...

Mr. Bradley: *standing up* Poor girls. That must have been... a bit of a jolt.

Al Burton: You're fired, Bradley.

*a boy in biker's clothes walks into the room*

Jo: *takes off helmet* Is this where I'm supposed to check in?

LOL oh man RetroGuy, that is BRILLIANT!! This fan transcript weaving in all of the characters' traits and modified lines should be included on the DVDs as a readable feature!

[*prints out to include in his "Facts" binder along with the Clue™ and "Factsopoly" games and reimagined 9-season episode synopses*]

:D

LOL oh man RetroGuy, that is BRILLIANT!! This fan transcript weaving in all of the characters' traits and modified lines should be included on the DVDs as a readable feature!

[*prints out to include in his "Facts" binder along with the Clue™ and "Factsopoly" games and reimagined 9-season episode synopses*]

:D

OMG, there's a "Facts" binder? If I had known, I would have put a little more effort into that project.

But since I now know you have a FOL binder, with a bunch of cool FOL stuff saved up over the years, Here's something really neat for your binder. Hope you like it (and don't already have it!):

It's the original script for "The New Girl, part 2", in PDF format. (You will notice some changes from the broadcast version).

LOL oh man RetroGuy, that is BRILLIANT!! This fan transcript weaving in all of the characters' traits and modified lines should be included on the DVDs as a readable feature!

[*prints out to include in his "Facts" binder along with the Clue™ and "Factsopoly" games and reimagined 9-season episode synopses*]

:D
I agree! A very inspired bit of writing! :wave:

It's nice to see that first season or half season getting some props. It seemed that for years a lot of people didn't even remember that there was a show before Jo joined the cast. The first season aired shortly before I turned 10 in the Spring of '79 and so I still have fond memories of that era and the end of the '70's. I had liked Lisa Whelchel when she was on The New Mickey Mouse Club and so this show was a priority in the house back then. -:)

It's nice to see that first season or half season getting some props. It seemed that for years a lot of people didn't even remember that there was a show before Jo joined the cast. The first season aired shortly before I turned 10 in the Spring of '79 and so I still have fond memories of that era and the end of the '70's. I had liked Lisa Whelchel when she was on The New Mickey Mouse Club and so this show was a priority in the house back then. -:)

True, and at least FOL did more than other shows by remembering its "discarded" cast by letting the other girls have small parts in seasons 2 and 3 and bringing back the majority for a later reunion episode. Unlike Chuck Cunningham, we know the first season girls still exist in-show universe.

Yeah, I also remember hearing something years ago about how the show actually planned on bringing them back more often during those seasons or, at least, give them slightly bigger parts. It became harder and harder to get them back for each appearance. A couple were still upset about being let go but most had moved on and were busy with other projects. I don't know how accurate that is but it makes some sense. If you get fired from one job, you're probably going to be too busy trying to find a new one to sit around all day hoping to get called back in for a cameo.

Yeah, I also remember hearing something years ago about how the show actually planned on bringing them back more often during those seasons or, at least, give them slightly bigger parts. It became harder and harder to get them back for each appearance. A couple were still upset about being let go but most had moved on and were busy with other projects. I don't know how accurate that is but it makes some sense. If you get fired from one job, you're probably going to be too busy trying to find a new one to sit around all day hoping to get called back in for a cameo.
Yes, it wasn't long after Molly Ringwald's one and only token appearance that she moved on to bigger and "better" things. I can understand the other girls' feelings. A paycheck is a paycheck, but after being dropped from the regular cast, I can't blame them for being at least slightly bitter. Still, their seasons 2 and 3 appearances did add to continuity and did add some great moments...especially Nancy's reactions in the Tootie the gossip episode.

I agree! A very inspired bit of writing! :wave:
Thanks, Alex!

True, and at least FOL did more than other shows by remembering its "discarded" cast by letting the other girls have small parts in seasons 2 and 3 and bringing back the majority for a later reunion episode. Unlike Chuck Cunningham, we know the first season girls still exist in-show universe.

It's funny how our expectations, as viewers, have evolved over the years. In 1975, producers believed there would be no problem with writing off Chuck Cunningham; that nobody would notice. But by 1980s, the producers on FOL were presumably trying to provide some measure of continuity by bringing back the Lost Girls.

Yet our expectations for television writing have evolved further since that era.

Yeah, I also remember hearing something years ago about how the show actually planned on bringing them back more often during those seasons or, at least, give them slightly bigger parts.

I've never heard this, and in fact, I suspect their parts were whittled down after the actresses accepted the script. If you look at the script for "The New Girl, part 2", linked on the previous page, you will see that the part Molly accepted was a fairly decent role. But many of her lines were clearly cut, because what actually aired were just three our four lines. These were either cut out of the script or ended up on the cutting room floor during editing.

I suspect the same happened to Julie and Julie Anne, because in "Front Page", where they appear, they are in one scene, sitting at the table with the other girls, and then are suddenly gone, as if the lines of dialog where they got up and left had simply been edited out.


It became harder and harder to get them back for each appearance. A couple were still upset about being let go but most had moved on and were busy with other projects. I don't know how accurate that is but it makes some sense. If you get fired from one job, you're probably going to be too busy trying to find a new one to sit around all day hoping to get called back in for a cameo.

