Much like Lucy needed an Ethel or Viv Mary needed a Rhoda ( her character Laura on The Dick Van Dyke Show had Millie) . The show was still good after the departures of Rhoda ( and Phyllis) but no one could fill their void . Sue Ann was more of a frenimie . Georgette seemed like someone Mary tolerated ( although I think she genuinely liked her) . Murray and Lou were critical to the show's success but there was nothing like a best friend for Mary that wasn't connected to her job . The series still had some all time classic episodes ( Chuckles Bites the Dust and Mary's Insomnia) but it far too many episodes centered on Ted Baxter. I never realized how much until I recently watched the later seasons. Ted was good in a limited way but the focus on Ted's personal life became like an irritating rash. From Rhoda and Phyllis to Ted and Georgette wasn't a good trade off.
Review of The Mary Tyler Moore Show
