Ep 13. I Gave at the Office

In season 4 episode 13 of The Mary Tyler Moore Show titled "I Gave at the Office," the workplace drama of the WJM newsroom continues as Mary Richards, played by Mary Tyler Moore, finds herself feeling guilty for not participating in the annual charity drive. As she tries to figure out how to make a contribution despite her tight budget, she learns that her coworkers have all given significantly more than she can afford.

Meanwhile, Lou Grant, played by Ed Asner, is put in a tough position when he is asked to donate to a charity but doesn't believe in the cause. He struggles with the decision of if he should be honest about his feelings or just go along with the crowd and donate anyway.

To add to the chaos, one of Mary's coworkers, Murray Slaughter, played by Gavin MacLeod, decides to run a fundraising contest between the departments. As each team tries to outdo the others, tensions rise and relationships are tested.

The episode tackles themes of charity, honesty, and office politics. Mary's struggle to balance her desire to give with the reality of her financial situation is relatable to many viewers. Similarly, Lou's dilemma highlights the difficult choices we face when asked to contribute to causes we don't fully support.

Despite the serious topics, the episode still manages to be humorous and heartwarming. The banter between the coworkers adds levity to the tense fundraising competition. And Mary's attempts to make a contribution, even if it's a small one, show her commitment to kindness and generosity.

"I Gave at the Office" is a classic episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show that showcases the tight bonds between coworkers and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs.