Who do you think was a better friend to Mary?
It was obvious from the pilot episode that Mary knew Phyllis longer.She even found herself at war with Rhoda when they first met,over who's apartment it should be.
Phyllis regularly related sarcastically to Rhoda.But it seems she also had the tendency to do the same to Mary.I don't recall Rhoda relating to Mary in that way.
I myself liked Mary and Rhoda's friendship best.They really seemed to bond with eachother.I remember one episode where they had a falling out at the newsroom when Rhoda blurted something out and made Mary feel embarrased.It was very touching the way they patched everything up with eachother at the end of that episode.
Unfortunately I never did get to see much more recent TV movie that reunited Mary and Rhoda.

Who do you think was a better friend to Mary?
It was obvious from the pilot episode that Mary knew Phyllis longer.She even found herself at war with Rhoda when they first met,over who's apartment it should be.
Phyllis regularly related sarcastically to Rhoda.But it seems she also had the tendency to do the same to Mary.I don't recall Rhoda relating to Mary in that way.
I myself liked Mary and Rhoda's friendship best.They really seemed to bond with eachother.I remember one episode where they had a falling out at the newsroom when Rhoda blurted something out and made Mary feel embarrased.It was very touching the way they patched everything up with eachother at the end of that episode.
Unfortunately I never did get to see much more recent TV movie that reunited Mary and Rhoda.

I liked Mary and Rhoda's relationship best, too. I think it's one that almost any female can relate to. The episode you mention, "Best of Enemies" is one of my favorites. Even though the show was still good (if not better) after Valerie left, it just wasn't the same.

As for not seeing Mary and Rhoda, it's availible on DVD. You could try Amazon if you really want a copy. I would offer to copy my VHS, but my 2nd VCR is not working. Hope that helps!

Kristen

Indeed it does!
I just added the DVD to my wish list on Amazon.com.
Thank you Kristen.;)

Yes Rhoda and Mary's friendship was special,they were both lonely at times and were great company for each other and could laugh at people particularly Phyllis,throwing up the fact they were over 30 and not married,also compare terrible dates to each other.
Phyllis needed Mary just as much,if her marriage to Lars was as perfect as she made out,why did she need to know what Mary and Rhoda were up to,so much?
As Rhoda pointed out in the "Lars Affair",underneath all her confidence,Phyllis was very naive.

Rhode.

Rhoda definitely. Rhoda and Mary were competitive, but Rhoda was very giving too... They were wonderful together and in the series really looked out for each other. Phylis on the other hand was very much self absorbed and selfish and needed to be the center of attention. She tried to be a friend but always wanted something from Mary or who ever... never gave in return:cool:

Just my opinion, but the character of Phyllis had not one redeeming quality; not likeable in any way whatsoever. Given the personality of Mary, why the writers would give her a "friend" like that is a mystery. It would have made more sense to have made her an Aunt or some other type or relative. At least that would explain why Mary would tolerate her being around and putting up with her obnoxious behavior.

The character of Rhoda made more sense as a friend to Mary. Enough in common to be friends and different enough to be interesting.

Rhoda, I never really liked Phyllis. I agree that she was too self-absorbed.

Phyllis always seemed more of a big sister/mother figure to Mary where Rhoda was a friend. Of course people can be friends with their mom/sister, right?

Phyllis always seemed more of a big sister/mother figure to Mary where Rhoda was a friend. Of course people can be friends with their mom/sister, right?

Phyllis underneath all her boasting and confidence,needed Mary's friendship as much as Rhoda.
Remember Phyllis got Mary her first apartment,you got the feeling Phyllis liked to retreat to Mary's when Lars was drving her mad as she does indeed in "Phyllis Whips Inflation" over her over spending.
Phyllis was almost like a spoiled child with Mary and I think thats why she was so horrible to Rhoda,she was jealous over Mary and Rhoda's friendship but its interesting how Phyllis went to Rhoda's wedding,scared she'd miss something!
Rhoda was great at putting Phyllis down,Rhoda was the better person,I like it when she pretends to like Phyllis' awful apple pie in "The Lars Affair".

I liked Phyllis as Mary's other best friend. Mary had friendships with both of them. Of course the friendships were on different levels. On one hand we have two single women that can relate in many areas and then we have two others who have known one another for a long time and knows about the other's persona. Phyllis would have had a better friendhship with Mare had she stopped trying to be a diva trying to get attention. Rhoda and Phyllis could have gotten along better had Phyllis stopped putting her down and gotten to know her for who she is. It seemed as though Phyllis used Mary's friendship as a convenience at times. I saw the season two ep of Phyllis that board member "Kristen" sent to me a while back and for Phyllis to tell Mary to come to San Francisco without asking questions and then not making full effort to call her back and say "hey, it was just a test" was wroing. She then said that Mary's sunshine attitude bugged her as she was talking to her n laws on one episode of Phyllis. I like Phyllis but she was self absorbed.

Definately Rhoda. I also loved Mary & Rhoda's relationship. :) Phyllis also got on my nerves. I did like her at times, but the character could drive you nuts, lol. Cloris is a very good actress. :)

Hey everyone, I am new to this board I hope that it is allright to post on here. I loved Rhoda the best. I think that Rhoda and Mary had the best friendship and I think that they were just great friends!!! I just loved them as friends.

Rhoda. I cant really stand Phyllis much.

Rhoda!! As a single girl myself, I can totally relate to Mary and Rhoda's relationship. They were great best friends. Phyllis was too self-absorbed to be a REAL friend, IMHO.