The Mary Tyler Moore Show (TV Series) Today I am a Ma'am (1970) User Reviews

Today I am a Ma'am

[studioAT · 9/10 · 7 July 2020]

It's hard to believe that this is only the 2nd episode of this beloved show, such is the quality of the chemistry between the cast, and the quality of the writing.

This episode aired in 1970, but feels as fresh and funny as it did then. I'd actually prefer to watch this than many modern sitcoms, it speaks to me more.

Too many memorable lines to quote, so I'll end by saying that this was a joy.

The First Disastrous Party

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 25 January 2017]

As time goes on, we will come to realize that Mary Richards became known for some of the lamest parties of all time. In this one, Mary bemoans the fact that a young guy called her Ma'am in the newsroom. She is feeling old (we should look so good) and Rhoda tries to raise her spirits. She gets Mary to call some guy she hasn't seen in four years. She, herself makes a date with a guy she ran over with her car. It turns out he's married and this leads to a remarkably funny, totally awful evening. Mary's date is Richard Schaal who was a hilarious actor at this time. He is so infatuated with Mary that he has a camera and takes a picture of her as she opens the door. The married guests are a couple of really dull people who are actually newlyweds. Rhoda is treated like she isn't there. Anyway, it's a disaster and the writing is fantastic. Oh, we also meet Phyllis Lindstrom played by Chloris Leachman. A great episode showing Mary's non-working side.

9/10

[Analog_Devotee · 9/10 · 31 October 2021]

A hilarious second episode, better than the first, in my opinion. The bit involving returning the ice and the bag of water had me dying laughing. Already you can see a chemistry between this cast that's so hard to find in today's television. Maybe one day we'll return to these glory days -- but in the meantime, I'm glad I can watch these episodes anytime I please.

Mary's awkwardly lame party

[ronnybee2112 · 8/10 · 22 June 2021]

This episode is so well-made/acted/directed that I felt embarrassed for MTM's character and her sad little house warming party.

(Small parties with people that don't know each other very well are usually a bad idea.)

Basically,Mary throws a small housewarming party and she invites an old flame that just recently blew into town. Another guest is a man that Rhoda accidentally ran into (with her car),he is invited to be there at the party as Rhoda's date... (which would be fine,but it turns out he is married and he brought his wife to the party !) The party itself stumbles along and turns out to be a boring,sad little get-together for all present.

This is a funny and relatable episode.🌞

Mary's life history.

[philbrandt-20031 · 8/10 · 10 August 2020]

This is one of several episodes that confuse me. If Mary moved from some distant place, how is it her old friend Phyllis is there and a guy she dated 4 years earlier?

Mary's first terrible party

[Rrrobert · 7/10 · 15 June 2019]

The second episode of the series is an average one, but it really depicts well the relationship between Mary and Rhoda. Valerie Harper as Rhoda is at her funniest.

Valerie Harper's real-life husband is dating Mary Richards?!

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 28 January 2024]

The casting of Mary's old boyfriend, Howard, is most unusual. This is because Richard Schaal was, at the time, the real life husband of Valerie Harper...'Rhoda'! This must have seemed a bit awkward...but at least they didn't have any hot and heavy scenes together...now THAT would have been awkward!

When the story begins, Mary, Phyllis and Rhoda are talking about getting Mary a date. Phyllis suggests Mary call an old ex-boyfriend, Howard, as they seemed to get along great. Rhoda suggests she invite Howard to a dinner party...and she'll find a date as well. Mary agrees but soon realizes after phoning him why they broke up...Howard is a bit of a putz. But it's worse for Rhoda...which you'll have to see for yourself.

This one sets the stage for many later episodes.... Mary throws disastrous dinner parties. This later became a hilarious theme but here it seems less funny and more just cringe-inducing and awkward. Overall, a good episode but one that so might dislike simply because it's so cringey. I like it...though I also like cringe.

By the way, this show also introduces one of the only things I disliked in early episodes. Rhoda calls herself fat...though Valerie Harper is super-skinny. This sends an awful message to women watching it.