Ep 7. Mike Fright

In the second season of WKRP in Cincinnati, fans were treated to an array of exciting and entertaining episodes, including episode 7 named Mike Fright. Set in the offices and radio studio of WKRP in Cincinnati, the episode focuses on the life of Andy Travis, the radio station's program director, and his team of radio hosts and staff. The comedic series features an ensemble cast that includes Howard Hesseman, Gordon Jump, Loni Anderson, and Gary Sandy, among others.

In episode 7 titled Mike Fright, Andy is forced to deal with the consequences of a prank gone wrong. When he sets up a fake hijack to liven up ratings, his team is forced to watch in horror as the plan spins out of control and becomes all too real. During the broadcast, a listener calls in claiming to be the real hijacker and threatens to blow up the station if his demands are not met. The radio hosts, who are unaware the hijack is fake, are terrified and do not know how to react.

As the episode unfolds, tensions rise as Andy and his team struggle to save the radio station and themselves from the real hijacker's threat. The team comes together to think on their feet and figure out a plan to thwart the villain's attack. However, with little knowledge of how to deal with the situation, the team relies on their instincts and is forced to improvise.

One of the standout moments of the episode is the portrayal of the station's incompetence during the moment of tension. The team's desperation leads to comical moments, and the show's writers use humor to illustrate how unprepared the characters are for an actual emergency situation. The episode highlights the need to train employees effectively and the consequences of not doing so.

The episode's pacing is quick, and the humor is sharp. The team's interactions are full of comedic moments, from Jennifer Marlowe's (Loni Anderson) over-the-top screams to Les Nessman's (Richard Sanders) insistence on broadcasting the hijack. There are also moments of drama, with the team's fear for their lives making for tense viewing.

WKRP in Cincinnati was known for its fantastic soundtrack, and the episode titled Mike Fright features several of the show's iconic tunes. The music serves to enhance the atmosphere of the episode, with songs such as My Sharona by The Knack and Hungry Heart by Bruce Springsteen providing an upbeat tempo and adding to the episode's excitement.

Overall, WKRP in Cincinnati's second season's seventh episode is a fun and gripping addition to the series. The episode offers a perfect blend of comedy and drama, portraying the team's incompetence and how they rise to the challenge when needed. The audience is left entertained, with a sense of nostalgia for an era where radio comedy was a popular form of entertainment. The episode, Mike Fright, is a must-watch for fans of the series and comedy enthusiasts alike.