Ep 17. Terror on the 17th Floor
- February 18, 1991
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7.5 (58)
In Murphy Brown season 3 episode 17, titled "Terror on the 17th Floor," the gang at FYI, a TV newsmagazine show, prepare for a big show on disaster preparedness. Murphy, the titular anchor of the show, is thrilled to be doing a show on something other than a political scandal, and everyone is busy working on their segments.
However, things take a turn when a man climbs up to the 17th floor of the building and threatens to jump. Corky, the bubbly weather girl, happens to be on the same floor and is instrumental in getting the man to come down. Everyone is shaken up, but they decide to push forward and continue with their show.
As they're filming, an earthquake strikes and everyone is thrown into disarray. They quickly realize that they are trapped on the 17th floor with no way out, and they begin to fear for their safety. The building is old and not up to code, and everyone is aware that they are in a dangerous situation.
As they try to devise a plan for survival, tensions rise and secrets are revealed. Frank, the news anchor, admits to being claustrophobic, and Jim, the investigative reporter, reveals that he carries a gun with him at all times. Murphy, meanwhile, tries to keep everyone calm and focused on their survival.
As the situation worsens, they realize that there is no way for them to get out of the building alive. They attempt to communicate with the outside world, but their phones are dead and no one is responding to their distress signals.
As they hunker down and try to wait out the earthquake, they begin to bond and share stories about their lives. They reflect on their careers and how they ended up at FYI, and they also realize how much they mean to each other as colleagues and friends.
Eventually, the earthquake subsides and they are rescued by the fire department. They emerge from the building battered but alive, grateful to have made it through the ordeal. As they reflect on their experience, they realize that they have a newfound appreciation for their lives and their work.
"Terror on the 17th Floor" is a gripping episode that showcases the camaraderie and tenacity of the crew at FYI. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of friendship in the face of adversity.