Does anyone feel the show went downhill the last season? I know for good reason, David wanted to leave the show. But in an interview, even Shirley felt the scripts were lackluster. I know being paired against " All In The Family " was a blow to ratings. Some fans felt Ricky was annoying as well.

Anyhow, I did not know that if the ratings had remained on the positive, the producers were thinking of hiring then unknown Aussie performer Rick Springfield as an exchange student who resided in the family's home, since DC wanted out.

I also read Olivia Newton John was a contender for Laurie , the producers must have had a preference for Aussie performers.