“WKRP in Cincinnati” is a sitcom. “WKRP in Cincinnati” aired the “Turkey Drop” episode. The “Turkey Drop” episode is notorious. Memorable quotes originated from the “Turkey Drop” episode. These quotes capture the episode’s farcical tone. The farcical tone defines the humor. The humor involves a disastrous station promotion. The station promotion aimed to create publicity. The publicity backfired spectacularly. The backfire involved live turkeys. The live turkeys were dropped from a helicopter.
“Turkeys Away”: More Than Just a Thanksgiving Gag
Remember WKRP in Cincinnati? If not, picture this: a radio station run by a lovable but clueless owner, staffed with a quirky crew of personalities, all set against the backdrop of a city trying to find its groove in the late ’70s. This wasn’t just another sitcom; it was a cult classic that dared to be different, blending sharp wit with genuine heart.
And then there’s “Turkeys Away,” the episode that launched WKRP into the stratosphere of TV legend. It’s not just a funny episode; it’s THE funny episode that people still talk about around the Thanksgiving table—perhaps in hushed tones, depending on your family’s sensitivity to poultry-related mishaps. Why? What is it about a turkey-filled fiasco that keeps us coming back for more?
Well, let’s get to the heart of it. This episode isn’t just about turkeys falling from the sky (though, let’s be honest, that’s a pretty big part of it). “Turkeys Away” is a masterclass in dark comedy and satire. It’s a brilliant critique of corporate blunders, the absurdity of promotional stunts, and the kind of ‘think big, fail spectacularly’ mentality that can only come from the top. It takes a hard look at leadership mistakes that impact everyone below. It’s a landmark moment in television history because it dared to be both hilarious and thought-provoking.
Setting the Stage: Thanksgiving at WKRP
Ah, Thanksgiving at WKRP. Picture this: Mr. Arthur Carlson, WKRP’s well-meaning but often clueless general manager, cooking up a plan. Not cranberry sauce, mind you, but a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway! His grand vision? A promotion that would cement WKRP’s place in Cincinnati’s heart (and hopefully boost those ratings). The premise seemed simple enough, give away turkeys and spread some holiday cheer. What could possibly go wrong? Well, buckle up, buttercup!
Enter Andy Travis, the level-headed program director and the voice of reason within the WKRP chaos. Andy, bless his heart, immediately senses the impending disaster. He tries, oh so valiantly, to inject some logic into Mr. Carlson’s scheme, pointing out the potential pitfalls. But Mr. Carlson, fueled by ambition and perhaps a little too much holiday spirit, is undeterred. He brushes aside Andy’s concerns with the unwavering confidence of a man about to unleash a feathery apocalypse.
Then there’s Herb Tarlek, the station’s ever-enthusiastic (and perpetually misguided) sales manager. Herb, sporting his trademark white shoes and polyester suit, fully embraces the turkey giveaway with the fervor of a true believer. He sees this as his moment to shine, a chance to impress Mr. Carlson and finally land that corner office. Of course, Herb’s “support” mostly involves loud pronouncements and questionable sales tactics, adding fuel to the already blazing fire of impending doom.
Now, let’s talk about the location: the Pinedale Shopping Mall. This isn’t just any shopping mall; it’s the chosen battlefield for the “Turkeys Away” spectacle. Imagine the festive decorations, the bustling crowds, the air thick with anticipation…and the ominous shadow of what’s to come. The Pinedale Shopping Mall becomes a character in itself, a stage upon which the turkey tragedy will unfold. It’s vital for visualizing the chaos about to be unleashed, a perfect picture of suburban serenity about to be shattered.
And finally, we can’t forget the honorable mention of Milo Wilson, Cincinnati City Councilman. Let’s just say there might be some questions about where these turkeys came from and the deals Mr. Carlson had to make to acquire them.
