[quote name=\'whewfan\' date=\'Apr 10 2005, 05:48 AM\']I think Richard's departure was a mixed blessing. On one hand, I'm sure Gene was glad to see him go once Richard started acting up, but on the other hand, the show lost the quick witted comic that the show needed.
Goodson-Todman did a good thing by not getting a permanent regular to fill Richard's seat. Sometimes, it worked out fine (Mc.Lean Stevenson, Dick Martin, Bill Daily, and on occasion Bill Cullen and Bob Barker) and sometimes it didn't (uhhh, who's idea was it to put KENT OLFSON there?)
The syndie MG was also known for its choppy editing. Gene must've been discouraged to have to move the game along faster, since the weeks MG taped did not air in order.
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The guy's name was Ken Olfson, and he wasn't too effective on Match Game. Oddly enough, Ken Olfson just missed out on the "Diff'rent Strokes" gravy train, being cast as Mr. Drummond's secretary, but his role was seen as superfluous and as quick as you could say "Whatchoo talkin' bout, Willis?", he was gone. (He did emerge as a guest star on a 1983 episode, however.)