Ep 1. The Birds . . . and . . . um . . . Bees

The Mary Tyler Moore Show season 2 episode 1, titled "The Birds...and...um...Bees," follows Mary Richards as she tries to navigate the tricky waters of dating once again. She has just broken up with her longtime boyfriend and is ready to start fresh. However, when her co-worker, Murray, sets her up on a blind date with his cousin, Mary quickly realizes that she has no idea how to handle herself in this new dating landscape.

Meanwhile, Mary's boss, Lou Grant, is dealing with his own issues. His teenage daughter, who has just moved in with him, is going through a rebellious phase and driving him crazy. When she starts seeing a boy, Lou's protective instincts kick in and he becomes overly involved in their relationship, much to his daughter's chagrin.

As Mary and Lou deal with their respective dating and parenting woes, the rest of the WJM newsroom is bustling with activity. Ted Baxter, the hapless anchorman, is preparing for a visit from his mother, who he is desperately trying to impress. And Sue Ann Nivens, the station's resident homemaking expert, is planning a segment on the birds and the bees that may be more than viewers are expecting.

As the episode unfolds, Mary must navigate the ups and downs of her blind date, while Lou tries to find a way to connect with his daughter without driving her further away. Along the way, there are plenty of laughs, awkward moments, and surprising twists.

"The Birds...and...um...Bees" is a classic episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, capturing the wit, warmth, and humor that made the show a beloved classic. With its sharp writing, endearing characters, and timeless themes, the episode remains a standout in the show's acclaimed second season.