8 Simple Rules will go on, with death written in? - Eternal Allegiance

GossipMan · 09-13-2003, 12:17 AM

By STEPHEN BATTAGLIO
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

The show could go on without John Ritter.
ABC-TV and parent company Walt Disney were considering plans yesterday to keep "8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter" going with a new star, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

An ABC spokesman declined to comment on what the show's future might be.

But word around Hollywood was that if the show does keep going, there will be an episode dealing with the death of Ritter's character, a stay-at-home sportswriter named Paul Hennessy who struggles to raise his two teenage daughters and younger son.

The sources said Ritter could be replaced by a new male character - possibly an uncle - brought in to help care for the Hennessy children.

Henry Winkler, Tony Danza, Howie Mandel and Richard Kline, who played Ritter's pal on the '70s sitcom "Three's Company," were among the actors being mentioned for the role.

Three new episodes of "8 Simple Rules" with Ritter have been shot. The second season premiere is scheduled for Sept. 23.

But replacing him will be tricky, because "8 Simple Rules" was built around his well-known TV persona.

"I don't think the show can succeed without him," said Steve Sternberg, an analyst for ad-buying firm Magna Global USA. "He was the draw for the show."

Michael Eisner, chairman of ABC parent Walt Disney Co., will pay tribute to Ritter at the start of the "8 Simple Rules" episodes when they are broadcast.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/goss...p-105693c.html

BeBritney · 09-13-2003, 12:21 AM

Uhhh, I really don't think they should do that and...yeah that's stupid

It seriously won't work without him plus the fact considering him not on it depresses me.

GossipMan · 09-13-2003, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by WannaBeBritney
Uhhh, I really don't think they should do that and...yeah that's stupid It seriously won't work without him plus the fact considering him not on it depresses me.

Why do you say that?

The show could deal with how the family deals with a loss of the father.

BeBritney · 09-13-2003, 12:24 AM

I just...he made the show. Like...wtf. It's not right without him. And watching it without him would make me sad...I dunno lmao

GossipMan · 09-13-2003, 12:26 AM

I just feel sad that's he's gone in real life. That's tough. only 54.. My Mom is close to 54...

SweetObScene · 09-13-2003, 10:50 AM

I do not believe that they should commericalize his death..which they are in a way because loads of people will watch that one episode, that haven't seen the others.

SpearsyB · 09-13-2003, 10:53 AM

awwww thats sad--i don't think the show is gonna last w/o him...he MADE it worth watching. (

Lenghthen · 09-14-2003, 05:24 PM

I agree with Mandy, the show should NOT go on. That's wrong to cast someone else, and it makes it seem like they don't care about his death.

Quinn · 09-14-2003, 05:38 PM

Well as much as I agree with the show not going on, I think it would be good for it to go on. I always liked the show, and it was the whole cast that made the show, not just John. I think that makes sense.

BSfanBoy · 09-14-2003, 06:07 PM

they should of just left the show