My thoughs on the last 4 seasons of Happy Days... - Page 2 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TVFactFan · 11-04-2012, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Thong

Richie and Ralph did not leave to join the army at the end of season seven. It happened off-camera before season 8.

And I beg to differ about the last season's version of the theme song: I hated it. The vocalist was annoying and the fact that they changed the sequence as well I didn't like either. It doesn't match with the other seasons.

Happy Days became a different show once season 8 began. It wasn't the same show that many of us had grown up with. It lacked the spark of the Richie/Fonz relationship and the replacement characters were poor substitutes.

I wish they had graduated at the end of season seven and that was the end of it. HD really went downhill (IMO) from season eight onward.

How did season 7 end?

Mr. Television · 11-04-2012, 06:59 PM

I'm going to continue to say that I enjoyed all 11 seasons. tThe last 4 were not as good as the Richie seasons but it was far better than the later seasons of L & S.

TVFactFan · 11-04-2012, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuck In The '70's

I'm going to continue to say that I enjoyed all 11 seasons. tThe last 4 were not as good as the Richie seasons but it was far better than the later seasons of L & S.

Yeah I agree, season 7 and 8 of L&S was awful

I will take the Post Richie eps over those any day

Dr. Thong · 11-05-2012, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

How did season 7 end?

I think it was the episode where Ralph's parents decide to get a divorce. It wasn't the last episode filmed, because it took place in the original Arnold's before it burned down, so it was definitely aired out of sequence.

There was no dramatic ending or life-changing event -- nothing to indicate Richie and Ralph would be leaving soon, that's for sure.

MikeLutton · 11-05-2012, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Thong

I think it was the episode where Ralph's parents decide to get a divorce. It wasn't the last episode filmed, because it took place in the original Arnold's before it burned down, so it was definitely aired out of sequence.

There was no dramatic ending or life-changing event -- nothing to indicate Richie and Ralph would be leaving soon, that's for sure.

i thought it was one when they went to chicago for a father n son trip

Joe M. Davis · 03-03-2013, 09:39 PM

It certainly felt like a different show after Richie and Ralph were gone. The ones focusing on Fonzie were usually pretty good, IMO. But the Joannie-Chachi thing (especially during that last season) got a tad annoying.

Mr. and Mrs. C were thankfully still a large part of the show, and Al (and for a brief period, Arnold) still had fun moments.

Though poor Potsie had practically nothing to do. With Richie and (especially) Ralph gone, Potsie didn't really have anyone to play off of. Basically, his only reason for being there in the final seasons was to play dumb. In fact, he was only in four episodes during the tenth season.

Then there was Lori Beth. As a main cast member, her presence seemed rather pointless (especially with Richie gone). Thankfully, that only lasted for two seasons.

As for the new characters, Jenny was a funny addition (though I think I preferred her in smaller doses). Roger felt a little wimpy. Eugene and Melvin Belvin were nerdier than Potsie and Ralph.

Chachi's friends Bobby and Tommy felt like attempts to fill the void left by the Richie-Ralph-Potise friendship. Bobby was kind of funny; Tommy was never really given much to do other than play straight man, so I can't really say anything about him.

K.C. Cunnigham grew on me, but I still feel she was a rather weak character. Same goes for Flip. Don't really remember much about Ashley and Heather.

As for the seasons themselves, I have to agree that the last one was probably the best of the four. There were several episodes that felt almost like classic ones. And of course we can't forget the return of Richie Ralph. I think that two part episode would have been a stronger finale than Joannie and Chachi getting married (by the way, where were Potise and Ralph in that episode?).

TVFactFan · 03-03-2013, 09:44 PM

I just can't believe the show still went on for 4 more seasons without Richie and Ralph

antman67 · 03-04-2013, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

I just can't believe the show still went on for 4 more seasons without Richie and Ralph

You gotta milk that cash cow until she is bone dry! That's what they do!

Dr. Thong · 03-04-2013, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

I just can't believe the show still went on for 4 more seasons without Richie and Ralph

You and me both.

TVFactFan · 03-04-2013, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Thong

You and me both.

I think it was different on network TV because u had no idea what to expect.

When we watch those seasons in syndication we know that those eps are stale which is why I can't watch the show anymore.

I only can watch seasons 3 to 6

Dr. Thong · 03-04-2013, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

I think it was different on network TV because u had no idea what to expect.

When we watch those seasons in syndication we know that those eps are stale which is why I can't watch the show anymore.

I only can watch seasons 3 to 6

I agree, but I can watch seasons 1 and 7 as well. I think Anson Williams summed it up best when he said that after Ron Howard and Donny Most left, the magic was gone.

biffbronson · 03-05-2013, 06:32 AM

I'm a huge fan of Linda Purl (Ashley), so I'm extremely glad she got into a substantial recurring role, as opposed to her early work on the series (as Gloria).

For that reason I'm biased in favor of what was done with Winkler's character. But I will say that on this site's boards in general, there seems to be no love lost for Winkler's work on HD -- so I'm not surprised that any changes to the character of The Fonz are met with disinterest, opposition, etc. (If there had been no change, the black leather jacket wouldn't have come on to replace the light blue cloth one...!)

On any longrunning series, actors' appearances do change -- and that extends to wardrobe as well. Some here seem to think that The Fonz should have worn motorcycle boots/black leather jacket/white t-shirt regardless of the scene or occasion...! And as far as the motorcycle, its later absence is no surprise -- Winkler wasn't fond of bikes at all!! A few of cast members actually improved on their looks -- Marion Ross and Lynda Goodfriend in particular.