This I do believe. At that time (1980-1982), during newspaper interviews, Felice described her guest appearances as negotiations: she and her agent negotiated with the producers, and apparently, her agent was pretty good: she got a decent role with "Gossip", she did three episodes per season, and she was actually the last Lost Girl to appear until the 1986 reunion episode.

I once read somewhere that the Screen Actors Guild had issued a new requirement in 1980 that anyone who appeared in more than three episodes per season had to be credited as a regular in the opening credits; thus, Howard appears in the opening credits during his four appearances, but no opening credits for Felice, who was only seen in three episodes per season for the next two years.

At least they returned for one episode in 1986 to bring some closure. Lots of times shows just write out characters never to be heard from again. It would have been nice for Blair and co. to mention Nancy, Julie etc. once in a while before the 1986 episode.

At least they returned for one episode in 1986 to bring some closure. Lots of times shows just write out characters never to be heard from again.

Yes, absolutely. I'm glad we did get the closure we did get. Much better than how writing out characters was handled on, say, Happy Days, Saved By the Bell, or Family Matters. But not as good as on MASH, or many dramas (for some reason, dramas seem better than sitcoms when it comes to character continuity).


It would have been nice for Blair and co. to mention Nancy, Julie etc. once in a while before the 1986 episode.

Totally. The most they did, that I can recall, was in the flashback episodes in Season Five ("The Way We Were", parts 1 and 2), they did think back to scenes with Sue Ann and Nancy in them, though I suspect that was only because the producers couldn't cut Sue Ann and Nancy out of those scenes. Still, it was nice to see them, even briefly.

And I believe Blair mentions Sue Ann in the 2001 reunion movie. Though of course you're absolutely right that they should have been mentioning them throughout the school years, since it wasn't that big of a school. And we should have seen them more at events in the cafeteria and such, and maybe even at Edna's Edibles: Peekskill isn't that large. And Sue Ann and Nancy definitely should have been at their own graduation ceremony. (And they are, in my alternate FOL universe :lol: ).

OMG, there's a "Facts" binder? If I had known, I would have put a little more effort into that project.

:lol: Yes, there is! But I love your piece! :D


But since I now know you have a FOL binder, with a bunch of cool FOL stuff saved up over the years, Here's something really neat for your binder. Hope you like it (and don't already have it!):

It's the original script for "The New Girl, part 2", in PDF format. (You will notice some changes from the broadcast version).

Whoa, VERY cool!



I've never heard this, and in fact, I suspect their parts were whittled down after the actresses accepted the script. If you look at the script for "The New Girl, part 2", linked on the previous page, you will see that the part Molly accepted was a fairly decent role. But many of her lines were clearly cut, because what actually aired were just three our four lines. These were either cut out of the script or ended up on the cutting room floor during editing.

There was more Molly Parker??? :eek:

TOTALLY have to print this out and add it to my "Facts" binder! (which I got as close to Eastland blue as I could, haha)


At that time (1980-1982), during newspaper interviews, Felice described her guest appearances as negotiations: she and her agent negotiated with the producers, and apparently, her agent was pretty good: she got a decent role with "Gossip", she did three episodes per season, and she was actually the last Lost Girl to appear until the 1986 reunion episode.

Oh man, if only Julie Anne had such a good agents for "Facts"!


I once read somewhere that the Screen Actors Guild had issued a new requirement in 1980 that anyone who appeared in more than three episodes per season had to be credited as a regular in the opening credits; thus, Howard appears in the opening credits during his four appearances, but no opening credits for Felice, who was only seen in three episodes per season for the next two years.

Ah, very interesting trivia! I was always perplexed that Howard made it into the opening credits, lol.


And Sue Ann and Nancy definitely should have been at their own graduation ceremony. (And they are, in my alternate FOL universe)

And mine too! (as observed in my reimagined series synopses, lol...hey RetroGuy, have you looked at that thread (http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=324047) again lately? I went back and did some tweaks, including integrating Nancy Olson's "shrink to the stars" career aspirations to her academic career, and adding in the accidentally-left-out The Facts of Life Down Under with an added story line to include Sue Ann and Nancy).

There was more Molly Parker??? :eek:

Yes. Totally check out that script. Several of Molly's lines were cut or modified sometime after the script was made in August 1980.


Oh man, if only Julie Anne had such a good agents for "Facts"!

That would have been awesome. However, it seems clear that neither Molly, Julie, or Julie Anne had an agent as good as Felice's. (Not that Molly was even interested after her first guest appearance.)



And mine too! (as observed in my reimagined series synopses, lol...hey RetroGuy, have you looked at that thread (http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=324047) again lately? I went back and did some tweaks, including integrating Nancy Olson's "shrink to the stars" career aspirations to her academic career, and adding in the accidentally-left-out The Facts of Life Down Under with an added story line to include Sue Ann and Nancy).

Oh, damn. I missed that! Well done! Love it!

These are so good. I said it before and I'll say it again: the way you write, the characters never feel shoehorned into the episode. You're very good.

Yes. Totally check out that script. Several of Molly's lines were cut or modified sometime after the script was made in August 1980.

I did last night! I admit when you said some of Molly's lines were cut I was hoping for a little more "Molly meat", as it turns out she only had two lines that were cut. It's a shame those two lines were omitted for two reasons: 1) it shows interaction between Natalie and Molly who were very close in age (if not the same age), and 2) it shows the audience there are cream pies as one of two dessert choices, which is a lovely subtle set-up for, in Jo's words, "that pie bit".

