When the 1987–88 season premiere aired, the show was retitled Valerie's Family: The Hogans, or simply Valerie's Family. The timeline of the third season began six months after Valerie's death. NBC's decision to continue the series without Valerie Harper was controversial at the time, but the series survived the departure of its main star and the show continued its run on the network for three more seasons. Taking Harper's place in the household was Sandy Duncan as Michael's sister, Sandy, who had moved in with her brother to help the family in their time of loss. She took a job as a guidance counselor at the high school the boys attended following her recent divorce. In the wake of his wife's death, Michael was now home more often. Mrs. Poole moved up to being a regular character, and her husband, Peter, was played by Willard Scott on an infrequent basis. Another of David's buddies, Burt Weems (Steve Witting), joined this season (he had previously made guest shots during the last few Valerie episodes).
The season's third episode, "Burned Out" (aired October 5, 1987), helped better explain the family's grief following Valerie's death. In that episode, a lamp stored in the attic develops a short circuit, sparking a fire that badly damages the house. Many keepsakes and mementos of the family's were destroyed in the attic and second floor, including a charred framed photo of Valerie. David found the photo in his room while the fire damage was being inspected, and immediately broke down in tears. Sandy came into the room to comfort him, and as the scene changes, it is presumed that the two shared their grief for Valerie. The Hogans, meanwhile, stay with the Pooles while their home is repaired. The episode had a commercial tie-in with the McDonalds Corporation, who financed the expenses accrued in damaging the set for the fire. As a sponsor that evening, McDonald's commercials aired promoting fire safety.
Read more about this topic: The Hogan Family