Whenever you have a series that ran for more than a few series, people tend to focus almost exclusively on the negatives of later years. Maybe it's just me, but I'd rather "study" Linda Purl and Lynda Goodfriend than Ron Howard or Don Most any day!! (lol)

Polka Dot Ron · 03-06-2013, 03:46 PM

One main point was that Happy Days was given respect in its later days - I defy anyone to come up with a sitcom that ended the way this one did, with tying up characters, bringing in new ones based on show elements, etc.

Although some of it was a bit of a stretch - "Cousin KC," anyone? - it was done fairly well.

JMFabiano524 · 03-07-2013, 07:51 PM

I have to listen to the last version of the theme song, but I DID like the "morphing" scenes in the opening.

Dr. Thong · 03-08-2013, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polka Dot Ron

One main point was that Happy Days was given respect in its later days - I defy anyone to come up with a sitcom that ended the way this one did, with tying up characters, bringing in new ones based on show elements, etc.

Although some of it was a bit of a stretch - "Cousin KC," anyone? - it was done fairly well.

No disrespect intended, but that to me was HD's undoing. IMO, the newer characters were weaker versions of the previous ones. Roger was a poor substitute for Richie.

M*A*S*H showed that you could replace characters with new ones who were different from their predecessors and still be a great show.

The weak replacement characters made me realize even more how much Ron Howard and Donny Most meant to the show and made me more nostalgic for the early years.

11-04-2012, 06:59 PM	#17
Mr. Television 22 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,125	I'm going to continue to say that I enjoyed all 11 seasons. tThe last 4 were not as good as the Richie seasons but it was far better than the later seasons of L & S.
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03-05-2013, 06:32 AM	#27
biffbronson Sentimental Fool Forum Star Join Date: Aug 22, 2009 Location: Near Notre Dame Posts: 10,262	I'm a huge fan of Linda Purl (Ashley), so I'm extremely glad she got into a substantial recurring role, as opposed to her early work on the series (as Gloria). For that reason I'm biased in favor of what was done with Winkler's character. But I will say that on this site's boards in general, there seems to be no love lost for Winkler's work on HD -- so I'm not surprised that any changes to the character of The Fonz are met with disinterest, opposition, etc. (If there had been no change, the black leather jacket wouldn't have come on to replace the light blue cloth one...!) On any longrunning series, actors' appearances do change -- and that extends to wardrobe as well. Some here seem to think that The Fonz should have worn motorcycle boots/black leather jacket/white t-shirt regardless of the scene or occasion...! And as far as the motorcycle, its later absence is no surprise -- Winkler wasn't fond of bikes at all!! A few of cast members actually improved on their looks -- Marion Ross and Lynda Goodfriend in particular. Whenever you have a series that ran for more than a few series, people tend to focus almost exclusively on the negatives of later years. Maybe it's just me, but I'd rather "study" Linda Purl and Lynda Goodfriend than Ron Howard or Don Most any day!! (lol)
	__________________ In memory of lovely Erin Moran 1960-2017 ~ Missing you "For you are beautiful ~ And I have loved you dearly ~ More dearly than the spoken word can tell..." "What's the word?" (Paul Martin) ~~ "I don't want money for nothing." (Timmy Martin) -- Lassie ROCKS! WORD UP "It's just a dugout that my dad built... In case the reds* decide to push the button down..."*

03-03-2013, 09:39 PM	#21
Joe M. Davis Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Feb 25, 2013 Location: America Posts: 50	It certainly felt like a different show after Richie and Ralph were gone. The ones focusing on Fonzie were usually pretty good, IMO. But the Joannie-Chachi thing (especially during that last season) got a tad annoying. Mr. and Mrs. C were thankfully still a large part of the show, and Al (and for a brief period, Arnold) still had fun moments. Though poor Potsie had practically nothing to do. With Richie and (especially) Ralph gone, Potsie didn't really have anyone to play off of. Basically, his only reason for being there in the final seasons was to play dumb. In fact, he was only in four episodes during the tenth season. Then there was Lori Beth. As a main cast member, her presence seemed rather pointless (especially with Richie gone). Thankfully, that only lasted for two seasons. As for the new characters, Jenny was a funny addition (though I think I preferred her in smaller doses). Roger felt a little wimpy. Eugene and Melvin Belvin were nerdier than Potsie and Ralph. Chachi's friends Bobby and Tommy felt like attempts to fill the void left by the Richie-Ralph-Potise friendship. Bobby was kind of funny; Tommy was never really given much to do other than play straight man, so I can't really say anything about him. K.C. Cunnigham grew on me, but I still feel she was a rather weak character. Same goes for Flip. Don't really remember much about Ashley and Heather. As for the seasons themselves, I have to agree that the last one was probably the best of the four. There were several episodes that felt almost like classic ones. And of course we can't forget the return of Richie Ralph. I think that two part episode would have been a stronger finale than Joannie and Chachi getting married (by the way, where were Potise and Ralph in that episode?).

03-03-2013, 09:44 PM	#22
TVFactFan Member Forum Junkie Join Date: Aug 17, 2002 Posts: 98,949	I just can't believe the show still went on for 4 more seasons without Richie and Ralph

03-06-2013, 03:46 PM	#28
Polka Dot Ron Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Oct 14, 2008 Posts: 6	One main point was that Happy Days was given respect in its later days - I defy anyone to come up with a sitcom that ended the way this one did, with tying up characters, bringing in new ones based on show elements, etc. Although some of it was a bit of a stretch - "Cousin KC," anyone? - it was done fairly well.

03-07-2013, 07:51 PM	#29
JMFabiano524 Member Forum Regular Join Date: Jun 04, 2002 Posts: 525	I have to listen to the last version of the theme song, but I DID like the "morphing" scenes in the opening.