Ep 7. Chuckles Bites the Dust

In The Mary Tyler Moore Show's season 6 episode 7, titled "Chuckles Bites the Dust," the team at WJM-TV receives terrible news – Chuckles the Clown has died. Despite the somber occasion, everyone seems to have their own take on the matter – some are sad, while others are dismissive.

Mary finds herself struggling to keep a straight face when she goes to Chuckles' wake. However, when the clown's parade floats through town, things take a turn for the macabre. One of the floats is a giant peanut – a nod to the circumstances of Chuckles' death, which involved being killed by an elephant while dressed as a peanut.

As the episode progresses, the WJM staff must contend with their own reactions to Chuckles' death and the ensuing circus that it creates. In addition to Mary's struggle to keep a straight face, Murray also struggles to find a way to cover the story despite his own lack of interest or affection for Chuckles.

The episode features a number of iconic moments, including Mary's infamous giggle fit during Chuckles' funeral (prompted by a eulogy that details Chuckles being "dressed as a peanut" at the time of his death), as well as Lou's attempts to get everyone in the newsroom to take the story seriously. The episode is also notable for its willingness to confront dark themes and taboo topics – even as it maintains its trademark humor and wit throughout.

Overall, "Chuckles Bites the Dust" is a classic episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show that continues to endure as one of the show's most beloved and iconic moments. With its blend of humor, heart, and poignancy, it offers a powerful reflection on mortality, the nature of laughter, and the strange ways in which life can sometimes imitate art.