While there are some funny lines in this episode, especially by Lou Grant, this is a lesser episode. A handsome young guy, Lou's nephew, is hired as a remote cameraman. He marches to his own drummer and falls in disfavor. Mary, by trying to cheer him up, sends the wrong messages to him. He is immediately reading way more into it than he should. He starts bragging about a passionate evening and things escalate. It just has very little spark. Chloris Leachman does a good job as Phyllis. I like when she told Rhoda that she must be a big hit with the girls on her bowling team. Anyway, all's well that ends well. There is what probably was controversial at the time: Mary pretty much admits she is a virgin.
6 Reviews
What a sleaze
Rrrobert25 June 2019
An early run of some ideas that would return in later episodes: a young guy develops an interest in Mary but it is not reciprocated. Partly because he is too young (and immature). He is also a bit sleazy.
Mary's frustration is well depicted and kinda played for laughs. In real life it would be a serious problem. Mary has difficulty dealing with the problem or having it taken seriously (just like in real life).
The obnoxious Phyllis has some funny bits here. Lou has some great scenes and knows just how to deal with the sleazy kid.
Mary's frustration is well depicted and kinda played for laughs. In real life it would be a serious problem. Mary has difficulty dealing with the problem or having it taken seriously (just like in real life).
The obnoxious Phyllis has some funny bits here. Lou has some great scenes and knows just how to deal with the sleazy kid.
The Worst
frankjosephsaraceno25 February 2021
This is easily the creepiest, most disturbing episode of the series. And that includes the episode where Stuart Margolin practically kidnaps Mary. Even in its time, it makes little sense; the jokes fall flat. Honestly, how did such a talented group of writers and producers green light this?
Previous reviewers prepared me well for this dud!
ronnybee21124 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This episode is indeed creepy,the young nephew of Lou Grant,"Allen Stevens" gets a job at the TV station as a trainee or apprentice. He is a real jerk and not at all a decent or subtle man when he is alone with the ladies. Perhaps even worse is the way he handles things at work after spending some time with Mary the night before. This work behavior involved crude tales,rude jokes and lurid implications of what supposedly happened between he and Mary the previous evening. What really happened was Allen was pushy,Mary was reserved,as she gently turned the boorish young man down,and sent him on his way. Instead of simply saying nothing,like anybody else would,this goofy guy changes things around the next day and makes a point of telling tall tales at work. This jerk doesn't realize how much everyone loves Mary,and what an ass he is making of himself by trying to cast Mary in a bad light to some of her best work-friends. Shame on him,and thank goodness for Uncle Lou Grant,who eventually straightens things (and his nephew) out ! The nephew is eventually going to be in a really bad spot if he doesn't change his attitude and behavior towards women. But this also could be viewed as a warning to the naive perhaps?
Later addendum: Subsequent viewing compels me to suggest that you give this episode an attentive view with an open mind,there is a lot going on and my words barely scratch the surface of this busy show. Check it out !
Later addendum: Subsequent viewing compels me to suggest that you give this episode an attentive view with an open mind,there is a lot going on and my words barely scratch the surface of this busy show. Check it out !
Worst episode of the entire series.
nyceastvil28 September 2019
Wow, have times changed!!
planktonrules4 February 2024
Mary feels sorry for a young cameraman who's had a bad day at work. So, she invites him over for dinner and almost immediately, the young creep assumes she wants him. Even when she makes it VERY clear that she does not want a relationship with him, he insists she does. She throws him out.
The next day, the creepy cameraman is telling tales to his co-workers that Mary invited him over and they had a sexy good time! Mary is about to blow up at him when she learns he is Lou's nephew. What's next?
This episode probably played much better in 1970. Today, the cameraman would be seen as not just a jerk but a sexual harasser who needs to be fired...or punched in the nose. The show tried to make this all funny...but it really is a serious topic and was handled a bit poorly. Worth seeing, perhaps...but a weak episode because it really isn't funny.
The next day, the creepy cameraman is telling tales to his co-workers that Mary invited him over and they had a sexy good time! Mary is about to blow up at him when she learns he is Lou's nephew. What's next?
This episode probably played much better in 1970. Today, the cameraman would be seen as not just a jerk but a sexual harasser who needs to be fired...or punched in the nose. The show tried to make this all funny...but it really is a serious topic and was handled a bit poorly. Worth seeing, perhaps...but a weak episode because it really isn't funny.
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