If you have taped the Van Dyke show special and haven't watched it a second time I think it would be well worth it if you did. I watched it a second time and enjoyed it much more than the initial viewing. I think it is because I was spending too much time the comparing the special to the original series. I was thinking too much and not watching the special on its own merits. I heard jokes I missed the first time. I also saw how smoothly Dick Van Dyke reprised Rob Petrie. I had no problem seeing Millie or Stacy. I thought Rose Marie was an older Sally--and just as our Sal would be if at 80. MTM didn't seem like Laura to me in the first viewing, nor did she in the second, but it is 40 years later and Laura is no longer a young married housewife in her 20's but an accomplished, self-assured and mature woman in her 60's so maybe Laura Petrie became more like Mary Richards over the years. It does make sence that Rob is a computer freak--it is a way to stay active and Laura running a dance studio just makes sence--she was a dancer prior to marriage wasn't she?

As I was watching I was thinking that I loved the ending with Dick and Mary up and until Laura stumbles out the door and they have that silly bit with Ray Romono. I think it would have been better to have had Rob and Laura complete their dance and then Rob (or Dick) give Laura (or Mary) a little kiss and then Mary say, "Oh, Rob."

I totally agree with you. Well said. :)

I watched it again at your suggestion. And you're right, it is better the second time around. As you said, I was able to sit back and enjoy it, instead of focussing on how much everyone had changed.

But Mary still bugs me. She seemed very much out of character, with a touch of contempt for the other actors. Instead of a more mature Laura, I'm afraid I saw a prima donna. Sorry.

I will say this--I think it took a lot for Mary to come back to Laura--frankly I never thought she would do this. I've gotten the feeling that over the years she didn't like being reminded of Laura and the Van Dyke show because it took the light off of Mary Richards and the MTM show. So I think it was kind of brave that Mary did do this--and as you say, maybe there was a bit of contempt in it--but I didn't see it when she was one on one with Dick. I know she has had alot going on lately--I think her health and especially the firing from the Neil Simon play hurt alot--I think this might have been her first project after that happened and maybe she was a bit apprehensive.

Thanks, Chuck. I mentioned what I saw as Mary's posturing because it bugged me. I kinda felt that her attitude toward the reunion show may have indicated a lack of regard for the fans. But your explanation makes me feel better. From what you said, it may be that she did the reunion show ONLY for us fans!

Hi all,
As I've indicated in another discussion on this board, I enjoyed the special much more after a second viewing. I just didn't know why. But your theory, Chuck, makes a lot of sense. Maybe I, too, was doing too much "comparing" the first time. I'm glad somebody else agrees on the second time around thing . . . despite the fact that, when put in a tough spot, a very frustrating situation, a pushing-80 Rob Petrie finally used a couple of "big people words" . . . which weren't even dirty 30 years ago.

Now, on the subject of Mary not seeming like Laura in the special. I've always felt that in "Petrieworld," after we stopped seeing what was going on in their lives in 1966, Laura quite possibly could have become more independent, less adoring of her husband, perhaps even a businesswoman of some kind. Remember -- the episode in which she subbed for Sally in Rob's office. She showed she had a head on her shoulders and when allowed, could contribute valuable ideas in a workplace. Classic Sitcoms' "Dick Van Dyke Show" Episode Guide quote:


"It's doubtful that Mary Richards would ever have considered trying to make it on her own if the seeds of her independence hadn't been planted so many years earlier by a headstrong young housewife in Capri pants."

40 years is a looong time, and can do a LOT to a 20-something-year-old dutiful housewife who was a pretty smart cookie to begin with.


Later,
Art