The Mary Tyler Moore Show: Season 3
Season 3 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of The Mary Tyler Moore Show Season 2.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 3 Progress Shield
The Good-Time News
Sep 16, 1972
Mary is given the task of making The Six O'clock News more upbeat, and her plans are on target to succeed until they're frustrated by Ted.
What is Mary Richards Really Like?
Sep 23, 1972
Mary is interviewed by a newspaper columnist and ends up telling a little too much.
Who's in Charge Here?
Sep 30, 1972
Lou is promoted to the position of program director but has to decide to whom his old job should go. Meanwhile, The Six O'clock News begins falling apart without him.
Enter Rhoda's Parents
Oct 7, 1972
Ida Morgenstern, Rhoda's mother, mistakenly believes that her husband is seeing other women, so Rhoda and Mary try to clear things up between them.
It's Whether You Win or Lose
Oct 14, 1972
When Lou's trip to Las Vegas is cancelled, Mary organizes a poker game at the office where Murray loses a substantial amount to Ted.
Rhoda the Beautiful
Oct 21, 1972
After losing 20 pounds, Rhoda enters a beauty contest at work, but continues to put herself down.
Just Around the Corner
Oct 28, 1972
Mary is worried that her parents, who have moved to the Twin Cities to be close to her, may pry into her life too much.
But Seriously, Folks
Nov 4, 1972
Mary begins dating the writer of the Chuckles the Clown show, whose real ambition is to become a stand-up comedian.
Farmer Ted and the News
Nov 11, 1972
Ted refuses to sign his contract renewal until Lou agrees to let him pursue other ventures, a decision he soon regrets when Ted begins appearing in commercials.
Have I Found a Guy for You
Nov 18, 1972
Two of Mary's friends separate and Mary accepts a date from the husband.
You've Got a Friend
Nov 25, 1972
Mary becomes concerned when her father, newly retired, appears to have no friends or hobbies in Minneapolis, and tries to take on the role herself.
It Was Fascination, I Know
Dec 2, 1972
Bess's 15-year-old boyfriend falls in love with Mary and begins to surprise her with visits to her apartment and her work.
Operation: Lou
Dec 9, 1972
Lou goes to hospital to have a piece of World War II shrapnel removed and, surprisingly, he and Ted become best friends.
Rhoda Morgenstern: Minneapolis to New York
Dec 16, 1972
Rhoda decides to move back to New York but Mary is taking the whole thing with a grain of salt.
The Courtship of Mary's Father's Daughter
Dec 23, 1972
Mary runs into her former boyfriend Dan Whitfield in an elevator by chance. Subsequently, Dan realizes he still has feelings for Mary, breaks off his engagement, and begins dating
Lou's Place
Jan 6, 1973
Lou spots an opportunity to buy a bar after realizing a lifelong dream. However, he is short of several thousand dollars and Ted is the only one who can come to his aid.
My Brother's Keeper
Jan 13, 1973
Phyllis wants to set up her visiting brother with Mary, but instead he hits it off with Rhoda and begins spending time with her to Phyllis's disapproval.
The Georgette Story
Jan 20, 1973
Mary and Rhoda try to encourage Georgette to take a stand for herself after seeing how Ted takes advantage of her.
Romeo and Mary
Jan 27, 1973
Rhoda introduces Mary to a very irritating Warren Sturges, who tries everything including a giant billboard across the road from the WJM-TV offices to get her to accept his marriag
What Do You Do When the Boss Says, I Love You?
Feb 3, 1973
The new station manager, an attractive woman, falls for Lou.
Murray Faces Life
Feb 10, 1973
Murray becomes depressed when he realizes that the years are passing him by, after he learns that a contemporary has won a Pulitzer Prize.
Remembrance of Things Past
Feb 17, 1973
A former boyfriend visiting Minneapolis calls Mary who, deep down, wants to see him again but she has been hurt by him too many times before.
Put On a Happy Face
Feb 24, 1973
Everything goes right for Rhoda and everything goes wrong for Mary on a disastrous day when she is due to go to the Teddies.
Mary Richards and the Incredible Plant Lady
Mar 3, 1973
Mary lends Rhoda almost $1,200 to start a new venture and worries she may never see her money again, after Rhoda postpones repayment, hires Georgette full-time and begins expanding