Ep 4. Divorce Isn't Everything

Mary Richards is finally getting a chance to relax after a busy week at WJM-TV when she receives a frantic phone call from her old friend, Marge Gunderson. Marge's husband, Howard, has just asked her for a divorce, and Marge is devastated. Mary tries to console her friend over the phone, but Marge begs her to come over to her apartment and talk.

Mary arrives at Marge's apartment to find her friend in tears. Marge explains that she was completely blindsided by Howard's request for a divorce, and she doesn't know how to cope. Mary tries to reassure her friend that she will be okay, but Marge is inconsolable.

Over the course of the afternoon, Mary helps Marge pack her things and move out of her apartment, as Howard wants her out by the end of the week. As they work, Marge confides in Mary about her marriage and how she feels like she failed as a wife. Mary is sympathetic and supportive, assuring Marge that she is not to blame for Howard's decision.

That evening, Mary invites Marge to stay at her apartment for a few nights until she can find a new place to live. Marge is grateful for Mary's kindness and accepts the offer. However, as they settle in for the night, Marge becomes overwhelmed with emotion and begins to sob uncontrollably. Mary does her best to comfort her friend, but she knows that Marge's road to recovery will be a long one.

The following day, Mary must balance her work duties with supporting Marge. At the office, she struggles to cover for her absent co-worker, Sue Ann Nivens, who has called in sick. Sue Ann was supposed to host a cooking segment on the evening news, but Mary is forced to take over. Despite her nerves, Mary does an admirable job and receives praise from her colleagues.

After work, Mary takes Marge to see a divorce lawyer who helps Marge understand her legal rights and what to expect in the coming weeks. Mary is impressed by the lawyer's professionalism and compassion and begins to see him in a new light.

As Marge begins to navigate the divorce proceedings, Mary struggles with her own feelings about marriage and relationships. She confides in her neighbor, Rhoda Morgenstern, about her fears of ending up alone. Rhoda tries to reassure Mary that she will find love someday, but Mary isn't so sure.

The episode ends with Marge moving into a new apartment and Mary helping her get settled. Marge is still reeling from the end of her marriage, but she is grateful for the support of her friends. Mary, meanwhile, continues to grapple with her own doubts and insecurities about love and relationships.

Divorce Isn't Everything is a poignant episode that explores the themes of love, loss, and friendship. Through Mary's relationship with Marge, we see how divorce can be a difficult and painful experience, but also how friends can provide comfort and support during times of crisis. The episode also touches on Mary's own fears about love and her desire to find lasting companionship. Overall, Divorce Isn't Everything is a thoughtful and engaging episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show.