Ep 13. He's All Yours

Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore) is a career woman who has just moved to Minneapolis and landed a job as associate producer of the news program at WJM-TV. In season 1 episode 13, titled "He's All Yours," Mary finds herself in the middle of a sticky situation when she agrees to take care of her boss Lou Grant's (Edward Asner) son for the weekend.

At first, Mary is excited about the opportunity to spend time with a child, but she quickly realizes that Lou's son, Richie (Ronnie Schell), is a big handful. He's loud, obnoxious, and constantly getting into trouble. Mary's attempts to give him structure and discipline fall on deaf ears, as Richie seems to have a knack for getting his way.

As the weekend wears on, Mary becomes increasingly frazzled by Richie's behavior. She struggles to keep up with his energy and keep him entertained, while also trying to work on a big news story that could potentially secure her a promotion at work. Meanwhile, Lou is off on a vacation, unaware of the chaos his son is causing.

Things come to a head when Richie starts a fire in Mary's apartment, prompting her neighbor Phyllis (Cloris Leachman) to call the fire department. As the firefighters put out the flames, Mary is left to deal with the fallout of the incident, including a hefty bill for damages and the realization that she may never be cut out for motherhood.

Despite the challenges, Mary is determined to see the weekend through. She takes Richie on an adventure to a children's museum, hoping to bond with him and show him the joys of learning. But even this outing doesn't go as planned, as Richie ends up causing a scene and getting lost in the museum.

In the end, Mary and Richie return home exhausted and defeated. But as Mary tucks Richie into bed, she realizes that despite all of his misbehavior and mayhem, she has grown fond of him. And in a touching moment, Richie admits that he likes Mary too, leaving her with a glimmer of hope for the future.

"He's All Yours" is a classic episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, showcasing the show's signature mix of heart, humor, and relatable storytelling. Mary's struggles to balance work and motherhood are timeless themes that still resonate with viewers today, making this episode a must-watch for fans of the show and newcomers alike.