First of all, I don't want to get in trouble with any of you Disney "purists". I am a true Disney Purist and therefore I believe what I have to say on this subject is relevent.
ABC decided to keep producing "8 Simple Rules" in the wake of John Ritter's untimely death. They say that they want to honor Ritter's memory by continuing the program. I feel that the best way to honor John Ritter would be to air the final three episodes with him and then cancel the program in his honor. While I will admit that I have never watched the program, (nor did I tune in to this week's season premiere) I do know that this is a program that was created around Ritter and his character. To continue the program without him would be disrespectful.
Some have said that doing this is just an attempt for ABC/Disney to get milage (ratings and $$$) out of Ritter's death. And although it sounds terrible. I think it is partially true. As much as we all love Disney, this is a company that does things in a way that seems questionable. When I worked for the DS, I saw first hand how that division of the company took advantage of the tragedy of September 11, 2001 by mass-merchandising poor quality "patriotic" Mickey t-shirts, CD's and other items within weeks of the attacks.
I understand that Disney is not the only company that did something like this. But there are some companies that you would expect this sort of thing from. In my opinion, Disney is not one of them.
I still wonder if "8 Simple Rules" will indeed continue after the last three Ritter episodes air, and after the brief haitus that they will take. ABC/Disney might do the right thing before this becomes another black eye on the Mouse. But rest assured that if the show does come back, it will join the rest of the ABC prime time line-up that make up the bottom of the ratings, forcing an almost certain and immediate cancellation.