I watched a mini marathon. I watched a bunch of classic Chico episodes. Then, I just got in the mood to watch the first episode with Raul. I had a very empty feeling watching the episode. I kept expecting to see Freddie's smiling face entering the garage. I could tell that Ed would do anything to get his good friend back. It's almost as if the show just wasn't complete. I still like the last season (I tend to like the unpopular seasons of shows) but I can't watch an original Chico episode first.

One of the saddest lines of the series was in "Raul Runs Away". Ed was explaining to Charo (which her being there was sad in itself) about why Raul can't have a van for the garage. I forget exactly what he said. Something like: "First they get a van. Then they move into the van. Then the van becomes a part of him. Then one day ... it's all gone. The van's gone .... Chico's gone. :(

That line is so sad. I have never really watched any of the shows without Freddie because I just felt that without our Mr. Prinze, there was no show. It was the chemisty between Jack and Freddie that made it so endearing to watch. They made such an incrediable team, like they were born to work together. As you watched the various seasons you could actually see the relationship between the two actors grow from being good friends to actually loving each other, whether it be as son and father or just a great mutal respect for each other. Everytime I sit down and watch those first 3 seasons it puts a smile on my face. Freddie Prinze was one talented young man.

I just cant watch the Raul episodes.....as far as I am concerned it is NO LONGER CATM. Sorry....but take away chico and its just not the same.

Raul was adorable but no one could fill freddie's shoes.

I seen bits of the Chico -less episodes and felt it was never the same without Chio. I kinda wished I had seen the one episode where Ed explains about the van and the part where Ed tells Raul about Chico. I am aware of Ed's deep down sadness during that seen, But some how wished I could now see it again.

I can't bring myself to watch the Freddie-less shows although i did try and watch the raul runs away but when ed tried to explain what happened to chico i couldn't take it.

When I saw it in the 70's I didn't get to upset as I wasn't yet a fan of his. When I saw it after I got into him in the TVLAND re-runs, it really made me sad. I went thru the hankies watching it, it was so sad. If you watch it, trust me you'll need plenty of hankies when they show the flashbacks on Chico...