Ep 19. Best of Enemies

In The Mary Tyler Moore Show season 4 episode 19, titled "Best of Enemies," Mary is tasked with moderating a televised debate between two local politicians, Sheila Gaines and Jerry Harper. The two candidates have a history of animosity towards each other that stretches back many years, and Mary finds herself caught in the middle of their bitter feud as she tries to keep the debate civil and productive.

As the evening progresses, tensions between the two candidates begin to rise, and their sniping quickly devolves into a heated exchange of insults and accusations. Meanwhile, Mary struggles to maintain control of the debate and keep the candidates on track as they constantly interrupt each other and veer off topic.

Despite her best efforts, the debate quickly turns into a circus, with Sheila and Jerry hurling insults and accusations at each other while completely ignoring the moderator's attempts to keep them focused on the issues. In the end, Mary is left to wonder whether she has truly made any difference in the political process, or if she has simply become another pawn in a game dominated by petty rivalries and personal agendas.

Throughout the episode, the viewer is treated to the signature wit and charm that made The Mary Tyler Moore Show a beloved classic of television. From Mary's dry one-liners to the bumbling antics of her co-workers, the show captures the humor and heart of life in a bustling newsroom, even as it explores weighty themes like the nature of political discourse and the role of the media in shaping public opinion.

The writing and acting on display in "Best of Enemies" are top-notch, with Mary Tyler Moore delivering a standout performance as the beleaguered moderator caught in the crossfire of her guests' bitter feud. The episode's exploration of the complexities of political debate and the pressures faced by those who seek to facilitate it remains as relevant today as it did when the show first aired over four decades ago.

Overall, "Best of Enemies" is an engaging and thought-provoking episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show that showcases the show's considerable strengths as a character-driven comedy that didn't shy away from tackling serious issues. As relevant today as it was back then, this episode is a testament to the enduring legacy of one of television's most beloved and influential programs.