In season 6 he was in almost episode, season 5 barely at all. Any reason for this? I'm watching it for the first time in years and started with season 6.

I just counted and I was surprised to find he was in around 16 episodes for season 5 (I thought there'd be fewer). But there are episodes he clearly "should" have been in. I think I heard on one of the DVD special features, that he had some kind of military obligation.

They brought in David Kent on what was probably to be a one-off, as Scott, for "Weekend Invitation". This should have been an Eddie episode, but he wasn't on. Eddie was missing on "Wally's Chauffeuer," too. So for "Beaver's Long Night," they brought Kent back, calling him Bill Scott this time, IMO subbing for Osmond in what was meant to be another Eddie appearance. Kent's last appearance was in a high school hall scene in "Eddie Quits School."

He also missed a lot of season 2. My theory on that was negotiations for a contract, since his original appearance was a one-off. If Osmond had been in all of "his" episodes, Kent would have probably been a one-off, as (IMO) intended.

I counted 27 episodes for season 6. He was in all the Wally episodes you'd expect him in, and in a few Beaver episodes too.

I jest checked season 2. He was in only 5 episodes, none after no. 14 in the season.

I'm in season 5 and it's a bummer very little Eddie. Ken Osmond was about 18 at this time. Apparently the reason for his limited appearances in season 5 was that he was in the army reserves. Jerry Mathers and Tony Dow getting older and need good supporting castmates at this stage. All the cuteness is gone and they're blah without good scripts and help.

There are some good scripts in this season but too many bad ones. Things are bad when they make an episode out of doing laundry and the overflowing washer bit, and dressing a 13 year old as a bunny.

8There are some good scripts in this season but too many bad ones. Things are bad when they make an episode out of doing laundry and the overflowing washer bit, and dressing a 13 year old as a bunny.
I didn't mind "Beaver, the Bunny." Really silly and zany. The students are too old for the custumes, and play, of course. But it was original. The kids fighting, Penny's tiny final appearance. And antsy teacher Miss Lawrence was very good.

8
I didn't mind "Beaver, the Bunny." Really silly and zany. The students are too old for the custumes, and play, of course. But it was original. The kids fighting, Penny's tiny final appearance. And antsy teacher Miss Lawrence was very good.

I've repeated it too many times, but Lumpy's one liners when the "bunny" came down the stairs to leave, saved that episode. And the writers probably knew it.

Hey, good point about Miss Lawrence--another plus. "We've just got to have our bunny!" If the play hadn't come off she'd have probably had to be hauled off by the men in white coats.