MovieChat Forums > Petticoat Junction (1963) Discussion > Beginning of the end..Bea Benaderet's ro...

Beginning of the end..Bea Benaderet's role in the episode...

posted 10 years ago by pfanderson5
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"Higgins Come Home..."

Kate Bradley was the main character in every episode (even if the episode's plot focused on another character.) Kate was the strength. She had the starring role. I can understand why people said the show died when she did (even though I think in today's TV world, the show would have lasted a few more seasons than it did.) That said, this particular episode made me sad. She seemed more of a bit player. She isn't very active, and has a lot less dialogue.

I've been recording PJ every day on my DVR, and realized the two previous episodes, she didn't appear at all. (Barbershop Quartet, and Steve, the Apple Polisher.)

Wish we hadn't lost Bea.😢

[–] thetaylors604 9 years ago

Yes, it's sad that she wasn't able to have an active role in the show any longer. But she was probably undergoing treatment for her cancer and didn't have the strength.

[–] bonehunter7 9 years ago

Kate does make an appearance in a later show. In the episode where Betty Jo has her baby, Kate visits her in the hospital. Kate’s face is never shown of course because it’s not Bea Benaderet.

I remember Bettie Jo asking her mother, “Have you ever seen a more beautiful baby?” And Kate said, “Yes, I had three of my own.”

These aren’t the exact words, but you get the gist.