Ep 21. Mary's Aunt Returns

Mary's Aunt Returns is a heartwarming and hilarious episode from season 6 of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. The episode opens with Mary receiving a surprise phone call from her Aunt Flo, whom she hasn't seen in over 20 years. Aunt Flo, played by renowned character actress Eileen Heckart, announces that she is coming to Minneapolis for a visit and needs a place to stay.

Mary is initially thrilled at the prospect of spending time with her beloved aunt, but she soon realizes that Aunt Flo is not exactly the same person she remembers from her childhood. Aunt Flo, a free-spirited and eccentric woman, is now in her 70s and has developed a few quirks that Mary finds difficult to tolerate. She insists on carrying a plastic bag with her everywhere she goes and constantly interrupts conversations to make nonsensical comments.

Complicating matters further is the fact that Aunt Flo's visit coincides with a crucial time at work for Mary. Lou is pressuring her to finish a big story on a tight deadline, and Mary is struggling to balance her professional responsibilities with her desire to spend quality time with her aunt.

As the episode unfolds, Mary becomes increasingly frustrated with Aunt Flo's antics and struggles to keep her focus on work. Things come to a head when Aunt Flo comes to the newsroom to surprise Mary, causing chaos and embarrassment for Mary and her colleagues. The climax of the episode sees Mary confronting her Aunt Flo and expressing her frustrations, leading to an emotional heart-to-heart that deepens their relationship.

The episode is a standout for its poignant portrayal of family dynamics and its exploration of the challenges of balancing work and personal life. With its sharp writing, excellent performances, and memorable moments, Mary's Aunt Returns is a classic episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show that still resonates with audiences today.