NewsRadio season 4

This is a detailed list of NewsRadio episodes from the fourth season. See List of NewsRadio episodes for a complete list of all NewsRadio episodes.

Jumper

* Episode No.: 4-1 (54)
* Production No.: 401
* US Airdate: September 23, 1997
* Written by: Paul Simms
* Directed by: Tom Cherones
* Guest stars: Jon Lovitz as Mike Johnson, Ivan Allen as Newsman

ummary

Bill tries to save a suicidal man standing on the ledge outside of Dave's office.

Notes

* This is the second appearance of Jon Lovitz on "NewsRadio". He played the part of a mental patient in season three's Our Fiftieth Episode.

Planbee

* Episode No.: 4-2 (55)
* Production No.: 402
* US Airdate: September 30, 1997
* Written by: Brian Kelley
* Directed by: Tom Cherones
* Guest stars: Lauren Graham as Andrea, Scott Valentine as Producer, Charlotte Booker as Makeup Artist, Michael Kostroff as Carl, John Vosler as Painter
* Recurring characters: Andrea, Carl

ummary

Mr. James brings in Andrea, an efficiency expert, to bring some order to WNYX. The staff tries to protect Matthew from being fired. Bill auditions for a television news anchor job.

Notes

* NBC asked the producers of "NewsRadio" to bring in another female character, in order to "spice up" the show, and they hired Lauren Graham to do four episodes.

The Public Domain

* Episode No.: 4-3 (56)
* Production No.: 404
* US Airdate: October 29, 1997
* Written by: Joe Furey
* Directed by: Tom Cherones
* Guest stars: Lauren Graham as Andrea, Paul Gleason as Steve Johnson, Peter Spellos as Camera Guy, Cheryl Kirby as Passenger
* Recurring characters: Andrea

ummary

Andrea tries to replace Dave with a bland, laconic executive named Steve. Bill decides to embark on a piano act, performing satirical songs about politics. Mr. James brings a documentary crew to the station. Matthew continues to lobby Dave for his old job.

Notes

* As revealed in this episode's DVD commentary, this episode is entitled "The Public Domain" because the songs Bill played on the piano were all in the public domain: "When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again"; "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"; "Row, Row, Row Your Boat"; etc.

* Also in the commentary, the producers and writers noted that "The Public Domain" marked the point where "NewsRadio" lost all connection with reality and more or less became a cartoon.

* It was also revealed in the commentary that Phil Hartman (Bill McNeal) could not play the piano.

Super Karate Monkey Death Car

* Episode No.: 4-4 (57)
* Production No.: 403
* US Airdate: November 4, 1997
* Written by: Josh Lieb
* Directed by: Tom Cherones
* Guest stars: Dave Allen as Lackey, Mark Conley as Pilot, Lauren Graham as Andrea, Zuhair Haddad as Maitre d', Brian Posehn as Fan, Ron Jeremy as Fan, Michael Raysses as Technician
* Recurring characters: Andrea

ummary

Mr. James hosts a bookstore reading of his newly-republished autobiography, which he had translated back into English because it was a bestseller in Japan; but he finds that "Jimmy James: Capitalist Lion Tamer" is now titled "Jimmy James: Macho Business Donkey Wrestler" and is full of bizarre turns of phrase. Andrea subjects the staff to polygraph tests, which leads to Lisa revealing her extensive criminal record.

French Diplomacy

* Episode No.: 4-5 (58)
* Production No.: 405
* US Airdate: November 11, 1997
* Written by: Drake Sather
* Directed by: Tom Cherones
* Guest stars: Lauren Graham as Andrea, Nancy Bell as Brandi, Edith Barnes as Mrs. Barnes
* Recurring characters: Andrea

ummary

Bill's editorials become more than Lisa can handle. Dave breaks up with Lisa because he thinks the relationship will hurt them at work. Andrea, who is hurt that she didn't know about the relationship, helps Lisa get revenge by making her the boss and making Dave Bill's producer.

Notes

* This is Lauren Graham's last appearance on "NewsRadio".

Pure Evil

* Episode No.: 4-6 (59)
* Production No.: 407
* US Airdate: November 18, 1997
* Written by:
**Teleplay by: Paul Simms
**Story by: Brian Kelley and Lewis Morto
* Directed by: Tom Cherones
* Guest stars: George Dobesh as Senator, Grace Morley as Cindy

ummary

Dave plots against Lisa to get his job back by goading Bill to do fake interviews of President Clinton on the air. Matthew starts sleeping in Lisa's office.

Notes

Phil Hartman had previously impersonated Clinton on "Saturday Night Live" and "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno".

