Did Fred seem unnecessarily grouchy (or grouchier) during this year? In other words, did anyone notice an underlying anger/meanness (while hardly showing Fred's softer, more redeeming qualities, which made his acerbic wit bearable in the first place) in Redd Foxx's performances as Fred in this season? It was around this time that Redd returned from his strike/walk out on NBC (and I think they had Grady fill in for him in the interim). Is it possible that Redd got some creative input on the show after he returned, and his ego soon got the better of him?

Did Fred seem unnecessarily grouchy (or grouchier) during this year? In other words, did anyone notice an underlying anger/meanness (while hardly showing Fred's softer, more redeeming qualities, which made his acerbic wit bearable in the first place) in Redd Foxx's performances as Fred in this season? It was around this time that Redd returned from his strike/walked out on NBC (and I think they had Grady fill in for him). Is it possible that Redd got some creative input on the show after he returned, and his ego soon got the better of him?

Interesting thoughts/questions... I haven't watched Sanford and Son for some number of years but am seeing the DVD collections at great prices, now.

Perhaps I'll purchase a few, Season Four in specific, and join in this study.