The series ran on ABC from September 17, 2002 to April 15, 2005.The first season focused on Paul being left in charge of the kids after Cate takes a full-time job as a nurse, with comedic emphasis on his often strict rules concerning his daughters and dating.Sometimes I was nodding along in agreement with a familiar idea, elegantly stated. After several failed attempts to woo Alison, Elliott wishes to be all the amazing things he things Allison like, plus "sensitive."Pimple-faced, wearing a chorded cardigan, Elliott gallops down a beach to his love, who sits meditating under a thatched umbrella. " Dearest Mike, people engaged in the good fight to restore injustices in the world - those speaking truth to power, marching, picketing, and sometimes even dying for their causes - they do not ask such questions, for they are too busy doing the work to think to ask such a self-congratulatory question.Perhaps the dichotomy between you and they is the basis of the angst that which you wish to convey in these comics.I was constantly impressed by his inventiveness and skill. This is because he is a real-life manifestation of the weak, confused, emotionally fragile character "Elliot" (Brendan Fraser) starring in Harold Ramis' 2000 movie "Bedazzled." In the movie, Elliott sells his soul to The Devil (Elizabeth Hurley) in exchange for seven wishes, all of which he crafts in order to gain the love of his dream-girl, Alison (Frances O'Connor). But grown ups don't wallow in their despair about it, like man-boys whom alternately flagellate themselves for their privilege while rationalizing why they don't do more for the underprivileged.The essays cover a range of topics, from gun violence, parenting, fragility of humanity, and Sofia the First. I thoroughly recommend this book, both for its thought-provoking essays and to see a wonderful example of what comics as a medium can do. And each time, The Devil thwarts Elliott by capitalizing over-literally - like a satanic Amelia Bedelia - on the nitty gritty details of what he said and didn't say in his wish. " Elliott responds "I went to make a garland of beach plums to place across your glorious head like a crown ... 'Sunset' Mike is such a man-boy, the epitome of narcissist do-gooder do-nothing -ism.'Sunset' Mike worries across the comic "Am I good?

Nothing encourages a little healthy reflection and self-assessment like having a kid.All of his books are great, and this is no exception. the very memory of which causes Elliott to weep again.'Sunset' Mike's maudlin book "Rules for Dating My Daughter" is such a bleeding heart tale.Great autobiographical tales that will be relatable to anyone with a young daughter. This thoughtfulness is on clear display in this book: not just from the text of these excellent comic essays, but from the care Dawson took in drawing these comics. Certainly, life is confusing, challenging and seemingly unfair.The third season (after Ritter's death) took a creative turn, revolving more around cousin C. (David Spade) and grandfather Jim (James Garner), than the immediate Hennessy family, more specifically not revolving around the raising of the Hennessy girls.After the novelty of newly added ensemble characters wore off, the series returned to its original format.8 Simple Rules returned two months after Ritter's death with a one-hour episode, "Goodbye", which was turned into a tribute to Ritter's character.Subsequent episodes dealt with the family's reaction to his death and how they moved on from it. Garner and Spade later received starring roles in order to fill the void left by Ritter for the remainder of the series' run.