Jerry Van Dyke makes a return appearance in this episode as Mary's former boyfriend, erstwhile standup comedian Wes Callison. Unable to land a performing job, Wes is hired by the newsroom at the behest of big-hearted Mary (Mary Tyler Moore). She soon learns to regret her generosity when lovestruck Wes can't seem to keep his mind on his work -- and to get his mind off Mary. "Son of 'But, Seriously Folks" was originally telecast on October 27, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi