"WKRP in Cincinnati" Turkeys Away (1978)

Director:

Michael Zinberg

Writers:

Bill Dial (written by)
Hugh Wilson (creator)

TV Series:

"WKRP in Cincinnati" (1978)

Original Air Date:

30 October 1978 (Season 1, Episode 7)

Genre:

Comedy

Plot:

Mr. Carlson is beginning to feel useless at the new formatted rock station so he decides to create a big Thanksgiving Day promotion...

Plot Keywords:

Thanksgiving | Turkey | Dead Bird | Turkey As Live Animal | Radio

Cast

Gary Sandy	...	Andy Travis
Gordon Jump	...	Arthur 'Big Guy' Carlson
Loni Anderson	...	Jennifer Elizabeth Marlowe
Richard Sanders	...	Les Nessman
Tim Reid	...	Venus Flytrap
Frank Bonner	...	Herbert 'Herb' Tarlek
Jan Smithers	...	Bailey Quarters
Howard Hesseman	...	Johnny 'Dr. Fever' Caravella
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Michael Fairman	...	Shoe Store Owner

Trivia:

After this show aired, many radio stations across the country started the same Thanksgiving promotion, but dropping certificates redeemable for turkeys at their local supermarket, as opposed to live ones. Richard Sanders was often paid by stations to appear in his Les Nessman character and broadcast the event live.

Goofs:

Continuity: While Johnny and Venus are discussing the blonde wig giveaway and the Guatemalan earthquake, the record label switches back and forth between a black label (probably Columbia) and a rainbow label.

Quotes:

Les Nessman: I'm here with hundreds of people who have gathered to witness what has been described as perhaps the greatest turkey event in Thanksgiving Day history. All we know for sure is that in a very few moments there are going to be a lot of happy out here. Now the crowd is...
[passers-by gawk at Les]
Les Nessman: the... the crowd is uh... curious but well behaved. And I think I hear something now. Uh... The crowd is moving out into the parking area. And... oh yes! I can see it now. It's a... it's a... helicopter and it's coming this way!
[...]

After 30 years, this episode still makes me laugh

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

This episode is crafted with sheer genius not only by the brilliant writing but by the actors. It showcases the talents of the various actors in this series, but most notably that of Richard Sanders (Les Nessman). His deadpan news reporting from the shopping center (not knowing what the Thanksgiving giveaway would be) and then his delivery of the Hindenburg "Oh the humanity" speech is absolutely a classic in sitcoms.

Equal praise for the rest of the actors in this episode. From the radio staff handling the angry callers, the subtlety of Jennifer (Loni Anderson) offering to get Mr Carlson his coffee. To the bewildered Mr Carlson (the late Gordon Jump) who discovers his knowledge of turkeys is sorely lacking.

I watched this episode today after having seen it the first time around in 1978 and it still makes me laugh.

A rare 10 out 10 for a sitcom. Bravo!