Why did Steve and Betty Jo come back? - Page 2 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TV Guy · 02-16-2020, 09:35 PM

A show that was a comedy needed people who were funny. Steve wasn’t. And even though he was a young guy, he acted Ike he was Betty Jo’s father, what with the corny singing and the cardigans. And worse, they completely domesticated the Betty Jo character when they married her off to him. I’d argue that aside from Kate’s departure, Steve’s arrival is the worst thing to happen to “Petticoat Junction.”

Hazel Anyday · 02-17-2020, 12:17 AM

If you have to marry the red head off (which I still think they did too soon, the blonde one made more sense to be tying the knot) I guess one actor is as good as the next. My objection to Steve is his gosh-awful singing and everytime he starts to warble the show dies, the plot stops, the fun stops and my finger hits the Fast Forward button. He really brings down the show, they should never have had him singing esp. doing his lousy Dick Haymes impression.

Bonniegirl · 02-17-2020, 12:45 AM

Well, a female point of view here ! I thought Steve was HOT and I liked his singing, and I think he was a good addition to Petticoat Junction!

I thought this first run as a little girl and I still think it now!

But I suppose I will be bullied here for my opinion!!

Hazel Anyday · 02-17-2020, 01:50 AM

You have some nerve expressing your opinion.

I've only seen bullying on that other place. I'm still licking my peck wounds.

someguy23475 · 02-17-2020, 09:42 AM

The original plan was for Steve to marry Billie Jo. Mike Minor and Linda Henning ended up dating in real life, so the plot was changed (rather clumsily, if memory serves).

I agree about the singing dragging the show to a standstill. It’s almost as if the writers were too lazy to write a full script.

TV Guy · 02-17-2020, 11:39 AM

I wish Steve had married Billie Joe (the Meredith MacRae version). Then they could have hopped in his plane and flown away to Timbuktu and off the show. They were both as dull as dishwater.

And yes, the switch in Steve’s girlfriends was abrupt and clumsy. MeTV just aired those episodes.

someguy23475 · 02-17-2020, 09:40 PM

I didn’t know the show was still on the schedule. 5AM Saturday morning isn’t exactly a prime spot. Good to know it’s still on in some capacity. Other than a spot few B&W I stumbled upon, I haven’t seen the series in about 20 years.

Duster76 · 02-17-2020, 11:45 PM

This is a real odd corner of the history of TV in the 60's. Meredith Mac Rae a year removed from her run on My Three Sons as Mike Douglas fiancee/wife, moves over to Petticoat Junction to be hooked up with Steve (the son of the producer of My Three Sons).

Minor had no business on primetime TV at this stage of his career, he belonged in regional
theater or in plays in the park.

02-17-2020, 12:17 AM	#17
Hazel Anyday Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 12, 2002 Posts: 2,135	If you have to marry the red head off (which I still think they did too soon, the blonde one made more sense to be tying the knot) I guess one actor is as good as the next. My objection to Steve is his gosh-awful singing and everytime he starts to warble the show dies, the plot stops, the fun stops and my finger hits the Fast Forward button. He really brings down the show, they should never have had him singing esp. doing his lousy Dick Haymes impression.
	__________________ Haaazeelll!!

02-16-2020, 09:35 PM	#16
TV Guy Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 25, 2001 Location: Boston, MA, USA Posts: 3,419	A show that was a comedy needed people who were funny. Steve wasn’t. And even though he was a young guy, he acted Ike he was Betty Jo’s father, what with the corny singing and the cardigans. And worse, they completely domesticated the Betty Jo character when they married her off to him. I’d argue that aside from Kate’s departure, Steve’s arrival is the worst thing to happen to “Petticoat Junction.”

02-17-2020, 12:45 AM	#18
Bonniegirl AKA Hazel Horvath Forum Addict Join Date: Jul 10, 2014 Posts: 65,429	Well, a female point of view here ! I thought Steve was HOT and I liked his singing, and I think he was a good addition to Petticoat Junction! I thought this first run as a little girl and I still think it now! But I suppose I will be bullied here for my opinion!!

02-17-2020, 01:50 AM	#19
Hazel Anyday Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 12, 2002 Posts: 2,135	You have some nerve expressing your opinion. I've only seen bullying on that other place. I'm still licking my peck wounds.

02-17-2020, 09:42 AM	#20
someguy23475 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Feb 02, 2006 Posts: 167	The original plan was for Steve to marry Billie Jo. Mike Minor and Linda Henning ended up dating in real life, so the plot was changed (rather clumsily, if memory serves). I agree about the singing dragging the show to a standstill. It’s almost as if the writers were too lazy to write a full script.

02-17-2020, 11:39 AM	#21
TV Guy Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 25, 2001 Location: Boston, MA, USA Posts: 3,419	I wish Steve had married Billie Joe (the Meredith MacRae version). Then they could have hopped in his plane and flown away to Timbuktu and off the show. They were both as dull as dishwater. And yes, the switch in Steve’s girlfriends was abrupt and clumsy. MeTV just aired those episodes.

02-17-2020, 09:40 PM	#22
someguy23475 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Feb 02, 2006 Posts: 167	I didn’t know the show was still on the schedule. 5AM Saturday morning isn’t exactly a prime spot. Good to know it’s still on in some capacity. Other than a spot few B&W I stumbled upon, I haven’t seen the series in about 20 years.

02-17-2020, 11:45 PM	#23
Duster76 Member Senior Member Join Date: Mar 01, 2008 Location: New jersey Posts: 1,639	This is a real odd corner of the history of TV in the 60's. Meredith Mac Rae a year removed from her run on My Three Sons as Mike Douglas fiancee/wife, moves over to Petticoat Junction to be hooked up with Steve (the son of the producer of My Three Sons). Minor had no business on primetime TV at this stage of his career, he belonged in regional theater or in plays in the park.