Also, her two lines to Natalie are so "Molly"; it's a shame such character-delineating dialogue was cut. Plus, as a season one fan, it always seems odd when watching this episode that we see Molly interacting with fellow season one dorm mates Blair and Tootie, but not Natalie, the only other one in the scene.

Okay, so it's a shame those lines were omitted for four reasons. ;)

And it was bugging me and bugging me that I couldn't make out the marked out part of Molly's first line, but I FINALLY was able to decipher it! :D

And wow, there was a whole chunk of conversation between Howard and Mrs. Garrett that was cut, Mrs. Garrett's clinching "You're not your mother either" wasn't even in the script, and SO many tweaks and adjustments and re-writes---as a long-time fan who has these episodes imprinted on memory, this is fascinating to see! Where did you get it??


Oh, damn. I missed that! Well done! Love it!

These are so good. I said it before and I'll say it again: the way you write, the characters never feel shoehorned into the episode. You're very good.

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks...I knew you would appreciate those Nancy-isms, lol...I ended up printing out a handful of this "set" when I was trying to add it to my "Facts" binder because I kept making more and more changes! lol...several were minor (such as tweaking some of their futures in the finale, and reverting "Emily Dickinson" 's "antagonist" from Molly back to Tootie [just seems more natural keeping it Tootie] among other tweaks), and then adding The Facts of Life Goes Down Under was of course the most major change.

I did last night! I admit when you said some of Molly's lines were cut I was hoping for a little more "Molly meat", as it turns out she only had two lines that were cut.

Yes, but having two lines cut when you only have eight lines is a significant (25%) reduction. It wouldn't have mattered for a role like Blair's.


It's a shame those two lines were omitted for two reasons: 1) it shows interaction between Natalie and Molly who were very close in age (if not the same age), and 2) it shows the audience there are cream pies as one of two dessert choices, which is a lovely subtle set-up for, in Jo's words, "that pie bit".

Also, her two lines to Natalie are so "Molly"; it's a shame such character-delineating dialogue was cut. Plus, as a season one fan, it always seems odd when watching this episode that we see Molly interacting with fellow season one dorm mates Blair and Tootie, but not Natalie, the only other one in the scene.

Yes. Think about how warmly Tootie, Natalie and Blair greeted one another in the previous episode. As one viewer wrote, "Blair arrives and greets Tootie and Natalie like they are totally best friends forever, instead of treating them like the younger, lame kids. That’s what happens when everyone else your age is cut from the main cast." (https://theveryspecialblog.wordpress.com/2015/07/17/the-facts-of-life-the-new-girl/) And here, Molly doesn't even speak to Natalie. Although we know now that's not how it was scripted.


Okay, so it's a shame those lines were omitted for four reasons. ;)

And it was bugging me and bugging me that I couldn't make out the marked out part of Molly's first line, but I FINALLY was able to decipher it! :D

Yeah, I think I figured it out, too.


And wow, there was a whole chunk of conversation between Howard and Mrs. Garrett that was cut, Mrs. Garrett's clinching "You're not your mother either" wasn't even in the script, and SO many tweaks and adjustments and re-writes---as a long-time fan who has these episodes imprinted on memory, this is fascinating to see! Where did you get it??

Google search! :lol:




Glad you enjoyed! Thanks...I knew you would appreciate those Nancy-isms, lol...I ended up printing out a handful of this "set" when I was trying to add it to my "Facts" binder because I kept making more and more changes! lol...several were minor (such as tweaking some of their futures in the finale, and reverting "Emily Dickinson" 's "antagonist" from Molly back to Tootie [just seems more natural keeping it Tootie] among other tweaks), and then adding The Facts of Life Goes Down Under was of course the most major change.

It is truly awesome. Thanks so much for putting that together.

I also liked the 4 girls who were let go from main billing. I'm glad Molly appeared once more and the other 3 appeared sporadically to ensure continuity.

Season 1 has a couple good episodes, like the bong episode, but it feels like the makers hadn't found a formula - all while throwing in enough characters to ensure none of them had any time to develop.

And I liked the punchier theme's music, though the altered lyrics take a moment to adjust to.

Season 2 is amazing in what it does, tightening the premise, revamping the lyrics to discuss messages as opposed to "boys you hate you date", taking the characters with what they thought had the most potential, then adding Jo as a source of conflict - something season 1 lacked. The end result was gold.

I do wonder if they hadn't fired half the cast but kept the same format if the revamped show would have had the same rock solid quality and moral messaging. Arguably, especially as all the girls brought something to the table that could have been explored, but with the reduction in cast being able to empathize for the remain ensemble became easier for sure. Audiences picked up on it as well and TFOL became not just an 80s staple but something enduring. Even the later seasons where it otherwise wouldn't likely happen in real life but the cast is so tight with one another that it's great to see them around.

I also liked the 4 girls who were let go from main billing. I'm glad Molly appeared once more and the other 3 appeared sporadically to ensure continuity.

Same here. The continuity was needed, and it wasn't the actors' fault. The show was just too overly crammed with characters - which can be good or bad in terms of setting up ensemble casts to draw story ideas with. Usually shows start with a few then add more characters to find new directions for the show, rarely the other way around.

Same here. The continuity was needed, and it wasn't the actors' fault. The show was just too overly crammed with characters - which can be good or bad in terms of setting up ensemble casts to draw story ideas with. Usually shows start with a few then add more characters to find new directions for the show, rarely the other way around.

