Carstairs Considers....: TV Show Review: Mary Tyler Moore Show

Sunday, March 3, 2013

TV Show Review: Mary Tyler Moore Show - Season 3

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: 24 more episodes full of great characters and timeless humor.

Cons: Lack of extras (but it's a minor issue)

The Bottom Line:

New character means

More chances to laugh for us

Show hitting its stride

A Third Season of Smiles and Laughs

By the third season, the cast and crew of The Mary Tyler Moore Show knew what they were doing and how to do it. It shows in this wonderful three disc collection.

Little has changed in Mary Richard's (Mary Tyler Moore) world. She works in the news room of WJM-TV in Minneapolis along with her boss Lou Grant (Ed Asner), anchor Ted Baxter (Ted Knight), and news writer Murray Slaughter (Gavin MacLeod). At home, she's got best friends Rhoda (Valerie Harper) and Phyllis (Cloris Leachman). Whether it's the trials of serial dating (Mary and Rhoda's guys never last more then an episode) or trying to bring up the ratings at work, these characters are sure to face life with a joke to keep us laughing.

The big change to the show is the introduction of Georgia Engel as Ted's girlfriend Georgette. I had forgotten, but she was originally Rhoda's co-worker introduced in "Rhoda Morgenstern: Minneapolis to New York." She only gets four episodes here, but it's a start.

Unfortunately, Phyllis only has four episodes as well this season. I always enjoy her appearances since she's so over the top funny. I'm sure we all know someone who is convinced they know best no matter what the situation.

This season also features several appearances of Mary's parents after they move to Minneapolis. Watching a loving relationship work through the issues this creates is nice.

Highlights of this season include:

"The Good Time News," which finds Mary trying to create a fun news show.

"It's Whether You Win or Lose" finds gambling addict Murray in trouble when Mary sets up a poker night for the guys in the office. Even a serious topic like this gets lots of laughs.

In "Farmer Ted and the News," Ted begins doing commercials to make extra money, causing quite a problem when they air during the news.

Lou sees a more human side of Ted in "Operation: Lou."

Rhoda considers moving back to New York in "Rhoda Morgenstern: Minneapolis to New York." Fortunately, she doesn't leave until the end of next season.

Phyllis feels like "My Brother's Keeper" when her brother starts hanging out with Rhoda instead of Mary like Phyllis had originally planned. This episode features the first of Mary's truly horrid parties.

When "Romeo and Mary" go out and he won't take no for an answer about a second date, Mary really lets him have it. Yet she winds up being the one that's embarrassed.

All told, there are twenty-four more episodes to make you laugh along with Mary and her friends. There are no extras in the set this time around. While I always love behind the scenes stuff, for the price, I won't complain about just getting the shows themselves. The episodes look sharp with hardly any flaws in the picture and the sound, while mono, fits the show and sounds great.

I love this show. Just thinking about the characters brings a smile to my face. If you enjoy classic comedy, The Mary Tyler Moore Show season 3 is for you.

Season 3 Episodes:

1. The Good Time News

2. What is Mary Richards Really Like?

3. Who's in Charge Here?

4. Enter Rhoda's Parents

5. It's Whether You Win or Lose

6. Rhoda the Beautiful

7. Just Around the Corner

8. But Seriously, Folks

9. Farmer Ted and the News

10. Have I Found a Guy for You

11. You've Got a Friend