John Ritter's demise on the set of "8 Simple Rules" is the reason for his abrupt absence in the sitcom at the start of their Season 2.
Kevin Can Wait (Season 2) has the same abrupt start -- which indicates a COMPLETE lack of taste and sensitivity on the part of the network and all those involved in the casting. There isn't even a mention of HOW Erin Hayes' character supposedly meets her end; the new season simply launches into jokes about spam mail... (no spoilers). There is also the EXTREMELY AWKWARD overlapping introduction of Leah Remini (end of Season 1), who one presumes will be one of several temporary guest stars on the show. Given the ridiculous start of Season 2 and the increasingly awkward presence of Remini, there would have been really nothing to save this show, despite cast and network claims that Hayes' was removed to help save the show and extend its time on the air. The move of letting Hayes go (1) didn't pay off and (2) wasn't worth all the horribly awkward plots the audience has to endure in Season 2.
Side characters Ryan Cartwright (in the domestic scenes of Seasons 1 and 2) and Bas Rutten (in the Season 1 neighborhood scenes and the Season 1-2 workplace scenes) keep the show light and funny.
Unfortunately, even with the inclusion of the major moguls like Ray Romano and Adam Sandler the show doesn't hold its own and the plot lines are continually collapsing. It's a shame because usually I do appreciate Kevin James as a funny and lovable character across all his shows and movies. Perhaps bring him back for a new season of CREW, which was well done.
Kevin Can Wait (Season 2) has the same abrupt start -- which indicates a COMPLETE lack of taste and sensitivity on the part of the network and all those involved in the casting. There isn't even a mention of HOW Erin Hayes' character supposedly meets her end; the new season simply launches into jokes about spam mail... (no spoilers). There is also the EXTREMELY AWKWARD overlapping introduction of Leah Remini (end of Season 1), who one presumes will be one of several temporary guest stars on the show. Given the ridiculous start of Season 2 and the increasingly awkward presence of Remini, there would have been really nothing to save this show, despite cast and network claims that Hayes' was removed to help save the show and extend its time on the air. The move of letting Hayes go (1) didn't pay off and (2) wasn't worth all the horribly awkward plots the audience has to endure in Season 2.
Side characters Ryan Cartwright (in the domestic scenes of Seasons 1 and 2) and Bas Rutten (in the Season 1 neighborhood scenes and the Season 1-2 workplace scenes) keep the show light and funny.
Unfortunately, even with the inclusion of the major moguls like Ray Romano and Adam Sandler the show doesn't hold its own and the plot lines are continually collapsing. It's a shame because usually I do appreciate Kevin James as a funny and lovable character across all his shows and movies. Perhaps bring him back for a new season of CREW, which was well done.