Again, just curious, but why do you guys think they wrote Stewart out of the show? Do you think it was because of some problem with Kris Kamm and the rest of the cast? Or do you think they just felt that his character wasn't necessary? Personally, I was a little disappointed when he was dropped. I enjoyed watching him annoy the heck out of Hayden "with all the crying and the whining and the sneezing and the bleeding."

How did you guys feel about Stewart, and why do you think they got rid of him?

I think the dynamics of the show shifted.
When the show began, they wanted to focus on Hayden's relationship with this estranged daughter who is now back in his life, but things shifted to more of Hayden's world, with his on again off again relationship with Christine and his misadventures with his wacky co-workers, there was no room for Stuart, and eventually Kelly.

Hey TJL, thanks for the response. Those are some pretty good insights. It really makes sense now that I look back at the episodes following Stewart's dismissal. I still kind of missed his character, though. Anybody else have any thoughts, or wish to comment on what they thought of Stewart?

I think Stuart was a hoot, and I also was disappointed when he was written off. He was such an integral part of the show with his family and all. Like TJL noted, the show went in another direction, and unfortunately Kris Kamm's character was a casuality of that. Man, was he funny. He tried so hard to win Hayden's love and approval, but Hayden wasn't having any of that. Highloon, you're so right about his ability to annoy Hayden--Stuart was like a bee in his shorts.
I've looked for evidence that perhaps Hayden really cared for Stuart, as seen at times on All in the Family when Archie would show he did, indeed, love 'Meathead', but I don't see any in Hayden's case. If anyone has a different take on this, I'd love to hear it.
Stuart's (or Stewart?) departure opened the door for interesting storylines such as Kelley staying with her father, dating Hayden's gay star football player as well as her struggle for independence from her father. Her adjustment to life without Stuart and starting her life fresh gave Clare Carey the opportunity to showcase her talent more...until, of course, she got the boot herself.
But still, Stuart's missed. :(

I agree with what you said about Hayden's feelings towards Stewart. They never changed, did they? There wasn't one moment of tenderness between the two. Even in the skiing episode, all they could agree upon was that they both loved Kelly. Even the group hug was something Hayden didn't want to do. Stewart never won his approval. But that was the fun. The harder he tried, the more Hayden hated him! Remember in the ski cabin, when Hayden and Stewart are agreeing to work at being friends? Hayden says, "I'll try if he will." Stewart replies, "I'll try with every atom of my being!" Hayden's classic response, "See, that's not trying." Stewart: "I'll give it my best shot." Hayden: "A little better."

When Stewart went away, those great moments went with him. Oh well...

I guess I was like Hayden and didn't really care for Stuart. I fond him to be a little whiny pest. IMO. I enjoyed Hayden's battles with Dauber's girlfriend much better.

I think the dynamics of the show shifted.
When the show began, they wanted to focus on Hayden's relationship with this estranged daughter who is now back in his life, but things shifted to more of Hayden's world, with his on again off again relationship with Christine and his misadventures with his wacky co-workers, there was no room for Stuart, and eventually Kelly.

It was a good shift, the focus on the wacky ensemble and outrageous yet somehow realistic plot may have been influenced by the dominance of Seinfeld in those years?

While I like the Kelly character, the same old worried dad plots of the early days lack the zing of the later ones that caught my attention in these recent days. Luther, Dauber, Howard and the others are firing on high level comedy, fast paced and with surprising twists in plot.

So... spoilers won;t kill me, whatever happened to Kelly?

She seems to have just faded from the story by that last episodes... when was the last mention of her?

Kelly (Clare Carey) did not appear in the Orlando episodes (Seasons 8-9); according to IMDB, her final appearance was in Season 7, Episode 24 -- April 16, 1995.

You're probably aware that Stuart destroyed their marriage, I think it's accurate to say, cheating on her IIRC -- and they divorced. Later they briefly introduced a new love interest for her, once again not to Hayden's approval. I'm sure others can fill you in better.

Beautiful lady:
262596

It was a good shift, the focus on the wacky ensemble and outrageous yet somehow realistic plot may have been influenced by the dominance of Seinfeld in those years?

While I like the Kelly character, the same old worried dad plots of the early days lack the zing of the later ones that caught my attention in these recent days. Luther, Dauber, Howard and the others are firing on high level comedy, fast paced and with surprising twists in plot.

So... spoilers won;t kill me, whatever happened to Kelly?

She seems to have just faded from the story by that last episodes... when was the last mention of her?


Doing this from memory, but I believe she took a job in New York (could be wrong about the city) and they wrote her out that way.

As shows age, they cost more to make and often secondary characters get the boot to save money.

Doing this from memory, but I believe she took a job in New York (could be wrong about the city) and they wrote her out that way.

As shows age, they cost more to make and often secondary characters get the boot to save money.

Thanks at least she got a send ff. It seems they could have at least brought Kelly back for a couple of episodes so she could meet her little brother Tim.

:)

Kelly (Clare Carey) did not appear in the Orlando episodes (Seasons 8-9); according to IMDB, her final appearance was in Season 7, Episode 24 -- April 16, 1995.

You're probably aware that Stuart destroyed their marriage, I think it's accurate to say, cheating on her IIRC -- and they divorced. Later they briefly introduced a new love interest for her, once again not to Hayden's approval. I'm sure others can fill you in better.

Beautiful lady:
262596

Beautiful, and perfectly cast... I'm watching tonight's double header on Antenna TV, and it is striking how much Kelly looks like she could actually be Coach's daughter, they look like relatives.