I completely agree - they should have brought back Hope back in 1987 before an 18 year old Alan-Michael, whether played by Elvera Roussel again or by someone new. Eventually A-M could have been brought back to Springfield, but they could have brought Hope to feud with Alan first. I would have finally put Ross and Hope together, for instance.
Even though I have Stewart as my avatar, I agree that they could have recast Mike Bauer back in 1984. I am assuming that the issue was that Stewart was still massively popular with the audience, since he and Charita were the longest running cast members at the point. Plus, Pam Long did want to write for Mike, since he was an older leading man in Springfield that was single! Long had planned out a love triangle for Mike, Lillian, and Alexandra that would have had repurcussions for Beth and Lujack. Stewart and McKinsey didn't apparently get along, so that story didn't progress the way it was supposed to. I was told that Kobe had enough, and informed Stewart while he was out playing golf that his contract wasn't being renewed. I thought that was just hot air, but I seem to remember Roger Newcomb verified that story in this very thread years ago! I think Stewart came back for the 60th Anniversary in 1997 because Paul Rauch was the producer at that point.
I wish both Peggy and Billy had returned to Springfield, especially once Roger was back in 1989. I think having Billy Fletcher back (although you are absolutely correct- he would need to have a new first name!) versus introducing a new son in Hart would have had a much bigger impact.
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zanereed ·
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