Ep 9. Farmer Ted and the News

The Mary Tyler Moore Show season 3 episode 9, titled "Farmer Ted and the News," follows the quirky and endearing newsroom staff of WJM-TV as they navigate the challenges of producing a daily news broadcast.

The episode begins with Mary Richards, the show's main character and news producer, receiving a call from her old friend, Farmer Ted. Ted is a farmer living in rural Minnesota who has recently become a celebrity after being interviewed by a major news network. Mary is thrilled for her friend and decides to feature him in a segment on their own news broadcast.

However, things quickly become complicated when Ted arrives at the studio and clashes with anchorman Ted Baxter over the pronunciation of his name. Despite Mary's attempts to smooth things over, tensions rise between the two Teds, causing chaos in the newsroom.

Meanwhile, Murray, the head writer, is struggling to come up with a relevant and interesting news story for the day's broadcast. He gets frustrated with his coworkers' lack of enthusiasm and decides to take matters into his own hands by pitching a controversial story about a local corruption scandal.

Mary is hesitant to pursue the story, as it could potentially harm the careers of some prominent community members. However, Murray is determined to uncover the truth and convinces Mary and the rest of the news team to follow his lead.

As the episode progresses, tensions continue to rise between the two Teds and Murray's investigation begins to uncover some uncomfortable truths. The episode ends with a dramatic broadcast that leaves the audience on the edge of their seats and the WJM-TV news team feeling both proud and conflicted about the impact of their reporting.

Overall, "Farmer Ted and the News" is a classic episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show that showcases the show's signature blend of humor and heart. The episode deals with issues of journalistic ethics, friendship, and the importance of standing up for what you believe in. It's a must-watch for fans of the show and anyone who appreciates classic TV comedy.