Why do you think SAnford and Son still did well in the ratings when GRady took Fred's Place toward the end of the 73-74 season? I would think that the show would lose viewers since they were so used to seeing Fred and Lamont. Plus Grady was in no way like Fred.

Originally posted by Sitcom Analyzer
Why do you think SAnford and Son still did well in the ratings when GRady took Fred's Place toward the end of the 73-74 season? I would think that the show would lose viewers since they were so used to seeing Fred and Lamont. Plus Grady was in no way like Fred.

That is true...Whitman Mayo's depiction of Grady Wilson was NOTHING like Redd Foxx's portrayal fo Fred Sanford...and I think that might be the key.

Grady brought a low-key mania to his character that the more bombastic Fred lacked...while he was following Fred's orders to keep an eye on Lamont and the business, he emulated Fred's mannerisms, and when a low-key character imitates a bombastic character...think of that "Honeymooners" episode where Ed Norton did his imitation of Ralph...you have the ingredients of a funny situation.

Also, there was a likable goofiness to Grady that Fred never showed, and audiences responded to that goofiness (which would probably explain why Redd came back to the show so quick...it would also explain why Whitman Mayo got his own show in '76, but not why said show sucked so much!)

You'll notice, when Grady first appeared on "Sanford and Son", his character was so nondescipt as to be non-existant; after he subbed for Fred in the '73-74 season, and especially after Redd Foxx returned to the show, his low-key goofiness was forever exploited, his character having the distinction of being developed into a well-rounded individual, something Fred's other cronies (Skillet, Melvin, Hutch, and especially Bubba) were denied. (Indeed, can you picture the other above-mentioned cronies subbing for Fred and having the same impact as Grady? Not me.)

A lot of my conclusions were arrived at by simply watching the series, so I realize that I may be way off-base on some of these ramblings...but I hope I was able to offer some answers to your question, Solomon.;)

Originally posted by W.J. Griffin
That is true...Whitman Mayo's depiction of Grady Wilson was NOTHING like Redd Foxx's portrayal fo Fred Sanford...and I think that might be the key.

Grady brought a low-key mania to his character that the more bombastic Fred lacked...while he was following Fred's orders to keep an eye on Lamont and the business, he emulated Fred's mannerisms, and when a low-key character imitates a bombastic character...think of that "Honeymooners" episode where Ed Norton did his imitation of Ralph...you have the ingredients of a funny situation.

Also, there was a likable goofiness to Grady that Fred never showed, and audiences responded to that goofiness (which would probably explain why Redd came back to the show so quick...it would also explain why Whitman Mayo got his own show in '76, but not why said show sucked so much!)

You'll notice, when Grady first appeared on "Sanford and Son", his character was so nondescipt as to be non-existant; after he subbed for Fred in the '73-74 season, and especially after Redd Foxx returned to the show, his low-key goofiness was forever exploited, his character having the distinction of being developed into a well-rounded individual, something Fred's other cronies (Skillet, Melvin, Hutch, and especially Bubba) were denied. (Indeed, can you picture the other above-mentioned cronies subbing for Fred and having the same impact as Grady? Not me.)

A lot of my conclusions were arrived at by simply watching the series, so I realize that I may be way off-base on some of these ramblings...but I hope I was able to offer some answers to your question, Solomon.;)



Since i'm not a fan of goofy characters, the episodes without Fred are the ones I refuse to record. Grady really did nothing for me. I enjoyed Bubba and Hutch a little better. I have to say that Grady's character was a little peculiar. Thanks for the response.

Originally posted by Sitcom Analyzer
Since i'm not a fan of goofy characters, the episodes without Fred are the ones I refuse to record. Grady really did nothing for me. I enjoyed Bubba and Hutch a little better. I have to say that Grady's character was a little peculiar. Thanks for the response.

It's nice to see that you're not one of those anal-retentive collectors who has to have every esoteric piece of minutae to complete his collection. ( you know, like the "Sanford and Son" comic book or the "Sanford and Son" lunchboxes, or the "Sanford and Son" trading cards, or...well, you get the idea...)

You only collect what you like, and that's good for this hobby, as it means you can differentiate between the wheat and the chaff.