Forget the fact that I'm a bald writer, like Murray, and occasional serious gambler who loves card game related stories. Rhoda aside, who has her moments but doesn't do that much, this episode prominently features the best of Mary, Murray, Lou, Ted and even per diems like Marie Slaughter and Gordy. They all have scenes that show their most interesting and funniest qualities. And we learn something about Murray that we didn't know before but that is totally consistent with the character of a small city news writer with grandiose dreams. This is a prime example of what an episode of an ensemble sitcom should be.
The Mary Tyler Moore Show (TV Series)
It's Whether You Win or Lose (1972)
User Reviews
Review this title4 Reviews
I Hate Snow; I Hate the Color; I Hate Its Shape
Hitchcoc7 February 2017
When Lou is unable to go to Las Vegas for a long weekend because bad weather has closed the airport, it is suggested that the guys play poker. Mary arranges a game for them and Murray opts out, until he realizes Ted hasn't a clue about poker. What Mary doesn't realize is that Murray is a compulsive gambler. Once in, he can't quite. Of course, Mary must try to rescue him. They are playing in studio room that looks like a castle (for a kids' show). She barges in. Meanwhile, the game is a mess because Ted hasn't figured out how poker works. But the unthinkable happens and Ted wipes everyone out, including Murray, who loses a huge amount of money for that time. Watch this for the conclusion. Of course, there is the sad issue of compulsive gambling and its implications. Murray's defense mechanisms are so typical.
I banish you from this kingdom
Rrrobert18 August 2019
Fun episode in two main parts. Lou is thrilled to be going to Las Vegas, until weather closes the airport. There's a really funny bit where Lou harangues the newsroom about his hatred of snow.
Lou is appeased when Mary organises a poker game in one of the studios where there's a big round table. Murray consistently refuses to participate, until he realises how clueless Ted is about poker.
It turns out Murray has a gambling problem so Mary shows up and tries to 'subtly' prise him away from the game. Meanwhile Ted's dumb luck and over-cautious playing style cause him to win.
I love the final act. Murray has never been funnier, trying desperately to recoup the money he lost.
Lou is appeased when Mary organises a poker game in one of the studios where there's a big round table. Murray consistently refuses to participate, until he realises how clueless Ted is about poker.
It turns out Murray has a gambling problem so Mary shows up and tries to 'subtly' prise him away from the game. Meanwhile Ted's dumb luck and over-cautious playing style cause him to win.
I love the final act. Murray has never been funnier, trying desperately to recoup the money he lost.
An Absolute Classic
frankjosephsaraceno30 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
One of the top five episodes in the history of this great show. It's laugh out loud from start to finish. Angered that a hellacious snowstorm has cancelled his trip to Vegas, Lou is fixing for a poker game to salve the disappointment. Mary unwittingly persuades Murray to join the game. Murray passes until he realizes a hapless Ted will join he, Lou, Gordy and Pat the Bartender. It isn't until later when Murray's wife Marie shows up at her apartment in a frantic search for him that Mary finds out Murray is a compulsive gambler. The scenes of the poker game are the appetizer for the big payoff. After Ted cleans house, without playing a single hand, Murray bets him double or nothing that he will mispronounce the name of a Japanese official. What ensures is hysterical. The show really started hitting its stride at this point. One of Ted Knight's best performances and one of John Amos' most unsung roles.
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