Cutting Edge= More Dated?

[Meade]

I think MTM is mildly funny, but I watch it more for nostalgia because it does show you what the 1970s was like. I was born in the spring of 1979... Needless to say , I didnt really get to experience the 1970s. It came on Nick@Nite in the early 90s, so I watched it. But like some say, I never thought it was "laught out loud" hysterical- except for some of Ted Baxter and the "Happy Homemaker" some of that was pretty funny.

Watching the show in 2013, its a bit depressing because the 1970s wasn't really all that happy a time, and it seems like the show is extremely dated and more of a social commentary. MTM relies a lot on the times . I know Grant Tinker criticized "rural comedies" such as Green Acres and Petticoat Junction. Implying they were less worthy and didn't appeal to young people. IMO, those shows hold up much better today because they weren't caught up in the time period and trying to be "groundbreaking". Also MTM is not the first show to feature the idea of a working woman. What about That Girl? That being said, this show isnt bad, but I just dont think its stands the test of time the way other shows do. Same can be said about anything else that tries to "break the mold" i.e. 'All the The Family", etc.

[Cloud9 Lorraine]

Although dated, it would have to be, times have changed a lot since the 1970's, I wouldn't say the show hasn't stood the test of time. The fact that we are all here still talking about it 40 years later, proves otherwise, imo.

What I liked about the show were the characters. I genuinely liked them and who they were. The writing was brilliant and it was very topical for the time.

I never really enjoyed shows like Petticoat Junction or Green Acres. I never related to them, I suppose. Whereas I totally related to TMTMS. I'm old enough to have seen and enjoyed the show the first time around in the 1970's , and there wasn't a girl my age that didn't want to be just like Mary. On her own, in a cool apartment, friends and coworkers around all the time . . .

It really comes down to personal preference. All these shows had their merit and appealed to some more than others for what ever reason. They served to entertain, and that they did very well.

[Meade]

Originally Posted by Cloud9 Lorraine

Although dated, it would have to be, times have changed a lot since the 1970's, I wouldn't say the show hasn't stood the test of time. The fact that we are all here still talking about it 40 years later, proves otherwise, imo.

What I liked about the show were the characters. I genuinely liked them and who they were. The writing was brilliant and it was very topical for the time.

I never really enjoyed shows like Petticoat Junction or Green Acres. I never related to them, I suppose. Whereas I totally related to TMTMS. I'm old enough to have seen and enjoyed the show the first time around in the 1970's , and there wasn't a girl my age that didn't want to be just like Mary. On her own, in a cool apartment, friends and coworkers around all the time . . .

It really comes down to personal preference. All these shows had their merit and appealed to some more than others for what ever reason. They served to entertain, and that they did very well.

I know Grant Tinker made a big deal about how bad rural comedies are and that shows such as MTM was a saving grace for young, urban "sophisticated" people. I find that sort of ironic, considering that Im not really from the Country, and I totally love rural comedies. Also is anyone on the MTM show really "sophisticated"? It doesn't seem like sophisticated comedy to me. Mary works with a bunch of dolts. Her best friend is from New York and has a hideous accent, and not to mention Ted Baxter, etc.

I dont think you have to necessarily "relate" to find it entertaining or funny. I also think Green Acres and Beverly Hillbillies are classic shows. MTM is too caught up in the time. Situational comedies such as I love Lucy had timeless comedy as well. But some of the rural comedies were a lot more creative and original, IMO, than MTM show. It was definitely more aimed at conventional people. But to each his/her own I guess.

[Marvo301]

Originally Posted by Meade

I know Grant Tinker made a big deal about how bad rural comedies are and that shows such as MTM was a saving grace for young, urban "sophisticated" people. I find that sort of ironic, considering that Im not really from the Country, and I totally love rural comedies. Also is anyone on the MTM show really "sophisticated"? It doesn't seem like sophisticated comedy to me. Mary works with a bunch of dolts. Her best friend is from New York and has a hideous accent, and not to mention Ted Baxter, etc.

I dont think you have to necessarily "relate" to find it entertaining or funny. I also think Green Acres and Beverly Hillbillies are classic shows. MTM is too caught up in the time. Situational comedies such as I love Lucy had timeless comedy as well. But some of the rural comedies were a lot more creative and original, IMO, than MTM show. It was definitely more aimed at conventional people. But to each his/her own I guess.

I have to disagree about Mary working with dolts. Only Ted could fit that description and even grew and evolved as a person as the series moved along. Murry was always smart, clever , and witty. And Lou, as the Father figure in WJM newsroom was wise and worldly smart. And to dismiss Rhoda as simply the best friend from New York with a hideous accent is wrong. The fact that Mary could be best friends with someone that different from herself spoke volumes about the character of Mary Richards and was a very important part of the series. Also i don't find any accent "hideous".

[Cloud9 Lorraine]

Originally Posted by Meade

But to each his/her own I guess.

Yep.

I was unaware of what Grant Tinker thought, but I guess he's entitled to his opinion too. I don't know what causes someone to prefer one thing over another, so it is a good thing there are a variety of shows to watch. It is a good thing there is a channel changer too!

[TVFactFan]

Of course the show is dated,

Mary and Rhoda thought about contacting old boyfriends when they were single in 1971

In 2013 they would have the option of match.com or eharmony