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Favorite Francis Storylines: Military School, Alaska or Ranch?


Which setting did you like best for Francis' B storylines: the first two seasons at military school (Marlin Academy), the third season at Alaska working for Lavernia, or seasons 4 and 5 when he worked at the Grotto ranch?

Personally, I think the military academy was the best. I like his relationship with Commandant Spangler and how they played off each other. I wished Francis had finished military school during season 3.

I hated the Alaska storyline. I like Francis' character but I hated seeing him being tortured by Lavernia, basically working like a slave. I wasn't too keen on his sudden marriage to Piama either, but I got used to her.

I liked the ranch setting more than Alaska, but still prefer the military school. Otto and Gretchen were funny and it was good to see Francis actually be good at something.

Why didn't the show feature Francis' B storylines during seasons 6 & 7 though? Was it budget cuts? Where would you like to have seen Francis (and Piama) during the last 2 seasons?

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I actually liked the Alaska storyline because while it was kinda bizarre (and unlawful), it also made me laugh a lot. Overall, I liked Francis' arc from seasons 1-5. He went from being a delinquent, to learning what actual hard work was, to becoming a responsible, decent man.

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I agree that the military school storylines were the best. I also didn't like the Alaska stories. Lavernia was pretty unwatchable, and the stories just weren't that funny IMHO. Otto and Gretchen were funny, and I liked that Francis actually grew up. It kind of sucked when they dumped that whole phase of his life and he turned back into a whiny, immature, Mommy obsessed brat.


It might have been interesting to see Piama and Francis living nearby, maybe struggling with a baby or two of their own.

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The military school storylines were the best, then Francis at the ranch. I think out of all the characters on the show, Francis had the biggest character development

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The Spangler and Otto eras were OK, but yes I wasn't that interested in the Lavernia parts; she was horrible.

But let's not forget, Francis found his own Lois in Piama during the Alaska stint.

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I loved when he was in military school!

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What I don't understand is why would anyone ever agree to work for Lavernia? The way she runs her business has to be illegal. Also why didn't Francis just go find a different job or why didn't Eric tell him not to come and that the job was basically slave labor?

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I enjoyed the Alaska storyline; it was unusual and Francis had to learn to survive on his own. Military school was great too with Commandant Spangler but I find the ranch to be too serious with not much mischief.

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