Ep 2. Mary the Writer

Mary Richards, the central character of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, is showcased as a brilliantly talented writer in Season 7 Episode 2, titled “Mary the Writer.” The episode opens with Mary celebrating her first-ever byline in the local newspaper, for a story she wrote on a senator's speech at his alma mater. On the other hand, at the newsroom, the slothful team of reporters (Rhoda, Lou, and Murray) seem genuinely envious and annoyed by Mary’s success.

Despite the reaction of her colleagues, Mary is overjoyed and can’t stop gushing about her prospects as a full-time writer. So much that she even turns down an invitation to a roller derby tournament to work on another story. Mary’s editor, Jerry, can also feel her excitement, and thinks it would be great to give her a new assignment. Jerry assigns Mary to write a feature article about the city’s oldest living person, Aggi Funch, who is turning 115 years old. Mary is thrilled about the opportunity, and after a brief chat with Aggi, she realizes the subject has quite a story to tell.

Mary spends hours at the library, digs through archives, and interviews people who have come across Aggi’s path. She writes, rewrites, and spends less and less time with her friends. But in the process, Mary’s interest in Aggi, her experiences, and her life stories, opens up a writer’s block that she’s never experienced before.

Despite her previous successes, Mary is finally stuck with the piece, which starts feeling contrived, lacks depth, and is just not working. After getting feedback from her editor, Mary realizes she’s been trying to write an idealized version of a human being at 115 years, and not about the one in front of her.

The revelation was refreshing for Mary, and she starts again, this time less concerned about making Aggi sound like the oldest person on earth and instead allows Aggi to be human. Mary delivers her final draft to Jerry, who is impressed, and suggests the story should have its cover page.

The episode “Mary the Writer” is a delightful ode to Mary’s character, who is an inspiration to aspiring writers. The episode showcases the creative process and the challenges that come with it, whether you are a seasoned writer or just starting. The episode is a gentle reminder that the journey of a writer is both messy and beautiful, and that it’s okay to get stuck, as long as you persevere.