Did you ever notice how fast a long time excellent fictional “series” ceases to be as enjoyable as soon as you see:
Original Writer and Protege as joint authors?

I understand the follow the money – what is the worst is when the protege also has some excellent characters and suddenly the traits of the protege start being part of the Famous Author’s characters.

Living or Dead – it just means the authors work degrades even if it increases their cash flow…
(in my opinion)