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» » Oh Mary He's No Heavy... He's My Brother (1970–1977)

Short summary

It's nearing the end of November in wintery Minneapolis. A new management directive at the station means that Mary has to take her annual vacation within the next three weeks or forfeit the vacation time altogether. Based on her own recent vacation, Jackie, the newsroom's dark room girl, convinces Mary that she can take a nice and inexpensive beach vacation in Puerto Lorenzo, Mexico. Mary, in turn, talks Rhoda into accompanying her on this vacation. Their plans go awry when the inexpensively priced resort where Jackie stayed is fully booked. Overhearing their problems, Gustavo, the owner/waiter/chef at the newly opened local Mexican restaurant, informs them that he can make arrangements for them at a better and equally inexpensive place in his hometown of San Leon, which is just down the coast from Puerto Lorenzo. Mary is skeptical since they don't know Gustavo, but they decide to trust Gustavo to come through for them. They begin to regret it when, as a favor in return, Gustavo asks ...

In this episode, Mary and Rhoda are planning a trip to Mexico. Mary says that she knows how to speak French, however, she denies knowing any Spanish. In the season one episode entitled, "Divorce Isn't Everything," Mary claims the opposite is true. While the ladies are discussing a possible trip to Paris, Mary says she is fluent in Spanish, as oppose to knowing any French.

The title is based upon the song "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother". A version by The Hollies had been a top 10 hit the year before this episode aired.

User reviews


  • comment
    • Author: Lestony
    Mary finds out that if she doesn't take a vacation, she will lose it. She talks Rhoda into going with her, but the place they can afford is full and they have run out of options. They go to a Mexican restaurant and meet Gustavo, the handsome proprietor. When he hears they are desperate, he tells them of a place down the coast where they will put the girls up. They are grateful but Mary is suspicious. Especially when Gustavo gives them a package to take with them. He sounds very gangster-like when he describes where to take it. Of course, suspicion is the word of the day. Rhoda points out that drugs aren't usually smuggled into Mexico. This had a real "I Love Lucy" feel to it. Not one of the better episodes. Mary got a chance to wear some more clothes we've not seen before. The weird thing is she has such a small closet.
  • Episode cast overview:
    Mary Tyler Moore Mary Tyler Moore - Mary Richards
    Edward Asner Edward Asner - Lou Grant
    Valerie Harper Valerie Harper - Rhoda Morgenstern
    Gavin MacLeod Gavin MacLeod - Murray Slaughter
    Ted Knight Ted Knight - Ted Baxter
    Frank Ramírez Frank Ramírez - Gustavo
    John Amos John Amos - Gordy Howard
    Annette Molen Annette Molen - Jackie
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