The Turkey Drop: A Comedy of Errors
Picture this: Les Nessman, WKRP’s ever-earnest newsman, microphone in hand, standing in the middle of the Pinedale Shopping Mall parking lot. You can practically feel the crisp autumn air, hear the distant calliope music, and smell the faint aroma of roasting poultry. Little does Les, or anyone present, truly grasp the sheer pandemonium about to unfold.
Les Nessman: Eyewitness to Airborne Anarchy
Les, with his trademark oblivious optimism, paints a rosy picture for the listening audience. He describes the festive atmosphere, the excited crowd, the promise of free Thanksgiving turkeys. He’s practically beaming as he builds anticipation for Mr. Carlson’s grand gesture. But then…the unmistakable sound of a helicopter whumping overhead pierces the air.
The report transforms from folksy charm to sheer, unadulterated mayhem faster than you can say “giblet gravy.” Les’s voice rises in pitch and volume as the turkeys begin their ill-fated descent. His descriptions become increasingly frantic, peppered with startled exclamations and the sickening thuds of turkeys hitting the ground (and, presumably, a few unsuspecting shoppers). This is no longer a heartwarming community event; it’s a feathered free-fall of epic proportions, brought to you live by WKRP!
“As God is my witness…” A Line For The Ages
Then comes the quote, the one that will forever be etched in television history: “As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly.” Delivered with such earnest bewilderment by Mr. Carlson, it’s a line that transcends mere comedy.
This isn’t just a funny line; it’s a masterclass in understatement. It’s the perfect distillation of the episode’s dark humor, the moment when absurdity reaches its zenith. Consider the layers: Mr. Carlson’s astonishing naiveté, the sheer scale of the misjudgment, the utter lack of foresight. All of it is captured in those eleven immortal words. It’s a line that makes you laugh, then cringe, then laugh again – all while pondering the depths of human folly.
The Symphony of Sound: Amplifying the Absurdity
And let’s not forget the sound effects. The squawks, the thuds, the screams (both human and avian), all meticulously layered to create a cacophony of comedic chaos. The sound design isn’t just background noise; it’s an integral part of the storytelling, amplifying the impact of the visuals and Les Nessman’s increasingly panicked reporting. These sounds create an atmosphere that is both hilarious and slightly disturbing, which adds to the unforgettable experience of the turkey drop.
Decoding the Humor: Dark Comedy and Satire at Play
Dark Humor: Laughing When We Probably Shouldn’t
Let’s be honest, the core of “Turkeys Away” isn’t exactly feel-good TV. The humor bubbles up from a pretty dark place: the misfortune—let’s be real, the suffering—of those poor, flightless birds. It’s the kind of comedy that makes you laugh, then immediately question your own morality. Were we really supposed to find that funny? That’s the magic of dark comedy! It taps into our shared humanity while simultaneously making us squirm in our seats. It cleverly pushes past the boundaries of what’s considered acceptable humor, and “Turkeys Away” does that masterfully. The audience’s reaction becomes a fascinating blend of laughter, discomfort, and a strange sense of ‘did that really just happen?’.
Satire’s Sharp Edge: A Commentary on Corporate Culture
Beyond the slapstick, “Turkeys Away” wields satire like a well-sharpened carving knife. Mr. Arthur Carlson, in all his well-intentioned but utterly clueless glory, becomes a symbol of corporate incompetence and misguided leadership. He’s the boss who’s so out of touch that his grand ideas inevitably crash and burn (literally, in this case…sort of). The episode cleverly critiques the absurdity of promotional stunts, highlighting their potential for disastrous outcomes. It’s not just about turkeys falling from the sky; it’s about the recklessness of chasing attention without considering the consequences.
The Bigger Picture: Consumerism Under Scrutiny
But the satire goes even deeper. “Turkeys Away” subtly comments on the broader landscape of consumerism and the media’s role in shaping public perception. The promotion itself, a cheap attempt to generate buzz and attract customers, exposes the superficiality of such marketing tactics. It questions the value we place on these spectacles and how easily we can be swayed by them. WKRP, as a radio station, is complicit in this, highlighting how media outlets often contribute to the cycle of consumerism, even if unintentionally. So, while we’re laughing at the turkeys, we’re also being invited to think about the bigger picture—the forces that shape our desires and the absurd lengths companies will go to in order to capture our attention.
