Ted Bessel is best known as Ann Marie's boyfriend on "That Girl" with Marlo Thomas. He had that look of a nice guy that was attractive to women. He was a gentle soul, non- threatening and kind. It's obvious that Mary has fallen head over heels for this guy. They are really affectionate, almost over the top. But after three months of close contact, she is waiting for him to say those three little words. He can't seem to do that. Of course, Mary Richards is a fictional character, but we've watched her go from relationship to relationship. This guy is handsome and yet he is not true to her. When she finally confronts him, he hands her a line and then says he loves her (even though he can't count the number of women in and out of his apartment), and she buys it. This one really bothered me. I'm curious to see if he hangs around.
The Mary Tyler Moore Show (TV Series)
Mary Richards Falls in Love (1975)
User Reviews
Review this title4 Reviews
I'm crazy about you
Rrrobert24 January 2020
The first 'dating' episode in a long while. Mary has a serious romance with Joe (Ted Bessell) who likes public displays of affection but has never told Mary "I love you", which bothers her.
The romance also kind of bothers Lou, Murray and Ted. These are the funniest scenes of the episode.
I don't generally like 'dating' episodes and I found Ted Bessell annoying and unappealing here. But overall this is a pretty funny and well-done episode. There's a twist at the end - unexpected but not entirely unbelievable.
Beth Howland who was previously Mary's prickly friend turned love rival Linda Foster in episode 'Have I Found a Guy for You' has a walk-on playing quite a similar role.
David Groh and Valerie Harper from 'Rhoda' make a cameo appearance.
The tag suggests make-up sex will follow. But didn't Joe just usher Joan out of his apartment? Maybe that's why Mary likes him so much.
The romance also kind of bothers Lou, Murray and Ted. These are the funniest scenes of the episode.
I don't generally like 'dating' episodes and I found Ted Bessell annoying and unappealing here. But overall this is a pretty funny and well-done episode. There's a twist at the end - unexpected but not entirely unbelievable.
Beth Howland who was previously Mary's prickly friend turned love rival Linda Foster in episode 'Have I Found a Guy for You' has a walk-on playing quite a similar role.
David Groh and Valerie Harper from 'Rhoda' make a cameo appearance.
The tag suggests make-up sex will follow. But didn't Joe just usher Joan out of his apartment? Maybe that's why Mary likes him so much.
Clingy Mary vs Slippery Joe
ronnybee211226 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Mary takes a shine to a new fellow (Ted Bessel as 'Joe') and they start to spend a bit of time together,dating and so forth.
Mary really falls for this guy,and tells him she loves him. His reply? "Thanks!" and a smile. When pressed,old Joe says he cares about Mary,she is very special to him,etc.-but he won't say he loves her,which naturally bothers Mary. Then,Mary shows up at Joe's apartment,unannounced and unexpected...and runs into Beth Howland, (the actress that played 'Vera' on the sitcom 'Alice') just as she is leaving Joe's apartment.. Small world indeed!
Joe and Mary talk about it,Joe agrees to try to change his ways but says it will be hard and he isn't promising anything. Mary starts to leave,Joe says 'I love you' and Mary turns around and walks back inside. Now that Joe has finally said the magic word,can he keep up the good work and keep up appearances?
Mary really falls for this guy,and tells him she loves him. His reply? "Thanks!" and a smile. When pressed,old Joe says he cares about Mary,she is very special to him,etc.-but he won't say he loves her,which naturally bothers Mary. Then,Mary shows up at Joe's apartment,unannounced and unexpected...and runs into Beth Howland, (the actress that played 'Vera' on the sitcom 'Alice') just as she is leaving Joe's apartment.. Small world indeed!
Joe and Mary talk about it,Joe agrees to try to change his ways but says it will be hard and he isn't promising anything. Mary starts to leave,Joe says 'I love you' and Mary turns around and walks back inside. Now that Joe has finally said the magic word,can he keep up the good work and keep up appearances?
Has to be my least favorite episode (spoilers)
joehardy-4117225 April 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I was interested in watching this episode because I am also a big watcher of That Girl, and Ted Bessel stars in this episode. If you are expecting to see Donald, think twice. His character is absolutely horrible! He doesn't mind embarrassing Mary and brings bad things out of her. After she finds out he is cheating on her, she runs back to him. This is completely unlike Mary and I was very surprised and was totally expecting her to run out of that door, but she didn't. I would skip this one if I were you.
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