I just saw an episode of Law & Order that reminded me of this thread. There really was no way to replace Lennie Briscoe on the show, but Det. Joe Fontana (Dennis Farina) wasn’t it. I don’t know who it was who said “what this show needs is a violent asshole as the senior detective,”, but they were wrong.
Agreed.
I’ve heard of this phenomenon called The Paula Marshall Effect. Apparently, she is the kiss of death for TV shows and I cannot explain it. There’s nothing wrong with her.
Ohmigosh, I thought my boss was just being loosey-goosey when she stopped by my drawing table and said:
“I’m ordering business cards, what title do you want?”
“Hmmm well, it’d look good on my resumé if I’d made it to Art Director already.”
“Okay!” [over her shoulder]: “Congrats on the promotion!”
But just now I realized that I was working for a business patterned after Starfleet!
Speaking of O’Brien, he must’ve gotten bored standing behind the transporter controls, waiting for the two times that day that someone had to beam somewhere.
Another example is Allison LaPlaca, who was cast in a leading role in at least five series, all of which were quickly canceled.
And don’t forget Ted McGinley!
there’s another actress sela ward that always ended up in several shows usually in the last season or two of the show … but she had to retire from acting due to MS complications
Chang was a great character when he had actual authority over the study group as a teacher. Insane Spanish teacher = laughs; cartoonishly insane security guard/student, not so much.
He was very funny on Community because he was playing Chevy Chase without realizing he was playing Chevy Chase.
Any of them, as far back as TOS. They won’t even give them a chair!
Neelix.
I always just thought he was insufferably irritating but this time round I noticed much more his really abusive treatment of Kes. Jealous, manipulative and bullying. Every time he calls her “sweeting” I want to throw up!
I never really got into ST:VOY because I didn’t care for most of the characters, but OMG I thoroughly detest Neelix, especially the way he calls Tuvok “Mr. Vulcan”. I guess it’s supposed to be cute but just seems racist to me.
Cite? I don’t see anywhere that Sela Ward has MS.
Are you maybe thinking of Selma Blair?
Either way, Sela Ward has a second career as a regular answer in crossword puzzles.
Except when some bad guy needs to rush into the empty transporter room and do something evil. No locks I guess.
I did see something about her being ill while working and mention of a hyperactive thyroid, not MS. Unfortunately Selma Blair does have MS, as does the chronically unlucky Christina Applegate.
oops i confused the two again iys not the first time
The actress who played the triple-breasted woman in Total Recall later portrayed Ensign Sonya Gomez in TNG.
As does Teri Hatcher (taking over for Teri Polo) and Esai Morales.
Didn’t that episode end with Stiers confessing his character was gay? 
And yes, Nancy Marchand played Hester on Cheers. She threatened to kill Diane if she didn’t break it off with her son, so she was obviously a bit unbalanced herself.
When it comes to Batman and Robin, watch this clip. Aunt Harriet was not fooled!
I love the shots of the Batmobile. They make me feel eleven years old again! 
I haven’t had time to read the whole thread, but has it really grown this long with no mention of Wesley Crusher??? (Or any of the children on board the Enterprise-D, for that matter?)