If I remember correctly in the first episode there was a gay housekeeper. Whatever happened to that? Was it too controversial at the time?

He got scrapped for Sophia

Thank God!!

I think the EXACT explanation is in Jim's book "The Q Guide to the Golden Girls"

I think they made the right choice. Sophia is one of TV's greats characters.

Ooohh, DEFINITELY!!! I was glad that Sophia came in! Because it is kinda annoying... the shows are supposed to be all about the old ladies living together!