We know Mary was the straw that stirred the drink on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. However, was there another character that if they left the show, would severely hurt it or was every character interchangeable?

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f137/NoWayEh/SitComs/Cast-all/MaryTylerMooreShow.jpg

I'd say Ed Asner and Ted Knight.

I'd say Ed Asner and Ted Knight.
Good choices Monika! I would say the Gavin McLeod was also too important to leave.