I've been watching "Reba" on TVLand & CMT after never watching original run on WB Network in early 21st century. I saw several episodes with Park Overall as Reba's friend Lori Ann but then she was gone with no explanation. Does anyone know a real reason why the character was dropped? There was a Lucy & Ethel vibe that was very funny. Maybe Reba was jealous of a sharper comedic actress scene stealing?
shareI don't know the actual reason, but I assume the character was eliminated to push the Reba/Barbra Jean friendship. If Lori Ann was there and friends with Reba, she'd be less inclined to befriend Barbra Jean over time - it would be Reba and Lori Ann against Barbra Jean instead of Reba against a Barbra Jean clawing her way into becoming her best friend. Lori Ann had some good one-liners, but I like the Reba/Barbra Jean dynamic more than the Reba/Lori Ann one.
Also, Reba got more control over the series over time and there was a distinct change in the show between Season 1 and 2 - most notably the elimination of the edginess/adult-ness the first season had - profanity gone (for the most part), the "BJ" nickname and jokes, Lori Ann (who had some pretty risque jokes, compared to the kind present in the later seasons), etc... I have no idea if Reba made a decision to make the show more family-friendly, but it certainly seems that's the way the show headed and could be another reason the Lori Ann character was written out.
I can't say I'm sorry she left--she was somewhat funny, but it was a funny that could have quickly becoming annoying/grating/bitchy given enough time. I think her short-lived time on the show was a good idea, otherwise she could have gone too easily to a very hated character.
share+iaaat-Your explanation makes perfect sense.
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