I actually downloaded this just to try out Amazon on Demand.

This was an episode I didn't remember from when the show first ran. Typical of Lou Grant, I couldn't stop until the episode finished. I love this show, and this episode is as good as any others I have seen.

The description given in the synopsis is accurate: a young man takes Tribune reporters hostage in order to help clear his brother's name. It gets into the relations formed by the hostages and the hostage taker (terrorist is not quite the right word).

The program is from a time when newspapers ruled the news media (alas, the influence of newspapers has declined to a point where too many people get their news from questionable sources), and it is a fun flashback to an era when cities were defined by the quality of their newspapers. I always thought the Tribune was like the Herald Examiner competing against the Los Angeles Times, but I digress ... Great episode from a great show, even if the acting of "the terrorist" is a bit lame at times.

This is really a fun show to watch, as it covers many topics, and has many funny lines.It is retro tv from the late 70's, being a spin-off from the Mary Tyler Moore Show, but more of a drama than a comedy. This program won many Emmey's, Asner himself picking up two for outstanding actor. It also won many other awards. I like the cast, and it is good to see Asner making an honest living after that run on The Fbi. The picture quality is good, but it is streaming. You can't buy this any other way, this the only way to see it. If your not sure, try an episode, I don't think you can go wrong.

and more.

I love Ed Asner, and the fine supporting cast makes this a great show to watch in the winter months. The first season of the show takes place before computers invade the newsroom, and long before cell phones and the immediate deadline. One episode features a fight as reporter Joe Rossi and a reporter from a competing paper scramble to get to a phone to file. It seems almost ancient history to watch, yet the issues the newsroom struggle with are almost as fresh today as when they were aired.

I bought this series because I had fond memories of it when it first came out. Not only did it provide some fine acting (Ed Asner and Nancy Marshand), the storylines were always interesting and provocative. I particularly liked the way the show treated social issues and forced people to stop and think. Even though dramas are often boring, I guarantee these shows will keep your interest. I liked Season 1 so much that I even bought Season 3. This show may even prove interesting for those under 30.

Good story about person in transition from one life and job to another. Story complete even if you don't know where the main character has come from in his past life and the former comic series (Mary Tyler Moore Show) to a drama which capitalized on the investigative journalism made famous by the real life Woodward and Bernstein of Watergate.

Having worked as a reporter, I consider Lou Grant the best television representation of the actual press. This first episode establishes the series and introduces its themes, namely press ethics. It's entertaining and mentally engaging. We can only hope it will see a DVD release.

Newsroom borrows a lot from this show--How about the bow tied administrator named "Charlie"--in both shows. Coincidence? Homey don't think so!

Lou Grant was a favourite programme of mine - but this video contains only the pilot episode. Most 'volume 1' VHS tapes include at least part of a season, and I doubt too many of us want to watch only a pilot.