The Mary Tyler Moore Show (TV Series) The 45-Year-Old Man (1971) User Reviews

The Station Owner

[Rrrobert · 8/10 · 12 July 2019]

Lou might be getting fired, so Mary draws the short straw and goes to appeal to the station owner, a crazy old-time cowboy star played by Slim Pickens.

Pickens is the comedy highlight here but the whole episode works well. There is some brilliant acting between Mary Tyler Moore and Ed Asner too.

Big Chicken here is a one off briefly glimpsed Chuckles the Clown type character who is mentioned in a deadpan way by characters accustomed to his funny name and outlandish appearance.

Lou's Job on the Ropes

[Hitchcoc · 8/10 · 2 February 2017]

I always thought that if I were to die, I would want Slim Pickens to deliver my eulogy. This came to mind when I saw his role as an outlaw in "Blazing Saddles." In this episode, a new station manager comes in and wants to get rid of Lou Grant because of the ratings. Of course, Mary begins to circle the wagons, trying to keep this from happening. She, Gordy, Murray, and a reluctant Ted gather in her apartment to plot strategy. Because she is the only one willing to go out, they decide to go over the station manager's head to the owner. A crazy cowboy, played by Pickens. The scene in his office is hilarious as he sits on stuffed horse, fully saddled, and waves a rifle around. Lou makes a comment later about hallucinating. Good effort.

Wild Jack Monroe

[ralley-39120 · 9/10 · 21 January 2022]

It is very apparent that Mary's apartment was re-decorated into Wild Jack Monroe's office. It also is the last episode of the first season. The start of the 2nd season has some minor changes in the apartment too. There has also been at least 3 different turntable/stereos on top of the short bookcase.

First, Big Chicken....who's next?!

[planktonrules · 9/10 · 7 February 2024]

The story begins with a WJM icon, Big Chicken, being fired by the new Program Director. If such a popular character can get the axe, everyone starts to worry about who will be next. Well, the suspense doesn't last long, as the new man in charge calls in everyone from the news staff BUT not Lou...and informs them he's about to fire Lou! Considering it's season one and we KNOW Lou was not fired, the suspense instead is about HOW he was able to keep his job with the station.

This is a very enjoyable episode. It's made all the better by Slim Pickens guest starring as a Gene Autry-style media giant who made his fortune playing cowboys in over 300 films. Well worth seeing.