Okay, maybe the show was crammed with too many characters. I think they still could've kept one or two of the ones who were axed and added them to the classic quartet of Blair, Jo, Natalie & Tootie.

The best thing about the first season is that it was only 13 episodes. Molly, Cindy, and Nancy were forgettable, and that girl who played Sue Ann was a TERRIBLE actress. Kudos to the producers for allowing some continuity by having those girls recur for a while.

Okay, maybe the show was crammed with too many characters. I think they still could've kept one or two of the ones who were axed and added them to the classic quartet of Blair, Jo, Natalie & Tootie.

I never bought into the "too many characters" thing.

I recently binge-watched the first three seasons of "Head of the Class". That show started with ten students, a teacher, principal, and vice-principal. Then they added more students, both recurring and regular roles.

By my count, "Head of the Class" had 15 actors plus recurring roles by the end. So "The Facts of Life" having seven girls really shouldn't have been a problem.

The best thing about the first season is that it was only 13 episodes. Molly, Cindy, and Nancy were forgettable, and that girl who played Sue Ann was a TERRIBLE actress. Kudos to the producers for allowing some continuity by having those girls recur for a while.

I agree Julie Piekarski was a TERRIBLE actress---overall. She did have some surprisingly golden moments, but by and large she was awful. Every time I see Charlotte in an interview or a documentary say they were "all such talented girls" I think of Julie P. and I just want to ask Charlotte, "Are you kidding me?" I wonder if she just forgot how bad Julie was, or if she just wants to be nice to them all?

I disagree Molly and Cindy were forgettable, as they had such specific individual characteristics which differentiated them among the group. I would say Nancy was forgettable (I don't want her to be, the writing just wasn't there for her), but once they invented invisible Roger, that gave her a "hook"---and it even garnered her her own plot in a season 2 episode!


I never bought into the "too many characters" thing.

I recently binge-watched the first three seasons of "Head of the Class". That show started with ten students, a teacher, principal, and vice-principal. Then they added more students, both recurring and regular roles.

EXACTLY. That is the first place my mind goes to when producers or Charlotte or the girls claim there were "too many girls"---what about Head of the Class? What about Cheers? That one started with just five credited cast members in the opening in season 1 (John Ratzenberger was not credited in the opening at first), and it fleshed out to eight credited cast members in season 10. Perhaps if FOL had taken that route---begun with a few girls, and added a few more along the way---it could have ended with a larger cast that really worked. Still, the way they did it, starting with "a gaggle of girls", it easily could have worked, and should have. As dear as season 1 is to my heart, it's just a shame that the writing wasn't balanced enough to really serve all of the characters.

That said, I miss Miss Mahoney. If only she had at least stayed on for all of season 1, if not longer. In those first four episodes I love seeing that special relating and camaraderie that Mrs. Garrett has with a fellow woman. Once Miss Mahoney is gone, Mrs. Garrett never has that special relating of "woman-to-woman" ever again (outside of a few guest starring women). I think that was a real shame.

I agree Julie Piekarski was a TERRIBLE actress---overall. She did have some surprisingly golden moments, but by and large she was awful. Every time I see Charlotte in an interview or a documentary say they were "all such talented girls" I think of Julie P. and I just want to ask Charlotte, "Are you kidding me?" I wonder if she just forgot how bad Julie was, or if she just wants to be nice to them all?

Julie was fine in "Running" and "Dope", less so in "IQ", but better than Molly in "Molly's Holiday". Molly wasn't ready yet for her own episode.


I disagree Molly and Cindy were forgettable, as they had such specific individual characteristics which differentiated them among the group. I would say Nancy was forgettable (I don't want her to be, the writing just wasn't there for her), but once they invented invisible Roger, that gave her a "hook"---and it even garnered her her own plot in a season 2 episode!


None of the Lost Girls were "forgettable", or we wouldn't be discussing them 38 years later! And they certainly wouldn't have been nominated for a TV Land Award in the category of "Favorite Characters Who Went Missing".

Certainly, chopping Nancy's parts down, as they did, didn't help Felice, but even her parts as "on the phone girl" were memorable. And she did great in "Gossip".


EXACTLY. That is the first place my mind goes to when producers or Charlotte or the girls claim there were "too many girls"---what about Head of the Class?

Yes. And people claim that the show couldn't have been done successfully with that many actors, when we know it could have... because other shows did just fine.

What about Cheers? That one started with just five credited cast members in the opening in season 1 (John Ratzenberger was not credited in the opening at first), and it fleshed out to eight credited cast members in season 10. Perhaps if FOL had taken that route---begun with a few girls, and added a few more along the way---it could have ended with a larger cast that really worked. Still, the way they did it, starting with "a gaggle of girls", it easily could have worked, and should have. As dear as season 1 is to my heart, it's just a shame that the writing wasn't balanced enough to really serve all of the characters.

They could have thrown Nancy a bone. Did she really need to be on the phone 24/7? Couldn't they have given her a line in the fitness center in "Running"? Why on earth was Blair in the stables in "Flash Flood"? She's from Manhattan!


That said, I miss Miss Mahoney. If only she had at least stayed on for all of season 1, if not longer. In those first four episodes I love seeing that special relating and camaraderie that Mrs. Garrett has with a fellow woman. Once Miss Mahoney is gone, Mrs. Garrett never has that special relating of "woman-to-woman" ever again (outside of a few guest starring women). I think that was a real shame.

