I saw the first episode when it first aired in prime time back in September of 1970 when I was nine years old. And I remember really enjoying it.
At the very end, I thought the MTM cat was the most amazingly clever thing I had ever seen (as a kid, knowing it was a take-off of the MGM lion). I kind of fell in love with Mary (of course we all did) especially as the series and episodes went on. Like I said, I truly believe that this was one of THE greatest shows ever on television (very likely the best). Everything clicked: the acting, the choice of actors for the show,the characters they were chosen to play, and most evidently and importantly, the incredible writing. And what wonderful, sophisticated writing it was. I really can't remember anything "dumb" or silly in this show. It never once insulted my intelligence (or attempted to insult anyone's).
The characters in the cast became very much like old friends to me, and I guess to most people. Almost like family. Why couldn't we know people or work with people like this?
An episode of special note regarding exceptional writing and direction: The one where Mary is so tired of trying to find a suitable man to date or have a relationship with, that on Georgette's advice, she asks Lou Grant out on a date. This was the next to the last episode of the series, by the way. I believe that most people who remember this episode will agree with me that it was one the best ones of the entire show.
Unfortunately, there aren't any more sitcoms on prime time T.V. today that can compare to this comedic gem.
And Mary, you'll always turn the world on with your smile!!
At the very end, I thought the MTM cat was the most amazingly clever thing I had ever seen (as a kid, knowing it was a take-off of the MGM lion). I kind of fell in love with Mary (of course we all did) especially as the series and episodes went on. Like I said, I truly believe that this was one of THE greatest shows ever on television (very likely the best). Everything clicked: the acting, the choice of actors for the show,the characters they were chosen to play, and most evidently and importantly, the incredible writing. And what wonderful, sophisticated writing it was. I really can't remember anything "dumb" or silly in this show. It never once insulted my intelligence (or attempted to insult anyone's).
The characters in the cast became very much like old friends to me, and I guess to most people. Almost like family. Why couldn't we know people or work with people like this?
An episode of special note regarding exceptional writing and direction: The one where Mary is so tired of trying to find a suitable man to date or have a relationship with, that on Georgette's advice, she asks Lou Grant out on a date. This was the next to the last episode of the series, by the way. I believe that most people who remember this episode will agree with me that it was one the best ones of the entire show.
Unfortunately, there aren't any more sitcoms on prime time T.V. today that can compare to this comedic gem.
And Mary, you'll always turn the world on with your smile!!