Ep. 17 - A Commercial Break

February 18, 2015

Writers: Richard Sanders and Michael Fairman
Director: Rod Daniel
Original Air Date: March 26, 1979
^^^FAMOUSLY FUNNY^^^

Maybe I owe Richard Sanders an apology.

I have ranted on here how I felt he often wrote episodes that featured his character, Les Nesman, in a very Les-centric and actor-ly role. But I was very surprised to see he (and his writing partner) wrote this episode, in which Les barely has a line! This episode seems to exist solely to showcase the singing abilities of Loni Anderson and, most notably, Jan Smithers.

Bailey's acapella rendition of "Amazing Grace" is stunning, both for its simplistic beauty, but as the action of such a shy character. Singing alone in front of your co-workers must be nerve-wracking. I wouldn't do it! Also, Bailey has never seemed like the sort of character who would choose a traditional gospel song to express herself. But Sanders must have known she could do it to write the scene especially for her.

Conversely, Jennifer singing "Happy Birthday" to Herb a la Marilyn breathlessly singing to JFK is exactly what you would expect her to do, but that doesn't make the effect any less funny. Her extreme emphasis on "Herbie" will fuel Herb's erotic dreams for weeks.

The unique plot for these showcases to hang on is one that could only appear on a show based on rock radio: the Ferryman Funeral Homes (please note the play on the name: in Greek mythology, the ferry man transported souls of the deceased to the underworld) want to buy the largest advertising block ever on WKRP and have the station create an upbeat jingle for the spots.

Once again I am struck by seeing how something that was "deeply weird" and in poor taste back in 1979 is hardly a consideration in 2015. Funeral homes are constantly trying to sell pre-planning packages to younger people nowadays. Most use uplifting music (if not a "swingin'" pop tune) to emphasis how natural end of life planning can be. On the weekend I'm writing this blog post, "Fifty Shades of Grey" just opened to a $81 million weekend so it would be difficult to argue now how a funeral home ad could be in poor taste.

I find it more "deeply weird" that we are suppose to believe Venus wrote this song. Venus listens to romantic '70's R&B all night for a living. We are told he came from New Orleans. We have seen him bang gongs, tinkle wind chimes and spin Bob Marley, yet he would choose to write "Hey! You're young and swingin'!" ?!?

The theme is really how far the station is willing to go to make a lot of money. Andy doesn't like the idea of a funeral home account from the very beginning. He is suspicious of it. It's Mr. Carlson who tells Andy "there's nothing wrong with a funeral home account." It's Carlson and his mother who are always concerned with how much money the station is making. Of course, in the end it's Carlson who resigns the account, finding their ads to be "in poor taste."

Maybe it's because I've grown up in a time of "morning zoo" type radio shows, in which the DJs don't take themselves very seriously, but I've often felt if the station had played up some of its "weaknesses" they would have had more success. Wouldn't you listen to a station where the newscaster mispronounces names regularly? Or run catchy, goofy ads for bait worms and funeral homes?

One last thought on money... from the first time the ad runs, everyone on staff wants to know when they are getting their raises. That's not how raises work - one big sales doesn't make everyone rich (except Herb who gets commissions). Or that is how raises work and I've been lied to my entire life by everyone I've ever worked for.

Fred Stuthman as Mr. Ferryman

Other notes: a weird shift in the air date shows this was the first episode in a time slot change to another day, something that plagued WKRP throughout it's entire run. Why would Andy want to create a "cheapo" ad for what would be his largest client? Fred Stuthman, who played Mr. Ferryman, is on a short list of the most memorable guests ever on the show. Perfectly cast.  Personal note: whenever this song pops into my head, I hear the Morrison Tire version of the song Herb sings at the end.

Roy