Ep 12. A Son for Murray

A Son for Murray

In season 5, episode 12 of The Mary Tyler Moore Show titled "A Son for Murray," the lovable and talented Mary Richards finds herself caught up in a heartwarming and comical adventure as she takes on the role of matchmaker for her boss, Lou Grant.

Set in the bustling WJM-TV newsroom in Minneapolis, the episode begins with Murray Slaughter, the head writer for the news broadcast, sharing his worry with Mary. Murray, played by Gavin MacLeod, confides in her that he and his wife, Marie, are unable to have children due to medical complications. Feeling the void left by not having children, Murray is determined to find a young boy from an orphanage who can become his foster son.

Ever the perceptive and empathetic friend, Mary, portrayed by Mary Tyler Moore, sets out on a mission to find the perfect child for Murray. Armed with her signature optimism, she visits a local orphanage called St. Gregory's to explore the possibility of fostering a child for her friend.

At the orphanage, Mary meets Sister Anne, a warm and caring nun who introduces her to the children under her care. Through a series of heartfelt interactions, Mary bonds with the children and realizes the challenges they face in finding permanent homes. Inspired by the resilience and hope of the children, Mary becomes more determined than ever to find a child for Murray.

Back at the newsroom, Mary discusses her plans with her coworkers, including the witty and sarcastic Murray, who admits that he is unsure about the entire process. Lou Grant, the no-nonsense news director played by Ed Asner, overhears their conversation and expresses his own reservations about the idea. Despite his initial doubts, Lou warms up to the idea as Mary passionately explains her motive and the joy it would bring to Murray's life.

With Lou's unexpected support, Mary dives into the process of finding a suitable child for Murray. She scours through files and profiles of children awaiting adoption, seeking the one who could be a perfect match for Murray and Marie. As she navigates through the bureaucratic maze of adoption agencies, Mary encounters a series of amusing and endearing characters, while also confronting the harsh realities some children face.

Through her perseverance and unwavering determination, Mary finally identifies a young boy named Tommy as a potential match for Murray. Tommy, played by a talented young actor, captures Mary's heart with his infectious charm and lively spirit. However, Mary soon realizes that convincing Murray and Marie to consider Tommy as a foster child is going to be a challenging task.

Undeterred, Mary meticulously plans a surprise meeting between Murray and Tommy, hoping that the young boy's presence will touch Murray's heart and change his mind. As the episode reaches its climax, the emotions run high as Murray and Tommy finally meet, unleashing a bittersweet mix of joy, trepidation, and unexpected revelations.

"A Son for Murray" is an emotionally charged and heartwarming episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. It explores themes of family, love, and the courage to open one's heart to unexpected possibilities. With its signature blend of humor and tenderness, the show touches on the universal desire for connection and belonging, reminding us of the transformative power of love.

As the episode comes to an end, viewers are left with a sense of hope, knowing that sometimes, against all odds, true miracles can happen. Mary's mission to find a son for Murray not only brings joy to her friend's life but also provides a glimpse into the vast capacity of the human heart to love and nurture those in need.

Tune in to season 5, episode 12 of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, "A Son for Murray," to witness the touching journey of Mary Richards as she goes above and beyond to make a cherished dream come true in the lives of those she holds dear.