Defending ‘Mother’

In response to the query about “My Mother, the Car” (TV Times, Just Asking, April 18), I would like to offer some words in defense of that much-maligned and underrated show.

I was a writer of one of the episodes of that series (“The Blabbermouth” was the title). I have always been proud of my contribution. As a thoroughly green 19-year-old, I found myself in the company of some unbelievably talented people. There were, of course, cast members Jerry Van Dyke and Avery Schreiber (as that most likable of villains, Capt. Manzini). The producer was Rod Amateau, who created the popular “Dobbie Gillis” series. An occasional director was David Davis (later to be associated with the legendary “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”). I shared screen credit with a young man named James L. Brooks (“The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Taxi,” “The Simpsons”).

I will grant you the premise of “My Mother, the Car” may have been fantastic. But I ask you, with all those talented people involved, could the series really have been as unpalatable as has been reported?

Mitch Person, Covina