Guest Choken One Report post Posted September 17, 2003 I was simply his role was the supporting role, where although it failed, his spot was replaceable...in terms of the show itself...ritter's character WAS the show...bill mcneal was part of a ensemble... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spaceman Spiff 0 Report post Posted September 17, 2003 (edited) Phil Hartman was the biggest star on the show, and a big part of why the show worked. After his death, the show wasn't as good, and only lasted 1 more season, so I'd say he wasn't replacable. I can't think of anyone they could have brought in that would have had the same impact on the show that Hartman did. Joe Rogan, despite being great in the role, was a supporting guy. Khandi Alexander had a supporting role. Phil Hartman was way more than just a supporting role. Edited September 17, 2003 by Spaceman Spiff Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted September 17, 2003 Jesus Christ stop being such fucking hard head...OF COURSE hartman was the key to the show and why it worked so well but the show wasn't focused ON HIM. Paul Hennesey was the main focus of 8 Simple Rules... You are trying to defend Hartman for no reason... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ripper 0 Report post Posted September 17, 2003 Hartman was certainly in a supporting role. He just did his job better than everyone else. Yes, Phil Hartman, the PERFORMER could not be replaced as he played an important part to the chemistry of the shows actors, but as a character, he could be taken out seeing as the show was written as a ensemble cast. The fact that it didn't work is moot. And Although there wasn't a death, I think Spin City goes into the catagory of shows that lost the focal point of the show, and went on. 8 Simple rules was about Paul raising his kids. Spin City was about the day to day life of Mike. Newsradio was not about Bill and his life. It was about the station and Phil just gave a great perfomance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spaceman Spiff 0 Report post Posted September 17, 2003 Jesus Christ stop being such fucking hard head...OF COURSE hartman was the key to the show and why it worked so well Then he obviously wasn't replaceable, like you've been claiming. That's all I've been trying to point out to you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OldSchoolWrestling 0 Report post Posted September 17, 2003 Henry Winkler would make more sense, as he has a personal relationship with Ritter. Sadly, on the day John Ritter died, Henry was on the set filming a guest appearance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spaceman Spiff 0 Report post Posted September 17, 2003 Yes, Phil Hartman, the PERFORMER could not be replaced as he played an important part to the chemistry of the shows actors, but as a character, he could be taken out seeing as the show was written as a ensemble cast. But taking Phil Hartman the performer out is the same as taking the character out. The character of Bill McNeal was as important as the characters of Dave, Lisa, and Jimmy. I don't understand how you can say Hartman couldn't be replaced, but the character could. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted September 17, 2003 THE CHARACTER OF BILL MCNEAL WAS NOT THE MAIN PART OF THE SHOW! Hartman was indeed the best part of the show but the premise of the show was not BILL MCNEAL. It was about ensamble that worked for a radio station...Hartman wasn't the focus of the show...such as Ritter was for 8 rules... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spaceman Spiff 0 Report post Posted September 17, 2003 Hartman was A focus, not THE focus. I know he wasn't the main character, I'm not arguing that. All I'm saying is that, even though he wasn't the main focus of the show, he still wasn't replaceable as you had originally mentioned. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted September 17, 2003 His character was replaceable...even if he never died...His character STILL could have been written off... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spaceman Spiff 0 Report post Posted September 17, 2003 ::sigh:: It *could* have been written out of the show, but the show would not have been as good, as witnessed by the 1 season without him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
