If Will Geer Had Survived the Series...

[AR15]

I wonder what would have happened to Zebulon? With him still there, they couldn't really have Esther moving out! I wonder if they'd have written him out anyway? Perhaps there'd have been an episode where he and Esther tearfully have to leave the family to tend to Esther's sister (which is, I believe, the reason given for her absence). I also wonder if Rose would have ever been a character? Perhaps, with an extra cast member still around, they wouldn't have felt the need to introduce anybody new. It's interesting to speculate whether he'd have still be in the show by the end of Season 9 though, with all of the adults gone by the point, I wonder if he would have too...

[Brenda]

Interesting question. I personally don't think Will Geer would have ever left the series on his own. I think he was truly thankful for the opportunity that was given to him, to star in a popular television series. I think the storylines would have been very different. If Ellen Corby wasn't able to be there, they probably would have said Grandma was in a rehab hospital or maybe visiting relatives. There would probably be episodes where Grandpa was leaving to "visit" her. I'm not sure about Rose. With Grandpa there, I don't think there would be a reason to introduce another adult, so my guess is no, there would be no Rose. It's interesting to speculate on situations like this.

[AR15]

I agree

If he HAD stayed until Season 9 (and, even if he'd wanted too, would he have been able to? Maybe I'm wrong, but I always had the impression that Ralph Waite had to leave because they couldn't afford to keep him?) I wonder if his presence would have kept the shows popularity high enough for their to be a Season 10?

[wmfan/waltonsportwriter]

Will Geer was old and sadly his health wasnt the greatest. I remember one of you saying he was holding his left arm in later episodes/seasons which was a sign of a possible heart attack. He may or may not of stayed on. Some coaches like Bear Bryant or Joe Paterno although there were certainly other factors there with the Jerry Sandsusky sex abuse situation, but what I'm trying to say is some people work until they die and like these men/people, that's exactly what Will Geer did. God rest his soul. And I consider the three Waltons movies in 1982 to be a shorter more condensed 10th season of the Waltons. WmFan Sportwriter

[nedandres]

I agree with Brenda. I remember Mary telling us at one event that Will thought Richard and Michael (even before she left in season 7) were crazy for wanting to leave to do other things. But one must also remember that Will had already done Broadway, movies and other roles prior to "The Waltons," so perhaps he had gotten some of those "bugs" out of his system before settling down to a long run on TV.

[JeriJet]

May 16, 2013 19:08:59 GMT -5 nedandres said:

I agree with Brenda. I remember Mary telling us at one event that Will thought Richard and Michael (even before she left in season 7) were crazy for wanting to leave to do other things. But one must also remember that Will had already done Broadway, movies and other roles prior to "The Waltons," so perhaps he had gotten some of those "bugs" out of his system before settling down to a long run on TV.

I think it was probably wise for Richard to leave when his contract was up.... he had big plans for his career.  But, I was surprised at Michael, 'tho she did say her reasons were that it hadn't been the same for her since Richard left, etc.... I agree about Geer -- he had quite a life and was more than ready to settle down....  I love his life's story!

[carol]

Being blackballed in the 50's had a lot to do with Will appreciating the role he had and the second chance in acting that The Waltons gave him.