We all know the final episodes of Maude featured Ms. Findlay moving to Washington DC to become a congresswoman. When Bea Arthur thought the idea wasn't working, she left and the show died. If Bea stuck with the idea, could it have worked? I say no. There's simply no way the new actors had the interactions Walter/Carol/the Harmons did. Plus one thing that annoyed me about those final episodes was how the politicians she met all seemed to be ideals rather than characters. No matter how outdated or foolish some of Arthur's ideas seemed, he had enough likability and his friendship with Arthur legit enough that it didn't seem you were being lectured. What's your opinion?

We all know the final episodes of Maude featured Ms. Findlay moving to Washington DC to become a congresswoman. When Bea Arthur thought the idea wasn't working, she left and the show died. If Bea stuck with the idea, could it have worked? I say no. There's simply no way the new actors had the interactions Walter/Carol/the Harmons did. Plus one thing that annoyed me about those final episodes was how the politicians she met all seemed to be ideals rather than characters. No matter how outdated or foolish some of Arthur's ideas seemed, he had enough likability and his friendship with Arthur legit enough that it didn't seem you were being lectured. What's your opinion?
I agree that it wouldn't have worked. Perhaps they could have squeezed out one more season using the new setting and characters, but it would have definitely gone down in history as the Jump-the-Shark moment for MAUDE.

None of the new characters (despite being cast with talented actors) could have held a candle to Arthur, Vivian, Carol, Florida or Mrs. N. I think Bea knew exactly when to call it quits, just like she did on THE GOLDEN GIRLS. IMO MAUDE never Jumped-the-Shark. Some of the best and funniest episodes came in the final Season 6.