Ep 8. Menage-a-Phyllis

Phyllis (Cloris Leachman) becomes tired of her old house and wants a new one, but her daughter Bess (Lisa Gerritsen) tells her that she has already bought a new one without even checking it properly. Phyllis goes to see it with Bess and they discover that the house is an absolute mess, with the doors not even opening correctly. They then encounter the real estate agent Schnelker (Richard Schaal) who tells them about the previous owner who was a professor. When they go to his office at the university, they find out that he is a 20-year-old graduate student named Timmy Sutherland (Bernie Kopell). Phyllis and Bess end up befriending him and invite him to live with them since he has nowhere else to go.

As Phyllis and Bess prepare for Timmy to move in, they begin to have second thoughts about taking in a male boarder. They consult with Mary (Mary Tyler Moore) who tells them to trust their instincts. However, when Timmy arrives, both Phyllis and Bess find themselves drawn to his youthful energy and enthusiasm. They begin to compete for his attention, with Phyllis trying to impress him with her cooking and Bess attempting to learn how to play guitar like him. Meanwhile, Mary tries to convince Lou (Edward Asner) to take her out to dinner at a fancy restaurant, but he is reluctant to spend the money.

As the week progresses, Phyllis and Bess become increasingly jealous of each other's relationship with Timmy. They both try to impress him by inviting him to events and activities, but their attempts backfire. Phyllis injures herself while rock climbing and Bess fails at playing guitar in front of him. The tension comes to a head when Timmy announces that he has been offered a position at the university and will be moving out. Phyllis and Bess both realize that they care about him deeply and decide to express their feelings to him. However, their attempts are met with confusion by Timmy, who had no idea about their competing affections. In the end, Timmy decides to move out and live on his own, much to Phyllis and Bess's disappointment.

The episode deals with themes of jealousy and competition, as Phyllis and Bess both struggle with their feelings for Timmy. It also showcases the dynamic between Mary and Lou, with Mary attempting to break down Lou's penny-pinching ways. The episode is notable for its exploration of unconventional relationships and the complexities of human emotions. Overall, "Menage-a-Phyllis" is a humorous and poignant episode that offers a unique perspective on love and relationships.