Chano and Fish leave and they bring in Deitrich and for a few episodes, a lady detective, but that's it - they don't really replace the characters as they leave.

It makes for much less interaction.

Chano and Fish leave and they bring in Deitrich and for a few episodes, a lady detective, but that's it - they don't really replace the characters as they leave.

It makes for much less interaction.
Well what about Levitt. They really expanded his character after Fish and Chano left. Also they tried a few different lady detectives and also Det Dorsey. IMO with the exception of Wentworth no new characters worked. This is a classic case of if it ain't broke don't fix it.

that's true. thank you for responding

Chano and Fish leave and they bring in Deitrich and for a few episodes, a lady detective, but that's it - they don't really replace the characters as they leave.

It makes for much less interaction.

Chano was pretty much replaced by Harris, who was only a semi-regular while Chano was there. Fish was replaced by Dietrich. Jack Soo is irreplaceable. They tried to add another detective but the chemistry between the existing characters was so strong it was impossible for a new character to really fit in.

Got it. thanks!

I think Luger appeared more frequently after Jack Soo died.

I think Luger appeared more frequently after Jack Soo died.

He did. James Gregory actually became part of the regular cast/opening credits.

They sort of made reference to the departures at least once: Barney was at the tall chalk board they used saying the departed detective names, and the others were telling him they were on duty with vice, narcotics, whatever.