You raise a good point. If Mrs. G had had another mature actress to play off of, she might have stayed on the show longer. Charlotte's role gradually decreased as the years went along, and she has said in some past interviews that she felt the show wasn't about her any more. (I know she also said she had health issues, but that isn't cited as much).

Julie was fine in "Running" and "Dope", less so in "IQ", but better than Molly in "Molly's Holiday". Molly wasn't ready yet for her own episode.

I know you're such a Julie P. champ, which is why I feel a little guilty anytime I criticize her acting ability (or inability at times), but I can't help but be honest with how I feel (blame Mrs. Garrett's life lessons, haha). She does do pretty well in those episodes, but she's so inconsistent that you can't say she's a good actress all throughout one entire episode. All the other girls, yes, but not Julie P.



They could have thrown Nancy a bone. Did she really need to be on the phone 24/7? Couldn't they have given her a line in the fitness center in "Running"? Why on earth was Blair in the stables in "Flash Flood"? She's from Manhattan!

Haha, good point, but maybe they lived near outskirts enough that the Warners had a horse farm? Or something, lol.


You raise a good point. If Mrs. G had had another mature actress to play off of, she might have stayed on the show longer. Charlotte's role gradually decreased as the years went along, and she has said in some past interviews that she felt the show wasn't about her any more. (I know she also said she had health issues, but that isn't cited as much).

Yeah, whenever I see her chummy with Miss Mahoney---particularly in Mrs. Garrett's room, in woman-to-woman scenes---I just wish so hard our Emily could stick around, lol. It's a little surprising they never gave Mrs. Garrett another woman to play off of, such as another teacher, or a neighbor, or something.

I know you're such a Julie P. champ, which is why I feel a little guilty anytime I criticize her acting ability (or inability at times), but I can't help but be honest with how I feel (blame Mrs. Garrett's life lessons, haha). She does do pretty well in those episodes, but she's so inconsistent that you can't say she's a good actress all throughout one entire episode. All the other girls, yes, but not Julie P.

Oh, don't feel guilty! Both the Julies were magnificent, but I don't fault anyone who feels otherwise, even the Nancy McKeon people, who tend to minimize the Lost Girls (Nancy herself never does, and always speaks highly of them).


Haha, good point, but maybe they lived near outskirts enough that the Warners had a horse farm? Or something, lol.

It's just an example, maybe the first, of the writers shoehorning Blair into scenes where she doesn't belong. Other people have mentioned how there's no way Blair should have been bunking with the other three girls after graduation, and that's true. These scenes don't work because of what we know of Blair as a character.

Nancy, Cindy, or Sue Ann should have been on that horse.


Yeah, whenever I see her chummy with Miss Mahoney---particularly in Mrs. Garrett's room, in woman-to-woman scenes---I just wish so hard our Emily could stick around, lol. It's a little surprising they never gave Mrs. Garrett another woman to play off of, such as another teacher, or a neighbor, or something.

Yeah, the lack of teachers at Eastland was a little bizarre. I think I can just about count the faculty on one hand.

Oh, don't feel guilty! Both the Julies were magnificent, but I don't fault anyone who feels otherwise, even the Nancy McKeon people, who tend to minimize the Lost Girls (Nancy herself never does, and always speaks highly of them).

Personally I think Julie Anne was way "magnificenter", lol.


It's just an example, maybe the first, of the writers shoehorning Blair into scenes where she doesn't belong. Other people have mentioned how there's no way Blair should have been bunking with the other three girls after graduation, and that's true. These scenes don't work because of what we know of Blair as a character.

Although, after graduation, those girls were Blair's closest friends, and the sisters she never had (she never had that Eve Plumb character in my FOL canon, haha). And maybe she was vulnerable about that, and had Mrs. Garrett as her 2nd mother, and was in a way too scared to leave yet. I guess I like to reconcile it because it happened on camera that she did stay, lol.


[QUOTE=RetroGuy2000Nancy, Cindy, or Sue Ann should have been on that horse.[/quote]

Yeah, all three would have been naturals to be on a horse!

Personally I think Julie Anne was way "magnificenter", lol.

The thing about Julie Anne is that she could have gone on to do anything. Her film and TV pedigree covered a range from drama to comedy. I wish she would have gone the Molly Ringwald route.



Although, after graduation, those girls were Blair's closest friends, and the sisters she never had (she never had that Eve Plumb character in my FOL canon, haha).

It is weird, because I don't think anyone in Blair's family even mentioned her ever again. You'd expect them to say something like, "How's Meg doing these days?" But it never happens.

But I think it's funny that Jan Brady was finally the oldest sister! ;)

Yes, I would love to have seen Julie Anne take Hollywood by storm! :)

It is weird, because I don't think anyone in Blair's family even mentioned her ever again. You'd expect them to say something like, "How's Meg doing these days?" But it never happens.

That really annoys me on sitcoms, when suddenly out of the blue a close relative is mentioned who was never mentioned before nor is ever mentioned again: "Hey, for this one episode let's invent a brother just so we can have this plot, then we'll never use him again." :rolleyes: (that one happened on Designing Women when suddenly Julia and Suzanne have a half-brother who only exists in one episode)


But I think it's funny that Jan Brady was finally the oldest sister! ;)

Haha!

Yes, I would love to have seen Julie Anne take Hollywood by storm! :)

With her background, she definitely could have. But I suppose she was pretty discouraged.


