Video: R.I.P. the Honest Laugh

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"Yes, Mr. Grant," Mary replied. "But . . . Lou Grant created rounded characters who were able to develop in their own stubborn ways. It allowed you and Rossi and Billie and Charlie and Art to grow, to shrug off shtik, to hone your rough edges, to give the viewer an idea of hard-working professionals who could still find all the time in the world for one another. You did something important, Lou Grant. Something to be proud of." She kissed him.

"Mary, this is a very touching moment," Lou said. "I can't wait for it to end."

It ended, as it always did in the WJM newsroom. The gang gathered to sing a last chorus of "It's a Long Way to Tipperary," Mary turned out the lights. And everyone went home to watch M*A*S*H. —By Richard Corliss