The Mary Tyler Moore Show (TV Series) Is a Friend in Need (1971) User Reviews

Mary the Liar

[Hitchcoc · 7/10 · 3 February 2017]

Mary shows her shallow side after Rhoda loses her job. When a job shows up at the station, she tells Rhoda it was filled. This leads to a hilarious encounters in Lou's office (which is a continuing highlight of the show). Phyllis gets her oar in every chance she gets and Rhoda doesn't do much to find new employment. There is an undercurrent of what it is like to be out of work and have bills to pay. Mary's honesty is always on display, even if she has trouble exhibiting it. Rhoda, a New Yorker, would expect to have people playing fast and loose with the truth. Anyway, having betrayed her good graces, she loses a few point in the newsroom. It's an entertaining effort on everyone's part. There is also a cool scene with an old fashioned hair dryer.

Nicely done

[Rrrobert · 7/10 · 26 July 2019]

Nicely done story where Rhoda loses her job, but falls into a rut of collecting unemployment benefits and watching soap operas all day.

Phyllis actively tries to help while Mary is concerned. When a job comes up at the station, Mary conceals it from Rhoda (doing a terrible acting job of concealment). Being Mary, she feels incredible guilt about this, seeking refuge in Lou's office - as if he is going to be sympathetic. It turns out to be the funniest part of the episode.

Is a Friend in Need

[studioAT · 5/10 · 27 November 2021]

Poor Mary gets herself in a right tizz here, when faced with the conundrum about whether to tell Rhoda about a job going at the station.

Well written and well played, this is another example of just how warm and funny this show could be.

Lovely.