Jennifer in "Girls School" - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

80s Dude · 01-22-2020, 08:19 AM

Was Jennifer from the Different Strokes back door pilot "Girls School" originally planned as being the Natalie type girl on FOL?

RetroGuy2000 · 01-22-2020, 10:57 PM

I don't think so. From what I remember from the GS script, it was Jennifer who originally had the frog (not Laura)… but this is quite unlike the character of Natalie. Also, we've been told that Charlotte began creating the character of Natalie, based on her childhood friend, after meeting Mindy.

There likely wouldn't have been time for the producers and Charlotte to visit Westlake during the regular taping season, which makes me believe that the Westlake meeting happened after that block of taping was over (but before summer break would have begun).

Nothing about Jennifer says "Natalie" to me: she doesn't have her sense of humor, she's bummed about Nancy leaving school (when Natalie would have been upset about Tootie having to leave Eastland/Eastlake), and there's just not much to her personality. Natalie is the exact opposite of Jennifer. She's the anti-Jennifer.

'80sSitcoms · 01-23-2020, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetroGuy2000

Natalie is the exact opposite of Jennifer.

I dunno, Jennifer's at least pleasant. I think Natalie's the exact opposite of Brenda.

RetroGuy2000 · 01-23-2020, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by '80sSitcoms

I dunno, Jennifer's at least pleasant. I think Natalie's the exact opposite of Brenda.

...Since when is Natalie inadequate?

Lorimar Television · 01-24-2020, 12:08 AM

Our Natalie?

'80sSitcoms · 01-24-2020, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetroGuy2000

...Since when is Natalie inadequate?

01-22-2020, 08:19 AM	#1
80s Dude Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 24, 2019 Location: Toronto Posts: 3,811	Jennifer in "Girls School" Was Jennifer from the Different Strokes back door pilot "Girls School" originally planned as being the Natalie type girl on FOL?

01-22-2020, 10:57 PM	#2
RetroGuy2000 Julie,Julie Anne,&Felice 4Ever Forum Star Join Date: Dec 27, 2013 Posts: 16,914	I don't think so. From what I remember from the GS script, it was Jennifer who originally had the frog (not Laura)… but this is quite unlike the character of Natalie. Also, we've been told that Charlotte began creating the character of Natalie, based on her childhood friend, after meeting Mindy. There likely wouldn't have been time for the producers and Charlotte to visit Westlake during the regular taping season, which makes me believe that the Westlake meeting happened after that block of taping was over (but before summer break would have begun). Nothing about Jennifer says "Natalie" to me: she doesn't have her sense of humor, she's bummed about Nancy leaving school (when Natalie would have been upset about Tootie having to leave Eastland/Eastlake), and there's just not much to her personality. Natalie is the exact opposite of Jennifer. She's the anti-Jennifer.
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01-24-2020, 12:08 AM	#5
Lorimar Television Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 06, 2007 Posts: 7,034	Our Natalie?
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