Did Linda Purl try and get more money for season 11?

[Guy Incognito]

Originally Posted by Dr. Thong

I do remember reading an item in the National Enquirer that a Fonzie/Ashley spin off was being considered.

On the other hand, consider the source.

The whole Ashley arc was just a huge flop, IMO. No one wanted to see a domesticated Fonz anyhow, and plus they had no real chemistry as a couple. Much like the Roger/Fonz friendship (though that did improve somewhat over time), the whole relationship felt forced and contrived.

Ashley, KC, Flip, Eugene Belvin...Season 10 was just overloaded with flops and poor substitutes, wasn't it? Surprised they didn't introduce us to "Suede" Tuscadero or Ralph Malph's cousin Jerry.

[Dr. Thong]

Originally Posted by Guy Incognito

The whole Ashley arc was just a huge flop, IMO. No one wanted to see a domesticated Fonz anyhow, and plus they had no real chemistry as a couple. Much like the Roger/Fonz friendship (though that did improve somewhat over time), the whole relationship felt forced and contrived.

Ashley, KC, Flip, Eugene Belvin...Season 10 was just overloaded with flops and poor substitutes, wasn't it? Surprised they didn't introduce us to "Suede" Tuscadero or Ralph Malph's cousin Jerry.

About the only good thing about season 10 was the return of Pat Morita as Arnold-- but sadly, he only appeared once or twice, as I recall.

When it was announced that Ron Howard wouldn't be coming back for season 8, it was rumored they were going to bring Chuck back. Instead, we got Roger.

Excellent points about the Fonz/Ashley and Fonz/Roger relationships. They really did feel contrived. Anson Williams said it best about the later years when he commented that after Ron and Donny left, "The magic was gone."

[Guy Incognito]

Originally Posted by Dr. Thong

About the only good thing about season 10 was the return of Pat Morita as Arnold-- but sadly, he only appeared once or twice, as I recall.

Yeah, I only remember seeing him in about three episodes before he disappeared into the kitchen for good.

When it was announced that Ron Howard wouldn't be coming back for season 8, it was rumored they were going to bring Chuck back. Instead, we got Roger.

You know, I'd never considered the possibility before, but is it possible that Ted McGinley was supposed to be a Chuck recast before somebody changed their minds? McGinley was about the right age (26-28), Roger was a basketball star in college (as Chuck was in high school), and he definitely had the "know-it-all big brother" vibe about him.

And honestly McGinley as Chuck would have provided a MUCH stronger story and sense of continuity, especially in terms of the relationship with Fonzie (since he was more of a "big brother" to Richie and Joanie than Chuck ever was). Talk about a wasted opportunity.

[Dr. Thong]

Originally Posted by Guy Incognito

Yeah, I only remember seeing him in about three episodes before he disappeared into the kitchen for good.



You know, I'd never considered the possibility before, but is it possible that Ted McGinley was supposed to be a Chuck recast before somebody changed their minds? McGinley was about the right age (26-28), Roger was a basketball star in college (as Chuck was in high school), and he definitely had the "know-it-all big brother" vibe about him.

And honestly McGinley as Chuck would have provided a MUCH stronger story and sense of continuity, especially in terms of the relationship with Fonzie (since he was more of a "big brother" to Richie and Joanie than Chuck ever was). Talk about a wasted opportunity.

Possibly, but I think they would have checked on the availability of the two previous Chucks before looking to recast the character. Had they gotten one of them, it would have been a stronger continuity and link to the series' early days.

[Guy Incognito]

Originally Posted by Dr. Thong

Possibly, but I think they would have checked on the availability of the two previous Chucks before looking to recast the character. Had they gotten one of them, it would have been a stronger continuity and link to the series' early days.

Perhaps, but I don't remember being impressed with either actor. And McGinley wasn't a bad actor himself, it's just that Roger was such a poorly-defined character and an obvious Expy for Richie. But I think he'd have been fine as Chuck, since the foundation was already there. There are just too many coincidences: Chuck's absence coincides the amount of time needed to earn a Masters degree (I always assumed that Roger had one), the aforementioned basketball career, the fact that Fonz took over the "big brother" role in the family leaving Chuck in the cold (and could be used as an explanation for why he hasn't been home in years), and so on.

