We start with Sam (Richard Crenna) telling Walter (Richard McKenzie) that he can't go on a planned fishing trip. This is because Sam feels he should accompany Molly (Patty Duke) who is leaving for a legal conference in New York.
The second scene cuts to Sam and Molly's arrival at a posh hotel in New York City. One thing I've always admired about Witt/Thomas/Harris productions is how lavishly furnished and decorated the temporary sets are done up, like this one. Sam and Molly's hotel room is top of the line, almost nicer than the standing bedroom set that is seen inside the Quinns' Chicago home.
The "A" plot involves Sam's inability to spend time with Molly who is swamped with legal meetings that don't include him. She has to cancel several sightseeing excursions with him as well as a special evening to attend a Broadway show. This plot is more about Sam's gradual realization that his wife's career as a lawyer is equally important as his career as a doctor.
There's a nifty scene in the hotel lobby where Sam has decided to return to Chicago alone and he meets a world-wise taxi driver (played by Witt/Thomas/Harris regular Donnelly Rhodes). The cabbie's wife is also a lawyer staying at the hotel who is too busy to spend time with him. The men humorously commiserate. At the same time Molly overcomes her guilt about making her career a priority, though her marriage with Sam retains utmost importance.
The "B" plot takes place at the Quinns' high-rise apartment in Chicago. Mama (Billie Bird) keeps Lisa (Helen Hunt) occupied and prevents Lisa from worrying about a blizzard when the lights go out. After lighting some candles, Mama tells Lisa stories about the old days and certain black sheep members of the family. It's obvious that most of Mama's nutty recollections are fictional, meant to entertain Lisa. Scenes like these underscore the value of multi-generational bonds in the Quinn home.
The second scene cuts to Sam and Molly's arrival at a posh hotel in New York City. One thing I've always admired about Witt/Thomas/Harris productions is how lavishly furnished and decorated the temporary sets are done up, like this one. Sam and Molly's hotel room is top of the line, almost nicer than the standing bedroom set that is seen inside the Quinns' Chicago home.
The "A" plot involves Sam's inability to spend time with Molly who is swamped with legal meetings that don't include him. She has to cancel several sightseeing excursions with him as well as a special evening to attend a Broadway show. This plot is more about Sam's gradual realization that his wife's career as a lawyer is equally important as his career as a doctor.
There's a nifty scene in the hotel lobby where Sam has decided to return to Chicago alone and he meets a world-wise taxi driver (played by Witt/Thomas/Harris regular Donnelly Rhodes). The cabbie's wife is also a lawyer staying at the hotel who is too busy to spend time with him. The men humorously commiserate. At the same time Molly overcomes her guilt about making her career a priority, though her marriage with Sam retains utmost importance.
The "B" plot takes place at the Quinns' high-rise apartment in Chicago. Mama (Billie Bird) keeps Lisa (Helen Hunt) occupied and prevents Lisa from worrying about a blizzard when the lights go out. After lighting some candles, Mama tells Lisa stories about the old days and certain black sheep members of the family. It's obvious that most of Mama's nutty recollections are fictional, meant to entertain Lisa. Scenes like these underscore the value of multi-generational bonds in the Quinn home.