Catherine Moves On

* Episode No.: 4-7 (60)
* Production No.: 408
* US Airdate: November 25, 1997
* Written by: Josh Lieb and Paul Simms
* Directed by: Tom Cherones

ummary

Catherine announces she is leaving WNYX. The rest of the staff offer Mr. James their versions of how Catherine quit and why, colored by their own perceptions. Joe makes one last attempt to get with Catherine.

Notes

* This episode features the Hamburglar character (the Sneaky Thief) that is referenced so often in DVD commentaries. This episode also features the "Matthews Dream/Big Mudd" scene, where Matthew's retelling of the events turns into a dream he recently had, where he and Bill were floating down the Mississippi river, fishing for Dave.
* The opening titles of the show have been re-edited so that Catherine is featured with everybody. She is shown slapping various male members of the cast in the face.

Stupid Holiday Charity Talent Show

* Episode No.: 4-8 (61)
* Production No.: 409
* US Airdate: December 16, 1997
* Written by: Alan J. Higgins
* Directed by: Tom Cherones
* Guest stars: Kevin McDonald as Throwdini, Tom Parks as Emcee

ummary

Mr. James offers to give Matthew his job back if WNYX wins the New York Holiday Charity Talent Show, so that he can win a bet with Ted Turner. Dave reveals a new talent - knife-throwing. Bill plays piano for Beth while she sings "Makin' Whoopee", and attempts to coach her in her singing. Ultimately, Matthew takes the stage as a ventriloquist, and his pathetic act wins him the contest on a sympathy vote, getting him his job back.

Notes

* In the commentary for this episode, Dave's hidden talents are discussed. Some of them are:
** Tap Dancing
** Knife Throwing
** Ventriloquism
** Stargate Defender
** Jelly making
** Animal Husbandry
** Star Wars Trivia
** U.S State Trivia

The Secret of Management

* Episode No.: 4-9 (62)
* Production No.: 406
* US Airdate: January 1, 1998
* Written by: Lewis Morton
* Directed by: Tom Cherones
* Guest stars: Ian Abercrombie as Cadbury, Mary Lynn Rajskub as Waitress

ummary

Bill hires a butler. Lisa asks Mr. James to teach her "The Secret of Management". Matthew is depressed.

Notes

* The background of the opening credits is replaced by a scene where Matthew gets in a fight with a security guard outside The Today Show window.

* Bill's butler is named Cadbury, which is also the name of Richie Rich's butler.

*The walk-around characters at Petey the Pirate's Funtime Pizza Palace are Bumblelion and Moosel from the Disney Channel series The Wuzzles.

Look Who's Talking

* Episode No.: 4-10 (63)
* Production No.: 412
* US Airdate: January 6, 1998
* Written by: Joe Furey
* Directed by: Tom Cherones
* Guest stars: Denise Dowse as Adoption Agent, Judy Geeson as Auctioneer, Lynn A. Henderson as Mother #1, Clarinda Ross as Mother #2, Patricia Place as Rich Woman, Logan Craig O'Brien as Charlie, Jim Hanna as Husband, Kate Gladfelter as Wife, Reed Rudy as Rich Guy

ummary

Bill decides that he wants to adopt a child. Lisa grows jealous because Bill has a natural rapport with children which she lacks, but Dave comes to think Bill will be a great father. Mr. James takes place in a bachelor auction for charity, and rents a duchess title for Beth so that she can bid on him. Joe accompanies her, acting as her homosexual limo driver.

Chock

* Episode No.: 4-11 (64)
* Production No.: 410
* US Airdate: January 13, 1998
* Written by: Sam Johnson and Chris Marcil
* Directed by: Tom Cherones
* Guest stars: Bob Odenkirk as Bob, David Cross as David, Brian Posehn as Brian

ummary

It is Dave's 32nd birthday, and the other members of his college a cappella group show up at WNYX to reform the group.

Notes

* Odenkirk, Cross, and Posehn were all cast members and writers on Mr. Show, which was still on the air when this episode aired. All three had previously appeared on the show in separate episodes as different characters.

Who's the Boss? (1)

* Episode No.: 4-12 (65)
* Production No.: 411
* US Airdate: January 20, 1998
* Written by: Josh Lieb
* Directed by: Gregg Heschong

ummary

Lisa is tired of being the boss and Dave doesn't want the job. They decide to "punish" Bill by making him the boss in order to teach him a lesson after his insubordinate behavior. Most of the office comes to believe Bill is a great boss after he gives pointless tasks to Matthew and Beth.

Music

The piano tune Bill plays as he "needs sometime to think" is the intro to Beethoven's Sonata No. 8 "Pathétique".

