2 hours ago, DRW50 said:

They probably saw no need once Phil was gone for good, but I do wish they'd brought Rosemary back for an anniversary - the 25th in particular.

If AMC were still around today I would bring back (and likely recast, as I highly doubt Rosemary Prinz is interested) Amy, especially with Lee Meriwether and Ray both in their 90s IIRC. Not unlike bringing Meta Bauer back to GL, she could shore up the elder scene for the future. Her politically-minded character would also be particularly relevant to today's times, and would be a link directly to the very beginning.

27 minutes ago, Vee said:

If AMC were still around today I would bring back (and likely recast, as I highly doubt Rosemary Prinz is interested) Amy, especially with Lee Meriwether and Ray both in their 90s IIRC. Not unlike bringing Meta Bauer back to GL, she could shore up the elder scene for the future. Her politically-minded character would also be particularly relevant to today's times, and would be a link directly to the very beginning.

Ray is gone and Lee has dementia so yes, you're right, I could see Amy as a matriarch for those left behind - a Grandma Kate for today.

28 minutes ago, DRW50 said:

Ray is gone and Lee has dementia so yes, you're right, I could see Amy as a matriarch for those left behind - a Grandma Kate for today.

Oof. I had forgotten he was gone, or that she was ill. My mistake.

Amy could have returned when the show went to an hour. Could you see Kathleen Noone as Amy rather than Ellen?

The Tylers were getting a little worn out and Amy returning could have created drama for Phoebe, Linc and Kelly and especially for Phil to adjust to having his mother around. And Amy could have an adopted/foster child to bring in a young character and there could be a whole story of how she came to be with Amy.