- [during Mary's job interview]
- Lou Grant: What religion are you?
- Mary Richards: Mr. Grant, I don't quite know how to say this, but you're not allowed to ask that when someone's applying for a job. It's against the law.
- Lou Grant: Wanna call a cop?
- Mary Richards: No.
- Lou Grant: Good. Would you think I was violating your civil rights if I asked if you're married?
- Mary Richards: Presbyterian.
- Lou Grant: Look, Miss, I was just about to have a drink, and I wouldn't mind some company. Want one?
- Mary Richards: Oh, no thank you.
- Lou Grant: I said I wouldn't mind some company.
- Mary Richards: Well, all right, I'll... I'll have a Brandy Alexander.
- Phyllis Lindstrom: [First lines of series, entering the iconic apartment] Well, Mary, what do you think? Here it is.
- Mary Richards: Wow. Hey, it really is charming, isn't it?
- Phyllis Lindstrom: [to Mary] Well, I got a long distance call today, and I was on the phone for *forty-five* minutes, and guess what?
- Bess Lindstrom: Your boyfriend's coming to see you!
- Phyllis Lindstrom: [long, glaring pause] That was Mother's news, Bess.
- Rhoda Morgenstern: Ok, girls, you want me to tell you the truth. I'm gonna tell you the truth - this is going to be be my apartment!