Probably due to early 1970s social and racial concerns by the studio and possibly by the network, Paramount Television requested that the opening scene, which originally was written with Aaron Silverman, played by Zalman King and Pat Walters, played by Judy Pace, socializing at a jazz club, be re-written with Silverman and his date Joanne, a white woman. Interestingly, this was the only time the character Joanne appeared in the series.
According to a New York Times article (February 1, 1971). episode writer and former story editor John W. Bloch protested to the Writers Guild of America, West against any alteration of the scene. An unidentified producer of the series was "apprehensive over mixed dating might invite difficulties over acceptance of the program by southern (ABC affiliate) television stations.
Notably, show producer Matthew Rapf and John W. Bloch left the series at mid-season. It's uncertain whether it was because of this controversy.
According to a New York Times article (February 1, 1971). episode writer and former story editor John W. Bloch protested to the Writers Guild of America, West against any alteration of the scene. An unidentified producer of the series was "apprehensive over mixed dating might invite difficulties over acceptance of the program by southern (ABC affiliate) television stations.
Notably, show producer Matthew Rapf and John W. Bloch left the series at mid-season. It's uncertain whether it was because of this controversy.