Revealed in a 1978 Jet Magazine why Mabel King was no longer on the show - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TVFactFan · 04-02-2011, 02:41 PM

From the October 19, 1978 Issue of Jet

"Reliable Sources have told Jet that What's Happening Co-star Mabel King ill not return to the show because the producers have told her she is no longer needed. According to the Sources, Ms. King was called to the TOY production offices before the season began and told her character didn't add enough humor to the popular situation comedy.

Reportedly, Ms. King was offered to make five cameo appearances at a good price but she admantly refused, insisting that she be in all the shows or none. This season Raj and Rerun have moved into their own apartment and Mama Thomas has been scripted out. Cleverly, the producers have had Shirley mov into the Thomas House with Raj's sassy sister Dee. There will be references to Mama, however, Ms. King will not be seen but the sources added that Ms. King would do further TOY production if asked in the proper way."

Sometthing I been telling Brian Damage FOREVER!!!!!

LOL

Brian Damage · 04-02-2011, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

From the October 19, 1978 Issue of Jet

"Reliable Sources have told Jet that What's Happening Co-star Mabel King ill not return to the show because the producers have told her she is no longer needed. According to the Sources, Ms. King was called to the TOY production offices before the season began and told her character didn't add enough humor to the popular situation comedy.

Reportedly, Ms. King was offered to make five cameo appearances at a good price but she admantly refused, insisting that she be in all the shows or none. This season Raj and Rerun have moved into their own apartment and Mama Thomas has been scripted out. Cleverly, the producers have had Shirley mov into the Thomas House with Raj's sassy sister Dee. There will be references to Mama, however, Ms. King will not be seen but the sources added that Ms. King would do further TOY production if asked in the proper way."

Sometthing I been telling Brian Damage FOREVER!!!!!

LOL

Solomon, she obviously was needed because the show suffered WITHOUT her.

TVFactFan · 04-02-2011, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

Solomon, she obviously was needed because the show suffered WITHOUT her.

No the show didn't survive because it went up against the Waltons in the last season on Thursday NIghts

Brian Damage · 04-02-2011, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

No the show didn't survive because it went up against the Waltons in the last season on Thursday NIghts

Sol, the show was unwatchable in season 3 practically

TVFactFan · 04-02-2011, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

Sol, the show was unwatchable in season 3 practically

They should have gotten rid of Dee, and left Shirley in the soda shop. I agree that it was too many new additions in that last season

Brian Damage · 04-02-2011, 07:51 PM

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Originally Posted by TVFactFan

They should have gotten rid of Dee, and left Shirley in the soda shop. I agree that it was too many new additions in that last season

I agree 100%

ThomasE · 05-01-2011, 05:26 PM

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Originally Posted by TVFactFan

They should have gotten rid of Dee, and left Shirley in the soda shop. I agree that it was too many new additions in that last season

Get rid of Dee? I don't think so. Not a chance. Plus the producers should have offered Mabel King a better deal. Give her 13 episode cameos. Maybe she would have went for that. The show was funny but it seemed kinda empty since Mrs. Thomas wasn't there.

TVFactFan · 05-01-2011, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThomasE

Get rid of Dee? I don't think so. Not a chance. Plus the producers should have offered Mabel King a better deal. Give her 13 episode cameos. Maybe she would have went for that. The show was funny but it seemed kinda empty since Mrs. Thomas wasn't there.

When Mabel was let go DEE was no longer needed. Same thing with Lionel on the Jeffersons. Once the second Lionel Left there really wasn't a purpose for Jenny but they managed to keep her around anyway

ThomasE · 05-01-2011, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

When Mabel was let go DEE was no longer needed. Same thing with Lionel on the Jeffersons. Once the second Lionel Left there really wasn't a purpose for Jenny but they managed to keep her around anyway

There were a couple of "Dee oriented" episodes. They were smart to age Dee 2 1/2 years and put her into the 9th grade so she could intertwine with the gang. She and Dwayne were going to the same school so that aspect worked. Plus, she was a funny and popular character. It seems to me that the producers needed every funny asset they could get at the time. Mabel King could have gotten a better deal than five shows though.

TVFactFan · 05-01-2011, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThomasE

There were a couple of "Dee oriented" episodes. They were smart to age Dee 2 1/2 years and put her into the 9th grade so she could intertwine with the gang. She and Dwayne were going to the same school so that aspect worked. Plus, she was a funny and popular character. It seems to me that the producers needed every funny asset they could get at the time. Mabel King could have gotten a better deal than five shows though.

But it wasn't realistic because what teenage boy would have his little sister hanging around him and his friends at the soda shop?

ThomasE · 05-01-2011, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

But it wasn't realistic because what teenage boy would have his little sister hanging around him and his friends at the soda shop?

I can't argue there. Keep Shirley at Rob's, keep Dee and Mabel...but recurring and focus on the boys' antics and facing manhood in a humorous way. That have worked.

For me, I would have just kept Mabel King's deal the way it was, a regular.

Dr. Thong · 05-01-2011, 05:58 PM

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Originally Posted by TVFactFan

But it wasn't realistic because what teenage boy would have his little sister hanging around him and his friends at the soda shop?

What's Happening was a TV sitcom, not a documentary.

ThomasE · 05-01-2011, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Thong

What's Happening was a TV sitcom, not a documentary.

True, but you still want a touch of reality. I think Dee would have been hanging with her friends somewhere. As far as her tagging along, it was not that big of an issue to me though.

Dr. Thong · 05-01-2011, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThomasE

True, but you still want a touch of reality. I think Dee would have been hanging with her friends somewhere. As far as her tagging along, it was not that big of an issue to me though.

I respect your opinion, Thomas, but to me, What's Happening was not a show that was grounded in reality or the relevancy of its time. It was just a fun show. No more, no less.

ThomasE · 05-01-2011, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Thong

I respect your opinion, Thomas, but to me, What's Happening was not a show that was grounded in reality or the relevancy of its time. It was just a fun show. No more, no less.

In all honesty, it could go either way. It was not realistic to have Dee hanging around but you are also correct Dr. Thong. Reality did not have to be necessarily pushed. If it were me in charge though, Dee would be off doing her thing. Solomon feels she should have left but I don't think she should have left. Simply put her along with moms on recurring status or keep them as regulars with fewer eps. It was strange to have scenes filmed in Mrs. Thomas' house and she was never there! LOL.

Dr. Thong, thanks for forming your opinion in a respectful manner. I don't know why it's hard for people to do that when it comes to internet chatting. Nobody directly as SOL, I'm just saying in general. People seem to blow up at other people they don't even know. Just giving you props.

04-02-2011, 02:41 PM	#1
TVFactFan Member Forum Junkie Join Date: Aug 17, 2002 Posts: 99,075	Revealed in a 1978 Jet Magazine why Mabel King was no longer on the show From the October 19, 1978 Issue of Jet "Reliable Sources have told Jet that What's Happening Co-star Mabel King ill not return to the show because the producers have told her she is no longer needed. According to the Sources, Ms. King was called to the TOY production offices before the season began and told her character didn't add enough humor to the popular situation comedy. Reportedly, Ms. King was offered to make five cameo appearances at a good price but she admantly refused, insisting that she be in all the shows or none. This season Raj and Rerun have moved into their own apartment and Mama Thomas has been scripted out. Cleverly, the producers have had Shirley mov into the Thomas House with Raj's sassy sister Dee. There will be references to Mama, however, Ms. King will not be seen but the sources added that Ms. King would do further TOY production if asked in the proper way." Sometthing I been telling Brian Damage FOREVER!!!!! LOL