by Hal Erickson
synopsis
The inimitable Martha Raye makes her first series appearance as Carrie Sharples, the overbearing mother of diner owner Mel (Vic Tayback). Having figured that he'd escaped his mom's clutches year earlier, Mel learns to his dismay that Carrie intends to spend the entire winter in Phoenix. Will Mel be able to withstand Carrie's verbal slings and arrows--or will he stand up to her at long last? (Trivia note: Alice's boyfriend in this episode, identified as "Greg Lawrence", was known as "Greg Stemple" in most of his appearances).
