Why did Dorothy's marriage have to end the series?

[TMC]

If the writers could make a (short-lived) show about Rose and Blanche operating a hotel, why couldn't (assuming of course, Bea Arthur was willing to do it) they write at least one more season with Lucas and Dorothy living in northern Florida?

[Steve_uk]

Originally Posted by TMC

If the writers could make a (short-lived) show about Rose and Blanche operating a hotel, why couldn't (assuming of course, Bea Arthur was willing to do it) they write at least one more season with Lucas and Dorothy living in northern Florida?

I assume because Bea Arthur the actress no longer wished to be the butt of jokes regarding her physical appearance and as her mother in the story strangely was not accompanying her the writers must have thought without that dynamic the comedy material was finally exhausted, which it was.

[bandonurse]

I sort of saw it as "poetic justice" for Dorothy, after seven seasons of being insulted and made to feel undesirable. They could have easily had Rose and Miles get married, or Blanche marry one of her many suitors.

But instead, they had the series end with Dorothy snagging Blanche's handsome, successful and rich Uncle Lucas....who Rose or even Sophia would have loved to have.

[Wawwie]

Originally Posted by bandonurse

Blanche's handsome, successful and rich cousin Lucas....

Lucas was Blanche's uncle.

I'm glad the series ended with a happily ever after for Dorothy. She deserved it.

[bandonurse]

Yes, of course. (Changed for accuracy.) And yes, Dorothy certainly DID deserve romance and happiness.

[Wawwie]

Originally Posted by bandonurse

And yes, Dorothy certainly DID deserve romance and happiness.

She sure did deserve it! I was so fed up with the way her mother was constantly dumping on her, criticizing her, making fun of her and just being plain old mean! Sophia was a very mean spirited woman IMO. Dorothy was a very good daughter and deserved more. I'm glad she got it from Lucas Hollingsworth! Love, praise, kindness and respect!

[Duster76]

Originally Posted by TMC

If the writers could make a (short-lived) show about Rose and Blanche operating a hotel, why couldn't (assuming of course, Bea Arthur was willing to do it) they write at least one more season with Lucas and Dorothy living in northern Florida?

"assuming of course, Bea Arthur was willing to do it", how can anyone possibly make that assumption when all the evidence is the other way. Between 1972 and 1992, Arthur starred in two series lasting a total of 13 seasons, she was 70 years of age, never attempted starring another series, and in fact appeared on TV only sporadically the rest of her life. It seems abundantly clear she wanted to do other things.