Ep 8. But Seriously, Folks

Mary Tyler Moore Show season 3 episode 8, named But Seriously, Folks is a classic sitcom episode that showcases the comedic talents of the cast. Set in the newsroom of the fictional WJM-TV station in Minneapolis, this episode takes an amusing look at the world of stand-up comedy, as Mary gets the chance to showcase her own talents.

The episode begins with Mary becoming frustrated with her job as the associate producer of the Six O'Clock News. She feels like she's stuck in a rut, and is desperate to find a way to break out of her routine. When her friend Phyllis suggests that she try her hand at stand-up comedy, Mary is initially hesitant. But Phyllis is persistent, and soon Mary is convinced to give it a try.

To prepare for her big debut, Mary enlists the help of her colleagues in the newsroom, including her boss Lou Grant, the gruff news anchor Ted Baxter, and her friend Murray Slaughter, who is also a writer. They all offer her advice on how to be funny and how to deal with hecklers, but none of them seem to be taking her seriously.

Despite their lack of encouragement, Mary soldiers on, and eventually takes the stage at a local comedy club. Her performance is a mix of self-deprecating humor and observational comedy, and it goes down surprisingly well with the audience. But just as she's winning them over, she's interrupted by none other than Ted Baxter, who decides to crash the show and try his own hand at comedy.

Ted's performance is predictably disastrous, and he ends up insulting the crowd and getting booed off stage. But Mary takes it all in stride, and even manages to salvage the situation by making a few jokes at her own expense. By the end of the episode, she's back at her desk in the newsroom, feeling more confident than ever.

Overall, But Seriously, Folks is a fun and lighthearted episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, with plenty of laughs and some great one-liners. It's a great example of the show's ability to balance humor with emotion, and it's a testament to the talents of the cast and crew. Whether you're a fan of classic sitcoms or just looking for something to brighten your day, this episode is definitely worth watching.