So Starz is airing season 5 of the Jefferson's, and it's almost ruined by the character of Alan Willis! Not even his tight jeans make up for the actor's lack of comedic timing or talent. He really just doesn't fit in as a regular character on the show. I really dislike his interactions with George, too.
Was he a popular character at the time?
Yeah, that was when the show was in-between Lionel Jeffersons during season five. Damon Evans left the series in season four and Mike Evans returns in season six. Basically Alan Willis was the transitional character...
Physically, the first Alan in season 1 looked more like he could be Tom and Helen's son. The second one is way too white. Neither of them were great actors though.