Mary and Rhoda

Mary Richards-Cronin returns to NYC after four months in Europe following the death of her Congressman husband, Steven Cronin, in a rock-climbing accident. She reflects on her past career and decides to rebuild her life in the city she calls home. Her return sets the stage for reuniting with old friends.

Rhoda Morgenstern-Rousseau comes back to New York to begin anew as a photographer after her divorce. She hopes to reestablish herself in the fashion and art scenes she left behind in Paris. Her return intersects with Mary's life in the city.

The two old friends reconnect outside Mary's apartment building on the Upper West Side. They share updates from years apart and reminisce about their past. This reunion marks the revival of their friendship.

Mary invites Rhoda to stay with her in her duplex, offering a new base of operations in the city. They discuss their plans to revive their careers and support each other. The arrangement foreshadows the partnership they will form.

Mary explains her professional arc since leaving WJM-TV, including earning a journalism master's and working as a ABC News studio producer in NYC. She quit her job eight years ago to spend more time with her daughter Rose. This backstory highlights the challenges of balancing family and ambition.

Mary and Rhoda learn their daughters are now in college, pursuing English and pre-med respectively. Rose studies English at NYU; Meredith is a Barnard College pre-med student living in residence.

Mary secures a job as a segment producer for WNYT in New York. She works under the station founder Jonah Seimeier and faces tension with Cecile Andrews, the vain anchor/field reporter. The job introduces professional stakes and ethical tensions into her new life.

Rhoda finds work as a fashion photographer's assistant, schlepping and managing younger models while learning the ropes. She begins to take on more responsibility in the studio. Her persistence signals a slow revival of her artistic career.

Alongside day-to-day duties, Rhoda starts to exhibit her own photography independently. This marks a turning point as she gains professional recognition and confidence.

Rose quits NYU to pursue stand-up comedy, attempting to find a new path in show business. Her first attempts meet with a poor reception, testing her resolve. The setback fuels the sisters' determination to support each other.

Meredith cuts ties with her boyfriend, choosing independence as she pursues her pre-med studies at Barnard College. The move signals a broader shift toward self-determination among the younger generation. She commits to forging her own path in education and life.

Across work and relationships, Mary, Rhoda, Rose, and Meredith learn to conquer their fears and forge new identities. They support each other as they navigate career setbacks and personal growth. The story culminates in a shared sense of empowerment and renewed friendship.