Not enough Tony Franciosa episodes...?

Sadly the Late great Tony Franciosa left the show apparently amid some acrimony during season three - either fired due to artistic temprament issues or walked out re a salary dispute (depending on which version you hear) after completing only three episodes (including the show's only 2 part story; 'I Love You Billy Baker' - where 'part 2' had alot of 'padding' with musical performances by just about everyone in Hollywood !)

while Robert Culp (twice), Peter Falk, & Robert Wagner capably 'subbed' the remaining four contracted stories guest starring as other star Howard Publications reporters; 'Paul Tyler', 'Lewis Corbett', & 'David Corey' respectively (thus creating the overall impression of a vast publishing empire with many top reporters) sadly it meant that TF had the least episodes of the three regular stars, season three notably missing more of the powerful presence of 'Jeff Dillon' who was always such a strong and engaging personality.

In fact that was always the case as, even in the first and second seasons, for some reason TF always had the LEAST stories, appearing as lead in only six episodes in the first season (was 'Pineapple Rose' originally written for TF's 'Jeff Dillon' character ? - it was produced by his segment producer Leslie Stevens)

In season two TF did seven episodes - but still nowhere near as many as those of either Gene Barry (who always appeared the most) or Robert Stack - does anyone know why ?

Tony Franciosa seems to have always been contracted to do least episodes of the trio - rather a shame as he was so superb as star reporter 'Jeff Dillon'

TF was the star of the 1966 pilot TV Movie; 'Fame is The Name of The Game' (introducing Susan Saint James, with Jack Klugman, Jill St.John & Robert Duvall) - if the show ever gets a (long overdue) DVD release maybe they could put that at the end to increase TF's profile in any third season box set ?

Tony Franciosa was brilliant as the charming, stylish, yet doggedly determined Jeff Dillon who often 'hounded' his prey to uncover current affairs stories in a manner now more associated with Columbo's detective approach - Franciosa brought a wit and sharpness to his character and Jeff Dillon contrasted perfectly with the impeccable Glenn Howard (Gene Barry) and the resolute Dan Farrell (Robert Stack) as the three alternating leads of this tremendous show.

The 'Jeff Dillon' episodes were probably the most topical ones being the 'current affairs' tales (as Opposed to Glenn Howard's either big business, political intrigue or 'offbeat' episodes and Dan Farrell's crime caper based segments) and while TF may have done the least instalments - just 16 series episodes overall, plus the series pilot movie) nevertheless TF managed to make his character unforgettable & very much a key member of the star trio.

It could be said that Gene Barry was the 'backbone' of the show, Robert Stack was the 'strength' of the show, while Tony Franciosa was the 'charisma' of the show

- and the gorgeous young Susan Saint James in her award winning role as research girl 'Peggy Maxwell' was the very 'life blood' of the thing, appearing with all three stars (plus with some guest leads too) and being the overall continuity link.

It really is high time the award winning colour 'The Name of The Game' full 1968-71 TV series, plus it's colour 1966 TV Movie pilot; 'Fame is...' was given full restoration & a DVD release

- hopefully very soon and with the original 'Rotating' opening graphic duly restored putting up the featured Lead member of the trio FIRST in their segment episodes - please take note NBC Universal.