That really annoys me on sitcoms, when suddenly out of the blue a close relative is mentioned who was never mentioned before nor is ever mentioned again: "Hey, for this one episode let's invent a brother just so we can have this plot, then we'll never use him again." :rolleyes: (that one happened on Designing Women when suddenly Julia and Suzanne have a half-brother who only exists in one episode)

I don't think I saw that episode. But I know exactly what you mean. Golden Girls was terrible about that, too. That show did that so much that I have no idea how many "children" they even have. :lol:

I don't think I saw that episode.

See?? Because he only existed in the confines of that one episode! :lol: Season 2 episode 15, "Oh, Brother".

I don't think I saw that episode. But I know exactly what you mean. Golden Girls was terrible about that, too. That show did that so much that I have no idea how many "children" they even have. :lol:

I don't think GG was very bad about that. They were very bad about consistency, yes, but not about inventing an immediate family member who was only referenced or seen in one episode and never again. There were times though, such as Rose's sister Lily, and her rotten sister Holly (I really dislike how in that episode Rose's friends believe her stranger of a sister instead of her, one of their best friends and roommates!), and Blanche offering to give Dorothy one of her sons if she can keep her special beach towel, lol. At least other times the girls mention having multiple children (and Rose did mention having more than one sibling when reminiscing about family gatherings), but that was about the only time Blanche ever mentioned having any boys, and all of a sudden she has three??

A single appearance or mention of a niece or nephew or a grandchild or cousin I can understand, but when shows purposefully invent an immediate family member for "one time only", that's what gets me.

I don't think GG was very bad about that. They were very bad about consistency, yes, but not about inventing an immediate family member who was only referenced or seen in one episode and never again. [...] but that was about the only time Blanche ever mentioned having any boys, and all of a sudden she has three??

That's what I'm saying!

Back to Facts... at least Blair's younger sister Bailey was mentioned multiple times. I like that continuity. But Meg just vanished. Not cool. Natalie's sister also vanished.

Oh yeah! Nat's sister! And Tootie's brother! Two other classic examples...Natalie having a sister should have been explored more since Natalie was adopted into that family, but by season 2 it seemed as if she were an only child. And Tootie, there was an entire episode built all around her brother Marshall whom she ADORED and was ECSTATIC about seeing, yet it was NEVER mentioned outside of that episode that Tootie was anything but an only child. Ugh! If they had made Marshal a favorite cousin instead of an immediate brother I wouldn't have had nearly this big a problem with this, lol.

Julie Piekarski was very pretty but she wasn't that good of an actress. She later appeared in an episode of Three's Company. Molly Ringwald was much better on the Breakfast Club than on FOL. And the other two weren't that great either. The first season was definitely my least favorite although I will still watch it. Thank goodness they got rid of those four and brought in Jo.

Oh yeah! Nat's sister! And Tootie's brother! Two other classic examples...Natalie having a sister should have been explored more since Natalie was adopted into that family, but by season 2 it seemed as if she were an only child. And Tootie, there was an entire episode built all around her brother Marshall whom she ADORED and was ECSTATIC about seeing, yet it was NEVER mentioned outside of that episode that Tootie was anything but an only child. Ugh! If they had made Marshal a favorite cousin instead of an immediate brother I wouldn't have had nearly this big a problem with this, lol.

YES. Make them cousins, so they can at least never be mentioned again. I believe Natalie even mentions later on that she's an "only child", as if she lied about her sister existing in the first place. Ugh!

I'd completely forgotten about Tootie's brother.

Julie Piekarski was very pretty

Well, at least we can agree on that.

She later appeared in an episode of Three's Company.

Yep, and Quincy, and afterschool specials, and TV movies, and now she's back to doing film!


Molly Ringwald was much better on the Breakfast Club than on FOL.

Oh, she had definitely grown as an actress.

Thank goodness they got rid of those four and brought in Jo.

They didn't need Female Fonzie.

It's funny, to me, that people will denigrate the Lost Girls' acting skills while completely ignoring the fact that Mindy Cohn had never acted a day in her life before coming into the show, and delivered lines while laughing at them.

The early seasons were actually quite edgy for their time. It was a Norman Lear show afterall, TFOL and One Day at a Time shared writers and producers. In the pilot, they even dealt with a character who might be a lesbian (Cindy). I think that the show got watered down though around the time George Clooney showed up (1985).

The early seasons were actually quite edgy for their time. It was a Norman Lear show afterall, TFOL and One Day at a Time shared writers and producers. In the pilot, they even dealt with a character who might be a lesbian (Cindy). I think that the The show got watered down though around the time George Clooney showed up (1985).

I agree about the show originally being edgy for its time. As you say, in later years, it became conventional and watered down. The show became more and more about the 1980s fashions and fads: big hair, shoulder pads, trendy clothes, pop stars, Australian... everything.

Can you imagine Pippa possibly being a lesbian? No way would that have ever happened. And yet, eight years earlier, they weren't afraid to tackle that type of controversial subject.

Can you imagine Pippa possibly being a lesbian?

As bland and useless as she was, can anyone imagine Pippa being anything? lol

As bland and useless as she was, can anyone imagine Pippa being anything? lol

BWAHAH!!! :lol:

I can imagine them giving her a boomerang, or maybe a skateboard, as a weekly prop.

I can imagine them giving her an outrageous haircut, or a storyline where she's doing badly in school.

But a plot involving anything serious? No way.

Pippa's storylines were strictly B-plot.

