Where did the show's "blandness" reputation come from

[TMC]

To give you a better idea of what I mean what I'm directly referring to:

From here, it’s a downward trajectory. Benaderet came back for the sixth season in the fall of 1968, but was only able to appear fully in two episodes, and then briefly in two more, before she bowed out permanently and passed away. She’s a big loss. Just before her death, the series scrambled to replace her, settling on June Lockhart (from Lassie) as a “lady doctor” who sets up shop in the hotel. But with even less of a personality than Kate and no Paul Henning scripting her one, Lockhart’s use in the final two seasons epitomizes the series’ reputation for blandness.

I started to think about this after also reading a comment that argued that Petticoat Junction must be the "dullest sitcom" to ever achieve fame.

[biffbronson]

If you believe every sitcom HAD to be knee-slapping funny, or HAD to be cutting-edge controversial, then PJ isn't for you. Don't insult PJ fans with "blandness" bullcrap. Yet another unfair look at a series that ended over 55 years ago. These types of commentaries "epitomize" the work of imbeciles who try to profit by tearing down the creative content of the past. Take it elsewhere.