Echoes of History: References and Influences
The Hindenburg Homage: “Oh, the Humanity!”
You know, “Turkeys Away” isn’t just about a bunch of airborne birds meeting an unfortunate end. It’s got layers, baby! One of the most brilliant (and darkly funny) moments is when Les Nessman, in the midst of the turkey-induced pandemonium, cries out, “Oh, the humanity!” It’s a direct nod to the infamous Hindenburg disaster. The Hindenburg explosion was huge news back in the day, and the radio announcer’s despairing words became etched in history forever. By referencing this tragic event, “Turkeys Away” takes the comedic situation to a whole new level of absurdity. It suggests that this turkey drop is an utter catastrophe of equally epic proportions. The line is funny because it totally over-the-top, but it works! It’s historical irony at its finest!
Hugh Wilson: The Mastermind Behind the Mayhem
Let’s give a shout-out to the genius behind “Turkeys Away:” Hugh Wilson. This guy wasn’t just some random director; he had a knack for comedic timing and a sharp eye for satire. Wilson’s background likely played a huge role in shaping the episode’s distinctive tone. It has a certain edge that was kind of rare in sitcoms back then. He understood how to blend the silly with the subversive, making you laugh while simultaneously making you think (okay, maybe not too hard). Wilson’s comedic sensibilities are all over “Turkeys Away,” from the outlandish premise to the characters’ exaggerated reactions. He created the perfect recipe for a television moment that is truly unforgettable!
Lasting Legacy: “Turkeys Away” in Television History
Turkeys Away wasn’t just a flash in the pan of ’70s sitcoms; it made a splash, landing with the force of, well, a bunch of turkeys falling from the sky! The immediate reaction to the episode was a mix of shock, outrage, and, of course, uproarious laughter. Critics weren’t quite sure what to make of it, some praising its boldness and satirical edge, while others questioned its taste. But one thing was clear: everyone was talking about it. It was the Thanksgiving episode that everyone remembered; the one that stood out from the rest of the holiday-themed TV fodder.
But what is it about “Turkeys Away” that allows it to continue to be quoted, parodied, and celebrated even today? Its enduring appeal lies in its audacity. It’s a perfect storm of absurdity, dark humor, and relatable themes about corporate bungling. We’ve all been there, right? Witnessing a well-intentioned plan going horribly, hilariously wrong. The episode’s brilliance lies in its ability to find humor in the macabre, while also making a point about the silliness of promotional excess. Plus, that “As God is my witness…” line? Pure gold! It’s a catchphrase that has burrowed its way into the collective consciousness, popping up in everything from movies to memes.
The influence of “Turkeys Away” on subsequent television comedies is undeniable. It paved the way for shows to push boundaries, embrace dark humor, and take risks with their storytelling. You can see echoes of it in shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation, and even Arrested Development, all of which have mastered the art of finding humor in the absurdities of everyday life. It showed writers that you could be smart, funny, and even a little provocative, all at the same time.
Ultimately, “Turkeys Away” is more than just a classic sitcom episode. It’s a cultural touchstone, a reminder that even in the midst of chaos and misfortune, there’s always room for laughter. Its brilliance lies in its ability to provoke thought and laughter, and its relevance endures because, well, we all know someone who’s had a Thanksgiving (or some other major event) go hilariously wrong. And that’s something we can all relate to, right? Turkeys away and into the halls of television history, where it will continue to fly high (though hopefully not literally!) for generations to come.
So, there you have it – a look back at some of the most hilarious and memorable lines from the “WKRP Turkey Drop” episode. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newbie, hopefully, this has given you a good chuckle and a newfound appreciation for the comedic genius of WKRP. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m suddenly craving some turkey… maybe not that kind of turkey, though!
