Mary Richards Meets Laura Petrie [Archive] - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Artfiore1

03-13-2003, 07:29 AM

Hi all,
Please bear with me. I have never done this before, with ANY TV show. OK, here goes:

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"CANCELLED? Oh, Rob, why?" asked a distressed Laura Petrie, her voice quivering slightly.
Her husband replied, "Uh, I guess...I don't know, honey...well, not really, anyway." Dejected and a little nervous, he sat down upon the sofa. She followed and sat down beside him.
He continued, "I ...he-uh...said something about changes and taking the network in 'a whole new direction.' He said that people have grown too sophisticated for Alan's brand of humor. He also said that television variety shows are on their way out -- that they're becoming 'old hat.' "
"What about Buddy and Sally?"
"I'm not worried about them. With their reputations in the business, I'm more than sure that it'll just be a matter of time before they find something just as good as -- if not better than -- what we had. Buddy always lands on his feet, somehow, anyway -- you know that."
"But Rob, what are we going to do?" asked Laura, worriedly.
"I don't know, honey," said Rob, as he stood and walked toward the bedroom, loosening his tie. "Why don't we forget it for now and worry about it when we get back from Minneapolis?"

The following week, Rob and Laura Petrie flew to Minneapolis, Minnesota, for a brief stay with relatives of Rob's and to attend the wedding of Rob's cousin Clara. Their young son Ritchie stayed with neighbors Jerry and Millie Helper, while his parents were away.

Upon arriving in Minneapolis, the Petries stopped in a quaint luncheonette for a cup of coffee and a sandwich.
Although Rob did not wish to discuss the problem of his having lost his job until after their trip was over, Laura persisted. They discussed the situation at length, right there in the luncheonette.
A short while later, the young lady seated next to them at the counter said, "Uh, excuse me. I'm not one for sticking my nose in where it doesn't belong, but I couldn't help overhearing what the two of you have been saying."
Laura, a trifle annoyed by this intrusion said, in a not-so-friendly tone, "Yes?"
Shaking hands with both Rob and Laura, the young lady continued, "My name is Rhoda Morgenstern. I'm from New York, too...originally. Anyway, I have this very good friend who works for a TV station here in town -- WJM. Her name is Mary. She was telling me that they're looking for a new writer for a kids' show. Would you be interested in something like that?" As she spoke, Rhoda seemed particularly intrigued by Laura's face, for some reason. Her constant staring made Laura feel uncomfortable as she tried to nibble at her sandwich.
"Gee, I don't know, Miss Morgenstern," said Rob. I thank you very much for the tip. I have always sort of wondered if I could make a living entertaining children. I'm afraid my experience in that particular area is limited to being a clown at one of our son Ritchie's birthday parties...and a little presentation I once made for his class at school. Both, I must say, *were* pretty successful, however."
"What have you got to lose, then?"
"What have I got to lose? I'll tell you what I've got to lose -- a beautiful home back in New Rochelle, and some wonderful friends...and warm summers, *maybe*. But, I do have some family here in Minneapolis. It might be something to consider. Thank you again, Miss Morgenstern."
"Do you really think so, darling?" asked Laura.
"Sure, it might be fun."
"We would have to take Ritchie out of school."
"Laura, this may come as a complete shock to you, but they *do* have schools here, too -- all grades, as a matter of fact." He downed the last swig of his coffee. "I say, I should go for it."
"Okay," said Laura. Rhoda gave them the telephone number and address of the building in which the WJM offices and studios were located. They bid Rhoda farewell and thanked her once again.
The following morning, from his aunt's house, Rob called the number Rhoda had given him. He asked if he could apply for the position of writer for the children's show. The station manager, Mr. Coleman, agreed to see Rob later that afternoon.

Laura sat in a reception area, as Rob was directed toward the station manager's office. On his way there, Rob's attention was caught by an attractive young lady who was walking down an intersecting hallway. Keeping a reasonable distance, Rob followed her down a flight of stairs and through another long hallway, until the girl had disappeared into what appeared to be a television newsroom.
During his interview, Rob was told by Mr. Coleman that unfortunately the children's show writer position had just been filled within the hour.
"However, a rather unusual situation has suddenly occurred down in our newsroom. It seems that a very capable and talented newswriter whom we have employed for years, has decided to leave us. We have no idea why, but all of a sudden, he decided to change his name and become the captain of a cruise ship out in California. So, we now find ourselves in need of a newswriter. Ever do any of that?"
Rob coughed nervously and repositioned himself in his chair. "Well, no...but I'd certainly-uh like to give it a try. I'm sure I could handle it, sir, if you would be willing to take a chance on me."
The station manager sent Rob down to the newsroom and to Lou Grant's office. On his way there, Rob stopped by the reception area.
He said to Laura, "Honey, you've got to come with me!"
"Why? What's going on, Rob?"
"Never mind that, now -- I'll explain it on the way. There's something you've just GOT to see to believe!"

Rob and Laura left the reception area and headed for the WJM newsroom.

The Petries entered the newsroom. Rob looked around the room and then gesturing toward Mary Richards' desk, he asked Laura, "Notice anything unusual, honey?"
"You're Mr. Petrie, right?" asked Mary, coming over and shaking Rob's hand.
"Yes, I am. And...uh-I-uh. And-uh you are?"
"I'm Mary Richards, the producer of the news."
She turned to Laura and extended her hand. The two ladies shook hands, slowly, each staring at the other in amazement for several seconds.
"Do I know you?" they both asked almost in unison. They ultimately decided that they did *not* know each other, but that each most likely reminded the other of someone she used to know.

On the way back to Aunt Emily's house, Laura said, "It's a shame you didn't get that job, darling. Or, the other one. That seemed like such a nice office. The boss, Mr. Grant, seemed nice."
"Are you kiddin' me?" said Rob. "That guy scared the *life* out of me when I was alone with him in his office. He even *yelled* at me!"
"He did? What did he say?"
"He told me I seemed to have a great sense of humor. Then, all of a sudden, he hollered, 'I HATE HUMOR!!' "
"That's strange. I kind of liked him....what little I saw of him, that is." Then, she added, "I'll bet you're disappointed that you're not going to get to work with that *girl*. You really liked her, didn't you?"
"You bet I did! But, I think it's because she looked just like you."
"So, it wasn't just my imagination, then?" asked Laura. "You thought so, too?"
"No question about it. If you were a little older, a little thinner, had funny-looking hair and more modern clothes, you could pass for her twin."

Two days later, the Petries attended the wedding of Rob's cousin Clara. The next day, they returned to New Rochelle and lived happily ever after.

Rob went on to publish a lengthy series of successful novels, while Laura landed a job producing a news program at an independent television station in upstate New York.

THE END