Shelley left Charlie's Angels at the end of its 4th season in 1980 and many of her fans were disappointed. Many felt that she became a scapegoat for the floundering series. The 3rd season of Charlie's Angels had fallen 8 places in the Nielsen ratings, from no. 4 to no. 12; and Shelley's addition to the cast brought renewed interest in the series. She was THE Charlie Girl after all, loved by millions around the world. Her casting brought free and even more publicity to the series. In fact, her debut episode finished at no. 1 in the ratings the week it aired. Her second episode finished in the top 5 that week. As did her third, fourth and fifth episodes. Then it began to spiral down as, after her second episode, she was given little to do or say. Then by the end of the season, she was blamed for the dip in the ratings. How then was she supposed to bring the series back to the top 5 position? By her mere presence alone?
