Ep 1. The Lars Affair

It's another season and another day at WJM News. Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore) is back at work as she settles in for another day. She seems to be off to a good start, having been offered a promotion as associate producer for WJM's six o'clock news show. However, there's trouble in paradise when one of the station's bosses, Lou Grant (Ed Asner), informs her that the position comes with no raise in pay. Mary's not thrilled, considering she was hoping to use a salary increase to finally move out of her studio apartment.

Meanwhile, there's trouble in the office – specifically in the form of Rhoda Morgenstern (Valerie Harper), who is upset that her boyfriend, Joe is being sent on a long business trip. Mary agrees to juggle Rhoda's job as well as her own until Joe comes home. The work becomes too much for Mary, and she eventually begins to feel the stress and pressure of the additional duties taking a toll on her.

Things get even crazier when Ted Baxter (Ted Knight), the station's dim-witted newsman, announces on air that Lars Lindstrom (Gerald Gordon), WJM's weatherman, has been fired. Mary is taken aback by the bold announcement, and when she confronts Ted, she learns that he made the announcement due to a personal grudge he holds against Lars. Mary decides to track down Lars and get his side of the story.

Mary discovers that Lars has been having an affair with Sue Ann Nivens (Betty White), the station's homemaker-show producer. Sue Ann, who is infamously known for her wild love life, is enjoying all the attention from her affair with Lars, who is married. Despite her personal involvement with Lars, Sue Ann insists on remaining professional when working with Mary after she confronts Sue Ann about the affair.

As the episode progresses, Mary is forced to juggle her tasks as an associate producer and Rhoda's job as well, while also dealing with the ongoing issue between Lars and Sue Ann. The episode culminates in a dramatic confrontation between Mary, Sue Ann, and Lars that is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Overall, "The Lars Affair" is a classic episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show that deftly balances humor and drama. The show's talented cast members all deliver great performances, particularly Mary Tyler Moore, who continues to prove herself as one of the greatest comedic actresses of all time. Fans of the show will appreciate the way this episode explores some of the ongoing personal and professional dynamics between the characters, while also providing plenty of laughs along the way.