The Mary Tyler Moore Show (TV Series) Mary's Big Party (1977) User Reviews

The Party in the Dark

[Hitchcoc · 7/10 · 6 March 2017]

A congresswoman who has just been interview by Ted Baxter is going to be meeting Johnny Carson. Because they would like to keep him from most of the public, Mary decides to throw a party (it's also Ted and Georgette's first anniversary). She even hires a maid and a bartender. Everyone is a bit ornery for some reason, but before the guest of honor can appear, the lights go out and are out through most of the evening. During that time, stories are told of Mary's several disastrous parties. This is footage from previous episodes (were they running out of money?). Anyway, Johnny eventually shows up but circumstances make for some interesting activities.

Clip show

[Rrrobert · 6/10 · 14 April 2020]

Clip show as the show moves toward the end. When Mary's party is plunged into a blackout, the regulars reminisce about Mary's other terrible parties.

Extra points for good choice of clips and funny guest star.

There Must Be A Backstory To This Strange Entry

[dougdoepke · 30 August 2020]

Oddest entry in the series that I've seen. Actually the runtime is mostly taken up with amusing re-runs of Mary's earlier parties that interrupt a blackened screen that's supposedly a power outage in Mary's apartment. And even though Carson's headlined, he makes no appearance. I expect there's an interesting backstory to this clumsy narrative and blackened screen that's nothing like the series norm. Did the writers and production crew have to improvise at last minute due to sudden legal problems with Carson's scheduled appearance. Something like that appears the case to me. Anyway, the whole 30-minutes looks like a last-minute improvisation. Good thing there're still laughs in the re-run clips. Otherwise, it's a genuine oddity.