Ep 20. Hi!

The Mary Tyler Moore Show revolves around the life of Mary Richards, a 30-year-old single woman who works as an Associate Producer for WJM-TV in Minneapolis. She is independent, smart, and a very passionate person who always strives to be the best in what she does. The show explores her personal and professional life and the various people she encounters along the way.

Season 1, episode 20 – “Hi!” – begins with Mary and Rhoda, her best friend, having breakfast. They discuss Mary's new neighbor, Howard Arnell, who she met while doing laundry. Howard is a reserved and shy man, and Mary is intrigued by him. She feels that he might be a good friend, so she decides to invite him over to her apartment.

Meanwhile, at the WJM newsroom, Lou Grant, Mary's boss, is discussing the upcoming budget with Murray Slaughter, the head writer. He informs him that the newsroom's budget has been cut, and they need to reduce expenses. Murray suggests that they lay off Ted Baxter, the anchorman, to save money. Ted overhears their conversation and is worried about losing his job. He confronts Murray, who assures him that he is not going anywhere.

Mary prepares for Howard's visit to her apartment by cleaning and arranging things. She is nervous and worried about making a good impression. When Howard arrives, Mary tries to make small talk, but he is awkward and shy. Howard reveals that he lost his job and is struggling to find a new one. Mary sympathizes with him and tells him that she will help him in any way she can.

Back at the newsroom, Ted Baxter believes that he is going to lose his job, so he starts acting weirdly. He begins by insulting the news team during a live broadcast and then plays pranks on them during the show. Lou and Murray realize that his erratic behavior is because of the fear of losing his job, so they decide to reassure him that he is not in danger of losing his job.

Mary invites Rhoda over to her apartment to help her with Howard. Rhoda tries to engage Howard in a conversation, but he is still shy. They decide to play a game to lighten the mood, but Howard fails to participate. When Rhoda leaves, Mary tells Howard that she wants to help him find a job. Howard is grateful for her offer and feels hopeful.

On the news show, Ted's pranks continue. He interrupts a video presentation and causes chaos in the newsroom. Lou confronts him and tells him to stop behaving like a child. Ted reveals that he is worried about losing his job, and Lou assures him that he is safe.

Mary takes Howard to the WJM newsroom to introduce him to Murray and Lou, hoping they can help him find a job. Howard's nervousness resurfaces, and he struggles to make small talk with Murray and Lou. They offer him some job contacts, and Howard is grateful for their help.

The episode ends with Mary and Howard having a conversation at her apartment. Howard admits that he is a shy person and is not good at making friends. Mary tells him that she understands him and invites him to her party. Howard is happy to be invited and feels hopeful about making new friends.

In conclusion, episode 20 of The Mary Tyler Moore Show season 1 – “Hi!” – depicts the struggles of a shy and introverted person trying to make friends and find a job. Mary's compassion and empathy towards Howard is heartwarming, and her efforts to help him find a job and make friends are touching. The episode's subplot about Ted's fear of losing his job and his childish behavior is a humorous contrast to Howard's struggles. Overall, this episode is a wonderful portrayal of the complexities of human relationships and the importance of kindness and friendship.