Kilian’s tenure as writer caused some controversy for several radical events that took place. For example, in 1994 Dick and Tess (who had long been depicted as happily married) experienced significant marital strife and a brief separation due to Tess' objection to Tracy's dedication to his career. Such strife was largely unprecedented in their married life, although it was much more common during their courtship in stories from the 1930s. This separation, much like previous separations in that courtship, eventually ended with Dick and Tess happily reconciled.