Pippa's storylines were strictly B-plot.

Not even! That's an insult to the term "B-plot"! ;)

Not even! That's an insult to the term "B-plot"! ;)

I guess I should have said D-plot! :lol:

I guess I should have said D-plot! :lol:

That sounds closer, lol.

That sounds closer, lol.
For me, a big part of the later seasons felt that way: of little substance, with more focus on fashion and hair than on the actual scripts. Pippa was emblematic of a larger issue. The only episodes I can abide in the later seasons are the Eastland-centric ones.

Many positive things about the 1st Season. Seemed more like a school. More diversity. All 7 girls were different. Kim's one liners. Blair being so different from late series Blair. They were not reluctant to discuss many issues.

Many positive things about the 1st Season. Seemed more like a school. More diversity. All 7 girls were different. Kim's one liners. Blair being so different from late series Blair. They were not reluctant to discuss many issues.

I like the first season best for those reasons.

Plus, they axed Felice after season 1 and well...my 14 year old heart was broken. :D

I like the first season best for those reasons.

Plus, they axed Felice after season 1 and well...my 14 year old heart was broken. :D

I was much younger than fourteen, but my heart was broken as well. I couldn't understand what had happened to my favorite characters. Where did they go?

Season 1 was without a doubt, the best, and after we lost the LOST GIRLS we also lost the roots where it all began.....

FOREVER SEASON 1!!!!

phone2:phone2:phone2:phone2:phone2:phone2:phone2:phone2:phone2:

The only episodes I can abide in the later seasons are the Eastland-centric ones.

But that's hardly any episodes.

Was Season 1 in essence "doomed to fail" in large part because it came out and about at the wrong time (https://forums.primetimer.com/topic/5450-before-the-retooling-nancy-molly-cindy-sue-ann-mr-bradley-and-miss-mahoney/?do=findComment&comment=2356866)? The Facts of Life was a midseason summer replacement for Hello, Larry. When the series got an order for nine more episodes, that were not shown until March 1980. NBC in theory, should have had new episodes ready for the fall, when new shows come out.

And then, when NBC begin showing new episodes (http://www.tvtango.com/series/facts_of_life/episodes) again, they were at different days and times, which didn't provide any continuity or regularity for the show. Worst yet, NBC didn't bother to air it before or after its parent show Diff'rent Strokes as an easier means of getting new audience. There were also several weeks at a time were FOL was not shown in the Spring of 1980.

The Facts of Life was a midseason summer replacement for Hello, Larry.

A "midsesason summer replacement"? Was Hello, Larry airing as a summer show?

There are more things we now know that we didn't when this thread began. The possible Molly-Mindy conflict, the definite Charlotte-Jenny O'Hara conflict which may explain why somethings happened.

Season 1 was without a doubt, the best, and after we lost the LOST GIRLS we also lost the roots where it all began.....

FOREVER SEASON 1!!!!

phone2:phone2:phone2:phone2:phone2:phone2:phone2:phone2:phone2:

Yeah, like I always say...it is the TRUE Facts of Life. The one that was created, pitched and eventually bought by the network.

After the revamp it wasn't really the same show at all and once the girls are out of Eastland....well I don't even count those at all.

Yeah, like I always say...it is the TRUE Facts of Life. The one that was created, pitched and eventually bought by the network.

After the revamp it wasn't really the same show at all

I love the original premise and the whole first season. The rest of the Eastland years are good, too, but the show kept drifting from concept to concept, and with each reboot, it suffered. The original premise was the best.

You know I appreciate more the retooled version but I have nothing against the first season. NBC was in such a hurry for a hit show but they should have stopped and think what to do. I don't think the large cast was the reason the first season failed, several shows back then had a big cast ("The Jeffersons", "The Nanny", "The Cosby Show") and everything was fine. The biggest mistake was the timeslot, if you try to launch a spinoff without its parent show preceding it on the schedule, the results could be a disaster. And I agree with TMC, there wasn't a continuity between episodes during the second part of the season. The writing was okay but they often used Blair, Tootie and Sue Ann.

I love the original premise and the whole first season. The rest of the Eastland years are good, too, but the show kept drifting from concept to concept, and with each reboot, it suffered. The original premise was the best.

I agree that the show kept drifting from concept to concept, starting with season 5.

Season 5: Eastland is no longer the main setting, Mrs. Garrett has now this gourmet food shop and the action takes place in an entirely different place

Season 7: the setting changes again, nearly every character changed his personality and there are new faces in town

Season 8: the star of the show is no longer the star, her sister replaces her and the four Eastland girls are no longer Eastland students

Sorry to have to disagree with you once again FOL FAN ITA, but in my opinion the writing was outstanding and very authentic in season 1 (something i cannot say for the later season though): the story line was highly entertaining and the characters very true to their personality and traits.
In season 1, our 7 girls had each their unique personality (and not that nonsense they did from season 7 onward to turn our main stars into real PODS).

That's all i have to say.....

:bash::bash::bash::bash::bash::bash::bash::bash::bash::bash::bash::bash:

Sorry to have to disagree with you once again FOL FAN ITA, but in my opinion the writing was outstanding and very authentic in season 1 (something i cannot say for the later season though): the story line was highly entertaining and the characters very true to their personality and traits.
In season 1, our 7 girls had each their unique personality (and not that nonsense they did from season 7 onward to turn our main stars into real PODS).

