WHY DIDN'T THEY MAKE A 3RD SERIES!!!! - Rich Man, Poor Man - Book II (1976) Discussion

[–] tony.marshall2 16 years ago

At the time there was talk of Universal making another series which would have made it "Rich Man, Poor Man - Book 3", but Mr. Strauss was a little concerned about himself being forever typecast as a forty-something Senator. It was his influence that 'Rudy Jordache' was supposedly killed-off. However, I suppose when you view the ending of 'Book Two' it does leave you in a state of wanting more...it also makes you ask yourself the question: "Did he really die??"

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[–] HammTate 16 years ago

I know that the character was popular, but I think they should have done it without him. There were enough meaty characters left to be able to create some great storylines. Then of course Wes and Billy could hav ehad the 'next' generation of Jordaches (even though Billy was an Abbot, he could have changed his surname as a tribute to Rudy).

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[–] HammTate 16 years ago

I know that the character was popular, but I think they should have done it without him. There were enough meaty characters left to be able to create some great storylines. Then of course Wes and Billy could hav ehad the 'next' generation of Jordaches (even though Billy was an Abbot, he could have changed his surname as a tribute to Rudy).

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[–] mrmoore72-594-461660 11 years ago

I had the feeling Rudy would have lived. Since Billy said he was ok, he probably would have found Rudy and the two of them would have (hopefully) made it to the emergency room (Rudy for gunshot, Billy for stab wound). On the other hand, we get the feeling that Falconetti finally got what he deserved, so he wouldn't have returned. A third series would have scrambled for story, and Billy's story and Wesley's story just weren't compelling TV.

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[–] Balberith 8 years ago

All in all, Book II was still quite good and much better than a lot of stuff that's been coming out of TV the last 20 to 30 years!

"A real man would rather bow down to a strong woman than dominate a weak one"

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[–] Mickey77 15 years ago

(possible spoiler)
Peter Strauss never wanted to make this series. The huge success of the original mini-series (which set a then record for international sales) prompted producers to hastily prepare Book 2. Strauss made it known early on that he was only fulfilling his contract by doing the show. Initially it was only supposed to run for 10 episodes - but the producers kept adding episodes to stretch it to an entire season. Once his contract was up Strauss asked that his character be killed off.

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[–] DJMan-51 15 years ago

What if they could have secured the services of Nolte for another series after Strauss walked? They'd flash back to the critical point in RMPM I, have Rudy die and Tom survive, and have him taking responsibility for the boys in his own way. Alternate future, sort of Book II-A instead of Book III. Radical, but had I been the producer back then, I'd have tried it.

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[–] tony.marshall2 15 years ago

That's sounds like too much of a science-fiction twist on a classic grounded, human drama to me...a kind of Bobby Ewing being brought back to life via the plug-hole...

However, Universal did try to entice Nolte back to the series before filming began on Book II; they offered him the chance to play Tom's son, Wesley. The part eventually went to unknown, Gregg Henry.

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[–] HammTate 15 years ago

It certainly would have been ridiculous to have had NN playing his soon! Gregg Henry played it brilliantly!

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[–] MovieMatters 15 years ago

that's totally true.

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[–] TheBatCaveofOz 14 years ago

Here's a little trivia....I worked on this series, and was there when they were doing auditions! Greg Henry was very good in the role, but another blond tried out for the part. You might remember him, on a motorcycle.....Larry Wilcox! From Chips!
My....but we have All aged, just a little, since then! (But at least I am still 5' 7" and 140 lbs!)

^^X^^

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[–] ttaskmaster 14 years ago

Peter Strauss also turned down over a million dollars (a LOT of money back then), which he was offered to do RMPM Book 3.

He'd done two whole books and any more would have had him severely typecast. As is, he's had many roles where he's stuck in a suit, playing some suave office guy... In a sense, Rudy Jordache does live - Through Pete in these other roles. In that sense, he even made it all teh way to President of the United States (in Triple X 2)!!

I'm glad they left it at it's natural conclusion.
Already things were starting to feel dragged out towards the end of Book 2 and there were still a few loose ends, regardless. The issue of Wes, Diane and Ramona is still up in the air, for one.

Besides, it meant Pete could go on to do some other, astounding roles!!

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[–] vinidici 14 years ago

Yeah, the final episode of "Book II" had all the earmarks of a "cliffhanger season finale;" but Peter Strauss wouldn't be persuaded for being tied down to the Rudy Jordache character for yet another year, thus putting the final nail in the coffin for any possibility of a "Book III."

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[–] mattogre 12 years ago

Actually, they did make a two-part TV movie (4 hours in total) in 1979 called BEGGARMAN, THIEF. Andrew Stevens and Tom Nolan played Billy and Wesley, and the cast included big names like Glenn Ford and Jean Simmons. It wasn't a ratings success.

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[–] Prismark10 12 years ago

There was the adaptation of Beggarman, Thief. It was poor.

Its that man again!!

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[–] 8 years ago

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