Richard Schaal plays his third character in the series, and it is only season 1. I was confused at first but he now plays Paul, the brother of Howard. Howard is unseen here but was a guest at Mary's first disastrous party at the start of the series. (In between playing Howard and Paul, Schaal did a bit, in full makeup, as Chuckles the Clown.)
The first of the true 'dating' episodes of the series, and I never really liked the dating episodes. Mary usually goes all mushy and the regular cast members change into support players whose only function is to provide gushing approval of Mary's new beau. The episode ending implies they are happy together, but usually we never see or hear about the boyfriend ever again.
This episode becomes a bit of a shaggy dog story as Paul and Mary visit his parents who idolise Howard and dismiss Paul and think Mary and Howard are still dating. Recognisable actors Mary Jackson and Henry Jones are good as the obnoxious parents. Mary gets very gooey over Paul but he doesn't seem that attractive.
The first of the true 'dating' episodes of the series, and I never really liked the dating episodes. Mary usually goes all mushy and the regular cast members change into support players whose only function is to provide gushing approval of Mary's new beau. The episode ending implies they are happy together, but usually we never see or hear about the boyfriend ever again.
This episode becomes a bit of a shaggy dog story as Paul and Mary visit his parents who idolise Howard and dismiss Paul and think Mary and Howard are still dating. Recognisable actors Mary Jackson and Henry Jones are good as the obnoxious parents. Mary gets very gooey over Paul but he doesn't seem that attractive.
