The Mary Tyler Moore Show: Assistant Wanted, Female

The Mary Tyler Moore Show: Assistant Wanted, Female
CBS
November 21, 1970
Sitcom
DVD
B

Treva Silverman wrote this episode which I think is the first one where everything clicks.  Not only do we get the debut of John Amos as weatherman Gordy Howard, but the characters of Phyllis and more particularly Ted are fleshed out more, allowing them to be vulnerable while still self-absorbed.  Mary is also becoming more assertive, with Lou's support.  It's fun to see everyone play off each other, Gordy included.  Note that the news is being expanded from half an hour to a full hour, which I believe was a permanent change.  And there are lots of references to the Rockefeller family, four years before Governor Nelson R. would become Ford's Vice President.  (I've noticed two Nixon references so far, but this isn't exactly All in the Family.)