Was There Ever A Moment When 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' ALMOST Jumped the Shark??? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 04-06-2011, 10:00 PM

We all know TMTMS is a classic show, but was there ever an episode or a character addition or set change that made you think that this show is starting to go downhill? OR Was it simply perfect for 7 seasons?

Retro4Life · 04-06-2011, 10:25 PM

I don't think the show was perfect, but it never had a noticeable slip in quality, in my mind.

I think, had the show continued, it had the potential to jump, simply because most of the conflicts and storylines that defined the show had been explored and resolved, and when that happens you always have the danger of repeating yourself or drastically altering the show's dynamic so that the show becomes unrecognizable.

But...having said that, I think that James Brooks is one creator that wouldn't allow his show to limp on past the point where it was still vital and "must see" viewing. He's one of the few who has that type of integrity, I'd say. (The Simpsons MIGHT be an exception, but it has "jumped back" a few times, so I'll let it pass.)

Brian Damage · 04-06-2011, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retro4Life

I don't think the show was perfect, but it never had a noticeable slip in quality, in my mind.

I think, had the show continued, it had the potential to jump, simply because most of the conflicts and storylines that defined the show had been explored and resolved, and when that happens you always have the danger of repeating yourself or drastically altering the show's dynamic so that the show becomes unrecognizable.

But...having said that, I think that James Brooks is one creator that wouldn't allow his show to limp on past the point where it was still vital and "must see" viewing. He's one of the few who has that type of integrity, I'd say. (The Simpsons MIGHT be an exception, but it has "jumped back" a few times, so I'll let it pass.)

Excellent post Retro, I agree almost 100%. While I don't think TMTMS ever really came close to "Jumping," James L. Brooks did I feel let a couple of shows last a bit too long. One of which was Taxi. IMO

Retro4Life · 04-06-2011, 10:45 PM

^ Thanks.

Five years for Taxi doesn't seem like overly long to me, though. The network switch hurt the show's ratings but IMHO the final season was still high quality. I did miss Bobby the last two years, and they did throw in a bit too much Simka for my taste, but no noticeable "jump".

What did you see as the "jumping" moment, Brian?

Brian Damage · 04-06-2011, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retro4Life

^ Thanks.

Five years for Taxi doesn't seem like overly long to me, though. The network switch hurt the show's ratings but IMHO the final season was still high quality. I did miss Bobby the last two years, and they did throw in a bit too much Simka for my taste, but no noticeable "jump".

What did you see as the "jumping" moment, Brian?

For Taxi? Definitely the addition of Simka and all the Latka "Vic Ferrari" personalites.

Retro4Life · 04-06-2011, 11:01 PM

I'm with you on the emphasis on Latka's personalities. Didn't quite equal a shark jump for me, but I can see where you are coming from, definitely.

LittleRickyII · 04-07-2011, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

For Taxi? Definitely the addition of Simka and all the Latka "Vic Ferrari" personalites.

Agreed!

EJK22 · 04-09-2011, 09:34 AM

Yo, Brian.

Newbie here.

Far from perfect. IMHO, 90% of the "Mary boyfriend" shows -- of which there were plenty -- are real duds. And they certainly went into full jump mode in year 6 with the introduction of Ted Bessell as Mary's steady. Lucky they bounced him after only a few eps.

OH Nuts! · 04-09-2011, 02:51 PM

No never....the show rode out on top...surfing the TV waves very nicely...missing any jaws action from my eyes

04-06-2011, 10:00 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Was There Ever A Moment When 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' ALMOST Jumped the Shark??? We all know TMTMS is a classic show, but was there ever an episode or a character addition or set change that made you think that this show is starting to go downhill? OR Was it simply perfect for 7 seasons?
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

04-06-2011, 10:25 PM	#2
Retro4Life Accept No Substitutes Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 04, 2009 Location: IL Posts: 6,708	I don't think the show was perfect, but it never had a noticeable slip in quality, in my mind. I think, had the show continued, it had the potential to jump, simply because most of the conflicts and storylines that defined the show had been explored and resolved, and when that happens you always have the danger of repeating yourself or drastically altering the show's dynamic so that the show becomes unrecognizable. But...having said that, I think that James Brooks is one creator that wouldn't allow his show to limp on past the point where it was still vital and "must see" viewing. He's one of the few who has that type of integrity, I'd say. (The Simpsons MIGHT be an exception, but it has "jumped back" a few times, so I'll let it pass.)
	__________________ Alex Reiger :[Trying to convince Louie not to antagonize Bobby] "It's not hard to make people feel bad about their lives. What's hard is making people feel good about their lives."

04-06-2011, 10:45 PM	#4
Retro4Life Accept No Substitutes Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 04, 2009 Location: IL Posts: 6,708	^ Thanks. Five years for Taxi doesn't seem like overly long to me, though. The network switch hurt the show's ratings but IMHO the final season was still high quality. I did miss Bobby the last two years, and they did throw in a bit too much Simka for my taste, but no noticeable "jump". What did you see as the "jumping" moment, Brian?

04-06-2011, 11:01 PM	#6
Retro4Life Accept No Substitutes Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 04, 2009 Location: IL Posts: 6,708	I'm with you on the emphasis on Latka's personalities. Didn't quite equal a shark jump for me, but I can see where you are coming from, definitely.

04-09-2011, 09:34 AM	#8
EJK22 Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Apr 05, 2011 Location: NYC Posts: 7	Yo, Brian. Newbie here. Far from perfect. IMHO, 90% of the "Mary boyfriend" shows -- of which there were plenty -- are real duds. And they certainly went into full jump mode in year 6 with the introduction of Ted Bessell as Mary's steady. Lucky they bounced him after only a few eps.

04-09-2011, 02:51 PM	#9
OH Nuts! Member Forum King Join Date: Feb 15, 2005 Posts: 133,383	No never....the show rode out on top...surfing the TV waves very nicely...missing any jaws action from my eyes