Ep 17. The System

Mary Richards, the central character of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, is a single woman who works as a news producer in Minneapolis. She is professional, independent, and loved by her colleagues. The show originally aired on CBS from 1970 to 1977, and it was considered groundbreaking for its positive portrayal of working women. In season 5 episode 17, titled The System, Mary faces some personal and professional challenges.

The episode begins with Mary experiencing some relationship troubles with her boyfriend, magazine writer Joe Warner. Joe is visiting from out of town, and Mary is excited to see him. However, when they go out to dinner, Joe seems distracted and disinterested. Mary confronts him about it, and he reveals that he is struggling professionally and is worried about his future. Mary tries to reassure him, but he seems distant and aloof.

Meanwhile, at the newsroom, Mary is having trouble with her new boss, Billie Newman. Billie is a no-nonsense journalist who has been brought in to shake things up at WJM-TV. She wants to implement some changes in the newsroom, including using a new computer system to manage stories and assignments. Mary is resistant to the changes, as she feels that the system is impersonal and will take away from the human element of journalism. However, Billie insists that they need to modernize the newsroom in order to stay competitive.

As Mary and Billie clash over the new system, Mary's friend and coworker Lou Grant tries to intervene. Lou is the gruff but lovable news director who has been with the station for years. He sympathizes with Mary's concerns but also admits that the news industry is changing rapidly. He encourages her to try to adapt to the new system and not let her personal feelings get in the way of her job.

As the episode progresses, Mary tries to balance her personal and professional challenges. She continues to support Joe, even as he becomes more distant and preoccupied. She also tries to find ways to work within the new system, even as she feels that it goes against her journalistic principles. In the end, Mary is forced to confront some tough truths about her job, her relationship, and herself.

Overall, The System is a classic episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show that deals with some timeless issues. It addresses the tensions between tradition and modernity, personal ideals and professional realities, and love and work. The episode is notable for its witty writing, compelling characters, and insightful commentary on the changing nature of news and media. Whether you are a fan of classic sitcoms or just looking for an entertaining and thought-provoking show, The Mary Tyler Moore Show is a must-see.