Was Tom originally supposed to "replace" Mr. Hooper?

[LincolnHeights]

During the 3rd Season, there was another storekeeper named Tom, who worked for Mr. Hooper. Well after reading the Season 3 episode guide, it seems like Tom was in a lot more episodes than Mr. Hooper was. Do you think it's possible, that Will Lee wanted to move on to other things and Tom was created so there would be an alternate store owner, so Mr. Hooper could be seen on an occasional basis, but then when the actor who played Tom quit, Will Lee had to come back full time, and after that the show became so popular he became more proud to be Mr. Hooper? I know this is doing some deep thinking on the subject. But it's very possible. What does everyone else think of all of this?

 

[Ilikemuppets]

That very well could have been possible. maybe somthng else came up in Will Lee's career and it didn't happen or something. But anything is possible.

 

[mikebennidict]

Maybe he was unavailable for most the the year because of other commitments or for heath reasons.

I don't think in such situations it means one is on their way out.

Also was Hooper out for most of the season or half of the season?