WKRP in Cincinnati (TV Series)

Pilot: Part 2 (1978)

Gordon Jump: Arthur Carlson

Quotes 

• Les Nessman : [about the protesters]  Mr. Carlson, as news director of this station, I demand to know what's going on here.

  Arthur Carlson : Well, your worst fears have been realized, Les. That group out in the lobby? They're Cubans.

  Les Nessman : Oh, no...

  Arthur Carlson : Yep, it's a plot. I think the Red Chinese are behind it.

  Les Nessman : Somehow I always thought we'd be safe from that sort of thing here in Cincinnati.

• Jennifer Marlowe : [entering]  Good morning, Mr. Carlson. Here are your telephone messages.

  Arthur Carlson : [taking, then promptly throwing the telephone messages into the wastepaper basket, as Jennifer raises her eyes]  Oh, thank you, Jennifer. Listen, I've been thinking, if I were gonna put another door in here, where would you put it?

  Jennifer Marlowe : Uh... probably over there... it would lead out into the hall, and that way, if anything important came up, you could leave through there, and hide in the back.

  Arthur Carlson : [chuckles]  You know, Jennifer, you're a very smart woman. I'll bet most men are amazed by your, uh... I mean, well, the first thing... the first thing they'd notice is, of course, is your... your presence, shall we say... uh?

  Arthur Carlson : [as Andy peeks in, and wiping his brow in relief]  Oh, Travis, thank goodness.

  Andy Travis : May I see you, sir?

  Arthur Carlson : [shepherding Jennifer out]  By all means, come in, come in. Would you excuse us for just a minute?

  Jennifer Marlowe : Oh, certainly.

  Arthur Carlson : Listen, Jennifer, what I was trying to say...

  Jennifer Marlowe : [smiling]  I know. And thank you.

  Arthur Carlson : [in a relieved tone as Jennifer leaves]  Oh. Oh, thank you. Eh, what do you want, Travis? Couldn't you see I was having a meeting in here?

• [Mr. Carlson is about to head into his office while Jennifer is sitting at her desk meticulously dusting her plant] 

  Arthur Carlson : Tell Travis I want to see him in my office.

  Jennifer Marlowe : [Jennifer continues to dust her plant]  All righty.

  Arthur Carlson : [turns back to look at Jennifer as she seemingly ignores his request]  And I'd also like to see Herb in there too.

  Jennifer Marlowe : [Jennifer continues to dust her plant]  Okeedokie.

  Arthur Carlson : [wanting Jennifer to get to his request]  Just send 'em right on in... as soon as possible.

  Jennifer Marlowe : [Jennifer continues to dust her plant]  No problem.

  [frustrated at Jennifer's lack of attentiveness to him, Mr. Carlson turns to go into his office, where Andy and Herb are already seated] 

  Arthur Carlson : [confused]  Herb. Travis. What are you guys doing in here?

  Andy Travis : Jennifer said you wanted to see us.

  Arthur Carlson : [still confused]  When?

  Andy Travis : Yesterday.

  Arthur Carlson : Oh, oh...

  Herb Tarlek : You don't remember calling this meeting?

• Arthur Carlson : I tell you, we had a group of crackpots standing over there. They were attacking everything. They were attacking rock 'n' roll, WKRP, me and pay toilets.