The Richard Dawson Dilemma:

[feudfan55]

May 22, 2018 10:06:19 GMT -5 johnnyo said:

May 22, 2018 7:18:58 GMT -5 wildjackmonroe said:

The shade thrown by Gene on the first episode without him spoke volumes, and I'm not excusing ego trips as Dawson was apparently known for by this point.

(I have no strong opinion on the thread topic, as I prefer to avoid "what if" discussions. )

However, regarding the topic of the first episode without Richard, Dawson's absence is indirectly noted in the opening when Bob Barker, who is occupying Dawson's seat, asks GR why "The sun never sets on the British Empire" is carved into the set at his seat. At that moment, there is an awkward and obvious edit, and then GR goes over to introduce and greet the contestants.

Obviously comments were made, but what happened? I would love to see the raw footage! It may be nothing, but the obvious edit makes me wonder if something inappropriate was said...

My feeling on it is that if they were going to edit out any reference to why Richard is not there anymore, they should have also edited out Bob's joke and Gene's rejoinder. No reason to keep that if they're editing out why Richard is gone.