Ep 9. The Bummer of 42

In season 3 episode 9 of Murphy Brown, titled "The Bummer of 42," the team at FYI prepares for Murphy's 42nd birthday. After years of living life as a single, independent career woman, Murphy finds herself feeling down and questioning her choices. Meanwhile, the team deals with their own struggles and insecurities.

The episode starts with Murphy receiving birthday gifts from her coworkers. Frank gives her a pair of earrings, Corky gives her a jar of pickles, and Miles gives her a miniature Eiffel Tower. Murphy is clearly unimpressed and dismisses the gifts as superficial.

Throughout the day, Murphy's mood becomes more and more somber. She feels like her birthday is just another reminder of how she is getting older and still hasn't found a fulfilling personal life. Murphy tells Frank that she's never been to a prom or a wedding, and that she's never even been in a relationship that lasted more than a few months.

Frank, who has previously expressed his feelings for Murphy, takes the opportunity to ask her out on a date. Although Murphy initially turns him down, she later agrees to go out with him.

As the day goes on, the rest of the FYI team deals with their own insecurities. Corky is upset because she feels like her career has taken a backseat to her family life, while Miles worries that he's getting too old to be considered a viable candidate for a promotion.

Towards the end of the episode, Murphy receives a surprise visit from her mother, who has been traveling across the country in an RV. Murphy's mother reveals that she had her own struggles with loneliness and finding love when she was Murphy's age, and advises her daughter to not give up hope.

The episode ends with Murphy and Frank on their date, where they discuss their fears and vulnerabilities. Murphy realizes that she's not alone in feeling lost and uncertain about her future.

Overall, "The Bummer of 42" is a poignant and relatable episode that deals with the fears and insecurities that come with getting older. It's a reminder that even those who seem confident and successful can have their own struggles and doubts.