Co-star Guy marks, playing Barnes chief writer on his TV talk show, was run-off the series after episode #15 and replaced in stride. Marks, according to sources at the time, had done such a good job in the role that Bishop thought he was intentionally trying to upstage him. Bishop, who was beginning to have problems with the production of the series in season 2, decided to fire Marks, over the objections of the shows director. The director quit in protest and was replaced by another director, who Bishop fired over script issues. Critics at the time roasted Bishop for removing Marks and some predicted the move would hurt the series. Bishop, by the end of season 2, had pretty much taken control of the series and was functioning as director and script supervisor, often taking scripts home and making changes. Several writers quit over issues with Bishop changing plots and other drastic adjustments.