Reply #13: Adam for me. I read an analysis of the series

[SOteric]

which indicated Pernell Roberts was the major part of the inspiration for the more 'liberal' direction of the show. It was his urging that had them deal more sensitively with some aspects of the early Chinese population in America, after producers horrified him by writing basically racist parts for Hop Sing.

As charming as Lorne, Dan and Michael could be, they apparently were just big kids who loved to rough-house and tease one another on the sets. Pernell Roberts actively pursued liberal themes for the show, and tried to influence the writers, directors and producers.