Little information from the book......."One season in American Television" which highlighted the 1981-82 season

1. Gary Coleman wanted to renegotiate his contract on Oct 6, 1981 with Tandem Productions

2. He was making $30,000 a episode at the time

3. His lawyers felt that the popularity of Different Strokes was not reflected in his salary.

4.Tandem countersued Gary Coleman for $5 Million dollars in damages

5. That's why the first episodes Gary Coleman is not seen and was at his Los Angeles home.

6. Shortly after Gary came to terms with the network, he started having kidney troubles during that season since the 1st kidney transplant he had in 1973 was now being rejected by his body.

7. NBC was very concerned about Gary's health in the 1981-82 season because Different Strokes was one of the only hits NBC had at the time

8. During the 1981-82 season, Different Strokes aired on Thursday Nights at 9pm right before Gimmie a Break

9. Different strokes finished the 1981-82 season ranked #35

10. Facts of Life was NBC's other hit during the 1981-82 season and finished ranked #25.................which explains the appearance of Tootie in the absence of Arnold