Remembering the late Suzanne Somers, fans have been reminiscing about her iconic roles, with ‘Step by Step’ standing out for many 90s kids.
Through seven seasons, Somers portrayed Carol Lambert, the nurturing matriarch on the hit TGIF show, alongside Patrick Duffy as her husband Frank.
While the leads drew attention, the series thrived on its ensemble cast, with the kids’ characters holding equal importance.
Among them, Cody Lambert, Frank’s carefree nephew played by Sasha Mitchell, stole the spotlight with his lovable, dim-witted persona.
In the early days of ‘Step by Step,’ Cody emerged as a unique addition to the Lambert household.
Living in his van on the property, he brought a quirky charm reminiscent of a character from a comedy flick.
Despite his naïveté and laid-back nature filled with phrases like “dude” and “no way,” Cody’s endearing kindness endeared him to viewers.
His friendship with J.T.
and unrequited feelings for Dana added layers to his character, culminating in a heroic moment when he bravely defended Dana at a bar, showcasing his martial arts skills and true grit.
Cody’s popularity soared, leading to his transition from a recurring role to a mainstay in the show’s lineup.
However, the series wisely avoided overshadowing him, ensuring each character had their time to shine.
Unlike other sitcoms that heavily featured standout characters, ‘Step by Step’ maintained a balanced ensemble cast, allowing all members to contribute equally to the show’s success.
Despite his on-screen charisma, Sasha Mitchell’s time on ‘Step by Step’ was cut short due to a disturbing real-life incident that rocked fans.
In a troubling turn of events reported by the Los Angeles Times in 1995, Mitchell faced serious legal repercussions following a domestic altercation with his wife.
Accused of assault and battery, Mitchell’s violent behavior towards his spouse led to his arrest and subsequent legal proceedings, tarnishing his public image and resulting in his dismissal from the show after the fifth season.
As ‘Step by Step’ navigated through subsequent seasons without Cody, new characters like Jean-Luc Rieupeyroux, portrayed by Bronson Pinchot, attempted to fill the void left by Cody’s absence.
However, the introduction of these characters failed to capture the essence of Cody’s appeal, signaling a shift in the show’s dynamic.
Viewers witnessed Cody’s brief return in a single episode during the series’ final season on CBS, offering a nostalgic nod to the beloved character’s legacy.
Reflecting on his departure from the show, Mitchell acknowledged the challenges he faced and the impact it had on his career.
Despite his personal struggles, Mitchell remained grateful for the joy Cody Lambert brought to audiences, emphasizing the power of humor in connecting with people.
While his missteps may have led to his exit from ‘Step by Step,’ Cody’s enduring legacy as a comedic force continues to resonate with fans, transcending time and reminding us of the laughter he once brought into our lives.
