The Mary Tyler Moore Show (TV Series) Lou's Place (1973) User Reviews

Funny farce

[Rrrobert · 8/10 · 26 August 2019]

A funny straight-ahead comedy episode.

Lou buys a bar after its popular owner dies but needs Ted to have enough for the deposit. Ted's antics (and observation about the bar with 'lots of really good looking guys') are great fun. When the regulars drift away Lou works to become the convivial host his predecessor was, producing one of the funniest set pieces in the series.

Painful but funny

[VetteRanger · 7/10 · 27 March 2023]

This might be more painful for me, because when I was in High School my father sold one business and used the proceeds to buy a bar in Cocoa Beach Florida with two partners. They lost their shirts on the place, leading to quite a few years of lean times for the family.

In this episode, the owner of Lou Grant's favorite bar dies and the widow puts it up for sale. Lou grabs every cent he can and takes Ted Baxter on as a partner for his $1500 contribution.

Then the bar bombs, as the former owner was the draw. Lou makes a painful attempt to be friendly, funny, and fun ... with predictable results. There are some funny bits in his last scene in the bar, but for my money the funniest bit in the show is Murray's last attempt to get back $3 he loaned Ted. :-)

Hilarious

[plutomeyer · 10/10 · 3 August 2017]

The last scene of this episode is one of the funniest things I have ever seen. I have watched this episode many times, and it never fails to break me up. Ed Asner is at his wonderful best. The episode was written by one of MTM's best writers, Ed. Weinberger, who is up there with David Lloyd for brilliant comedy. These two writers get my vote for pure funny, Treva Silverman wins for heart...

The Cure for Alcoholism

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 9 February 2017]

This episode spotlights the great Ed Asner. Lou Grant has always wanted to own a bar and when his favorite watering hole becomes available, he jumps at the chance. Unfortunately, to get the money he needs for the down payment, he has to borrow 1500 dollars from Ted. Unfortunately, the bar is a bust. The previous owner, now deceased, was the drawing card. All the regulars have deserted the place. Lou's solution is to change his personality to a happy, friendly guy. What ensues is one of the funniest five minutes in the entire series. He tries to lead the few customers he has in a rousing rendition of Alexander's Ragtime Band. Don't miss this one.

A master class in comedy from Ed Asner

[ericjamesduerr · 10/10 · 8 July 2019]

The entire "Alexander's Ragtime Band" scene is a work of art from Mr. Asner. It's hard pressed to watch a sitcom and find something just so perfect! Of course, the episode is pretty good throughout but you'll want to stay.