This show was generally well-written, and sometimes quite clever. The original cast -- perhaps especially Marcie Barkin -- were talented and otherwise appealing.
Unfortunately, the show was syndicated rather than provided by way of a network, limiting the exposure of the show.
Then Elinor Donahue left (I can only speculate as to why), and this show centered about a family of five had to choose between removing the character of the mother or replacing the actress. They chose to do the latter -- with an actress of markedly different physical type and mannerisms, and not of a great deal of presence.
Jointly, the handicap and the loss were too much, and the show failed in the television marketplace of the late '70s.
Unfortunately, the show was syndicated rather than provided by way of a network, limiting the exposure of the show.
Then Elinor Donahue left (I can only speculate as to why), and this show centered about a family of five had to choose between removing the character of the mother or replacing the actress. They chose to do the latter -- with an actress of markedly different physical type and mannerisms, and not of a great deal of presence.
Jointly, the handicap and the loss were too much, and the show failed in the television marketplace of the late '70s.