That's okay :wave:. But I didn't say the writing in season 1 wasn't good, it was okay, nothing wrong, except for the fact that that the show became "The Blair, Tootie and Sue Ann Show" towards the end of the year. In my opinion, the writing was at its worst during seasons 7 and 9, with the exception of season 8 that had very good stories for the most part

That's okay :wave:. But I didn't say the writing in season 1 wasn't good, it was okay, nothing wrong, except for the fact that that the show became "The Blair, Tootie and Sue Ann Show" towards the end of the year. In my opinion, the writing was at its worst during seasons 7 and 9, with the exception of season 8 that had very good stories for the most part

Yes, the problem with the writing in the first season is that wasn't balanced. There was no cohesive focus.

Okay, maybe the show was crammed with too many characters. I think they still could've kept one or two of the ones who were axed and added them to the classic quartet of Blair, Jo, Natalie & Tootie.

Also, didn't it seem like Blair, Natalie, and Tootie from the first season, were just better written characters? Therefore it in insight, became even more obvious that the "right people" were kept.

In the case of Nancy (https://factsoflife.fandom.com/wiki/Nancy_Olson), didn't she at the end of the day, feel like such a boring, one note character who was only good for pining for Roger? Cindy (https://factsoflife.fandom.com/wiki/Cindy_Webster) meanwhile, felt like a poor man's (or poor woman's in this case) Jo without the rebellious edge.

And Molly (https://factsoflife.fandom.com/wiki/Molly_Parker) was just a mouthpiece for feminist lectures. She was like a mini Julia Sugarbaker from Designing Women before Designing Women was even created.

Sue Ann (https://factsoflife.fandom.com/wiki/Sue_Ann_Weaver) was probably the most developed or well rounded one of the "forgotten girls" (https://reelrundown.com/tv/Whatever-Happened-to-the-Cast-of-The-Facts-of-Life)of Season 1, but didn't she still come off as just a more down to earth version of Blair?

The first season is my least favorite, but I liked it.

Yes, the problem with the writing in the first season is that wasn't balanced. There was no cohesive focus.

Had this been an hour show, they could have made it work with all the characters and given them equal screen time.

But as it was a 24 minute show (including opening and end credits), it made more sense to whittle down the girls to a group of four.

I imagine it had to be hard on the girls who were let go, especially when they made cameos afterwards.

Had this been an hour show, they could have made it work with all the characters and given them equal screen time.

But as it was a 24 minute show (including opening and end credits), it made more sense to whittle down the girls to a group of four.

I imagine it had to be hard on the girls who were let go, especially when they made cameos afterwards.

Many half hour comedies had large casts and were successful.

Many half hour comedies had large casts and were successful.

Yup. Cheers, Head of the Class...

Sorry to have to disagree with you once again FOL FAN ITA, but in my opinion the writing was outstanding and very authentic in season 1 (something i cannot say for the later season though): the story line was highly entertaining and the characters very true to their personality and traits.
In season 1, our 7 girls had each their unique personality (and not that nonsense they did from season 7 onward to turn our main stars into real PODS).

That's all i have to say.....

:bash::bash::bash::bash::bash::bash::bash::bash::bash::bash::bash::bash:

Come to think of it, did the four other girls really serve no purpose other than to service the other three? What I mean is that, did it feel like for 98% of the time, the other four girls are literally just on screen to set up one-liners and jokes for Blair, Tootie, Natalie, and the adults?

Come to think of it, did the four other girls really serve no purpose other than to service the other three? What I mean is that, did it feel like for 98% of the time, the other four girls are literally just on screen to set up one-liners and jokes for Blair, Tootie, Natalie, and the adults?

Natalie was not a featured charater in Season 1. She set up one lines and jokes for Blair, Tootie, Sue Ann, and the adults.

Miss Mahoney and Mr. Bradford were awful!

What’s this about a Rae/O’Hara and Ringwald/Cohn feud?

What’s this about a Rae/O’Hara and Ringwald/Cohn feud?

You will have to watch the Reelz Behind the Sitcoms documentary to hear about the Rae/O'Hara dispute. As for the Molly/Mindy field, here is what Molly said.
https://www.bravotv.com/watch-what-happens-live-with-andy-cohen/season-12/episode-170/videos/molly-ringwald-pleads-the

I liked that version of the theme tune...

I think Season 1 was classic and the show was never as good after that.

For me, a big part of the later seasons felt that way: of little substance, with more focus on fashion and hair than on the actual scripts. Pippa was emblematic of a larger issue. The only episodes I can abide in the later seasons are the Eastland-centric ones.

I liked the hair and the fashion, but the show still had a lot of substance, in my opinion.

I think Season 1 was classic and the show was never as good after that.

I thought all the seasons were a classic. However, season 1 is my least favorite.

I thought all the seasons were a classic. However, season 1 is my least favorite.


Wow! I must be in the 'minority' here, cos season 1 is actually my FAVOURITE season lol!:p:p:p:p:p:p

Wow! I must be in the 'minority' here, cos season 1 is actually my FAVOURITE season lol!:p:p:p:p:p:p

Before RetroGuy left, we season 1 fans were in the majority. Jo was largely Nancied.

Before RetroGuy left, we season 1 fans were in the majority. Jo was largely Nancied.


Hello 80s Dude it's GREAT to have you back!

Yeah, i remember ALL of us were season 1 fans during the 'Pandemic' lol!
Any idea why RetroGuy left?:wave::wave::wave: