MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW, THE: THE OUTSIDER (TV)
Summary
One in this comedy series about Mary Richards, a single career woman working in a television newsroom.
In this episode, Lou explains to his staff that the station has hired a program coordinator to root out problems and come up with fresh ideas to boost their show's exceptionally poor ratings. Ted, Murray and Mary, worried about the interloper's impact on the newsroom, agree to "stick together" if any of them are fired, though Mary urges them to be nice, at least at first. After two weeks, however, everyone is annoyed by 24-year-old upstart Bob Larson and his many suggestions for changing their styles and traditions. Bob points out that he's "not there to make friends," though Ted continues kissing up to him despite his frustration.
Sue Ann is outraged when promos for the news program begin encroaching on her airtime. Mary finally tells Lou that Bob's presence has caused trouble and low morale among the workers. Lou, however, reveals that ratings have gone up, and the reporters begin receiving stronger reviews and praise from viewers. Realizing that Bob's seemingly ruthless methods are actually working, Mary, Murray and Ted decide to throw him a thank-you party at Mary's apartment, catered by a highly resentful Sue Ann. After a toast, Bob admits that he's leaving WJM in a week's time. Ted, deciding that Bob is distracted by his desire for a lady friend, urges Mary to throw herself at him. When Lou asks directly, Bob explains that he can't do much more with the station's current budget and staffing arrangements. Mary then decides that they should embrace their identity as a "nice, friendly little station" rather than shooting for unrealistic goals. Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: CBS
- DATE: October 12, 1974 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:26:03
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:65107
- GENRE: Comedy
- SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy; Television journalists
- SERIES RUN: CBS - TV series, 1970-1977
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- James L. Brooks … Executive Producer, Created by
- Allan Burns … Executive Producer, Created by
- Ed Weinberger … Producer
- Stan Daniels … Producer
- Budd Cherry … Associate Producer
- Peter Bonerz … Director
- Jack Winter … Writer
- Pat Williams … Music by
- Sonny Curtis … Theme Music by
- Mary Tyler Moore … Cast, Mary Richards
- Ed Asner … Cast, Lou Grant
- Gavin MacLeod … Cast, Murray Slaughter
- Ted Knight … Cast, Ted Baxter
- Georgia Engel … Cast, Georgette Franklin
- Betty White … Cast, Sue Ann Nivens
- Richard Masur … Cast, Bob Larson