The more I think about this, the more I'm wondering why they didn't take the obvious path. Maybe Garry just wanted people to forget Chuck ever existed?

[Dr. Thong]

Originally Posted by Guy Incognito

Perhaps, but I don't remember being impressed with either actor. And McGinley wasn't a bad actor himself, it's just that Roger was such a poorly-defined character and an obvious Expy for Richie. But I think he'd have been fine as Chuck, since the foundation was already there. There are just too many coincidences: Chuck's absence coincides the amount of time needed to earn a Masters degree (I always assumed that Roger had one), the aforementioned basketball career, the fact that Fonz took over the "big brother" role in the family leaving Chuck in the cold (and could be used as an explanation for why he hasn't been home in years), and so on.

The more I think about this, the more I'm wondering why they didn't take the obvious path. Maybe Garry just wanted people to forget Chuck ever existed?

Go back and watch the episodes with Chuck, particularly when played by Gavin O' Herlihy in season one. Chuck would be barely able to get a bachelor's degree. I think a masters was wayyyy beyond his reach.

[Guy Incognito]

Originally Posted by Dr. Thong

Go back and watch the episodes with Chuck, particularly when played by Gavin O' Herlihy in season one. Chuck would be barely able to get a bachelor's degree. I think a masters was wayyyy beyond his reach.

True enough, but it's not like they haven't retconned characters before (remember wise, worldly Potsie?) when the storyline called for it. And if you're gonna bring in McGinley anyhow (and it seems that was the case), why not make the casting count? Maybe people wouldn't have cared about Chuck, either, but I think it's safe to say that people definitely didn't care all that much about Roger Phillips.

[anglemark10]

Originally Posted by Dr. Thong

About the only good thing about season 10 was the return of Pat Morita as Arnold-- but sadly, he only appeared once or twice, as I recall.

Eight episodes in season 10, one in season 11.

[Dr. Thong]

Originally Posted by Guy Incognito

True enough, but it's not like they haven't retconned characters before (remember wise, worldly Potsie?) when the storyline called for it. And if you're gonna bring in McGinley anyhow (and it seems that was the case), why not make the casting count? Maybe people wouldn't have cared about Chuck, either, but I think it's safe to say that people definitely didn't care all that much about Roger Phillips.

I know I don't.

[jsgtrman]

Originally Posted by Guy Incognito

When Tom Bosley made the comment, my first thought was Erin Moran. But the more I think about this, the more I think that it might have been Marion Ross. g.

Yeah, I saw that "Truth Behind The Sitcom Scandals" where Tom let the "she wanted more...oops, I guess that just gave it away...." and thought it was clear that he was talking about Marion Ross. She was a veteran actress by that time, did stuff on Rawhide and many other series, and probably wasn't getting paid the amount a veteran should have been, especially compared to the others on the show.

[dave insinga]

hated flip and k.c. i liked arnolds return but he wasn't the same crazy arnold with those great one liners like he was in season 3 and why couldn't they use him in season 11 WELCOME HOME that would have been great.as far as ashley
and heather ,heather was cute but i never warmed up to ashley.linda purl just wasn't a good actress that whole story with her and the fonz got boring really quick.this is why i think that this season was the worst.like i have said in earlier posts you seem to miss RICHIE and RALPH much more in this season than the other seasons without them.

[Dr. Thong]

Season 10 saw the show watered down even worse than the two seasons prior. No Joanie, an original character and no Chachi. Throw in the weak replacement characters and this is why I always say that Happy Days should have ended in 1980.

[tesiay]

Marion said she asked for more money and was rejected. Linda left the show because with Scott and Erin coming back, they could no longer afford her. Supposedly Henry was upset that she was let go.

[biffbronson]

I don't blame Henry for being upset -- imagine having such a HOT co-worker and on-screen love interest...! (lol) Linda later did only 1 season of Matlock, and that show went on for years more.