Ep 3. Massage Chair

The third season of NewsRadio continues with the episode titled "Massage Chair." This episode follows the staff of WNYX radio station as they go about their usual tasks while dealing with various personal and professional issues.

The episode begins with Dave Nelson (played by Dave Foley) being given a new massage chair as a gift from the station's owner, Jimmy James (played by Stephen Root). At first, everyone is excited about the new chair, but soon the staff begins to fight over who gets to use it. Joe (played by Joe Rogan) tries to set up a schedule, but this only leads to more conflict.

Meanwhile, Lisa (played by Maura Tierney) is dealing with the aftermath of a blind date gone wrong. She had been set up with an attractive doctor, but things took a turn when he revealed himself to be a conspiracy theorist. Lisa is now trying to avoid the doctor's persistent phone calls and messages.

Beth (played by Vicki Lewis) is also dealing with personal issues, as she tries to reconcile with her estranged father. Her attempts to reach out to him are met with resistance, but she soldiers on.

As all of this is going on, the staff is also dealing with the day-to-day stresses of working in a busy radio station. Dave is trying to prepare for an important interview with a controversial author, while Jimmy James is dealing with a lawsuit related to his recent book.

Throughout the episode, the massage chair remains a central source of conflict. Beth tries to use it to calm her nerves during a conversation with her father, but ends up getting into a fight with Joe. Meanwhile, Jimmy James becomes obsessed with the chair, using it constantly and ignoring his other responsibilities.

The episode culminates in a tense standoff over the massage chair, with everyone trying to claim their rightful turn. In the end, Dave comes up with a solution that satisfies everyone, but only temporarily. The chair continues to cause problems in future episodes, proving that sometimes the smallest things can lead to the biggest conflicts.

"Massage Chair" is a classic episode of NewsRadio, showcasing the show's sharp writing and talented ensemble cast. It is a must-watch for fans of the series, and a great introduction for those new to the show.