Who's the Boss? (2)

* Episode No.: 4-13 (66)
* Production No.: 413
* US Airdate: February 3, 1998
* Written by: Brian Kelley
* Directed by: Tom Cherones
* Guest stars: Bryan Callen as Russ Garreli, Nick DiPaolo as Jack Garreli, Robert Hegyes as Sal Garreli, Michael Kostroff as Carl
* Recurring characters: Carl from Accounting

ummary

Mr. James decides to let the staff vote between Dave and Lisa to determine who will be the boss, though they are both open about not wanting the job throughout the entire election. Matthew runs for floor fire marshal. Joe's brothers show up and create mayhem.

Notes

* Nick DiPaolo also appears on Joe Rogan's comedy album "I'm Gonna Be Dead Someday". He plays Mikey in the "Getting Pumped" skit at the beginning of the album.

Security Door

* Episode No.: 4-14 (67)
* Production No.: 415
* US Airdate: February 24, 1998
* Written by:
** Teleplay by: Sam Johnson and Chris Marcil
** Story by: Joe Furey and Lewis Morton
* Directed by: Tom Cherones

ummary

Dave has a security door installed at the station. Everyone immediately circumvents the door.

Big Brother

* Episode No.: 4-15 (68)
* Production No.: 414
* US Airdate: March 3, 1998
* Written by: Lewis Morton
* Directed by: Judi Elterman
* Guest stars: Michael Buchman Silver as Danny, Mike Colt as Guard

ummary

Matthew gets involved in a mix-up at the Big Brother program. Bill tries to get Dave jealous by telling him that Lisa is dating somebody else.

Beep, Beep

* Episode No.: 4-16 (69)
* Production No.: 416
* US Airdate: March 18, 1998
* Written by: Alan J. Higgins
* Directed by: Tom Cherones
* Guest stars: Antoinette Valente as Mary

ummary

Mr. James gives Matthew a small battery-powered car for his birthday, and tries to get Dave and Lisa back together so that they can be more productive.

Balloon

* Episode No.: 4-17 (70)
* Production No.: 417
* US Airdate: March 25, 1998
* Written by:
** Teleplay by:Josh Lieb
** Story by: Joe Furey and Paul Simms
* Directed by: Tom Cherones
* Guest stars: Dave Nemeth as TV Anchor

ummary

Mr. James decides that he needs to fly around the world in a hot air balloon in order to prove his machismo to the other billionares.

Copy Machine

* Episode No.: 4-18 (71)
* Production No.: 418
* US Airdate: April 8, 1998
* Written by: Drake Sather
* Directed by: Joe Furey
* Guest stars: Tom Gallop as Jack, Christopher Randolph as Paramedic

ummary

Ted from accounting is killed by the copy machine and Joe feels responsible. Dave has trouble dealing with his grief over the death, and Ted's former college roommate comes to the office to talk to the staff about their memories of Ted, in preparation for his eulogy.

Monster Rancher

* Episode No.: 4-19 (72)
* Production No.: 419
* US Airdate: April 15, 1998
* Written by:
** Teleplay by: Sam Johnson and Chris Marcil
** Story by: Brian Kelley and Lewis Morton
* Directed by: Tom Cherones
* Guest stars: Brad Rowe as Walt
* Recurring characters: Walt

ummary

Mr. James makes Dave hire his nephew Walt. Dave resents it at first, but Walt is genuinely interested in radio, and has been obsessed with Dave's radio career since seeing him speak in junior high. Dave is touched and begins to give advice to Walt, which soon backfires when Walt reveals his crush on Lisa. Bill feels threatened by Walt's youth and good looks. Matthew asks Lisa out on a date, and she has trouble not hurting his feelings.

4:20

* Episode No.: 4-20 (73)
* Production No.: 420
* US Airdate: April 28, 1998
* Written by: Paul Simms
* Directed by: Judi Elterman
* Guest stars: Brad Rowe as Walt, David Dunard as Referee
* Recurring characters: Walt

ummary

Mr. James invites the WNYX staff to a smoker at his men's club, where Matthew and Joe will participate in a no holds barred Ultimate Fight. Walt's crush on Lisa bothers Bill more than it does Dave.

Jackass Junior High

* Episode No.: 4-21 (74)
* Production No.: 421
* US Airdate: May 6, 1998
* Written by:
** Teleplay by: Joe Furey and Alan J. Higgins
** Story by: Drake Sather and Paul Simms
* Directed by: Tom Cherones
* Guest stars: Brad Rowe as Walt, Mark Jonathan Davis as Himself, Jonelle Kennedy as Cheryl, Michelle Benes as Tour Woman, Doug Gochman as Tourist #1, Allan Murray as Tourist #2, Grady Hutt as Teenager, Mathew Weiss as Kid
* Recurring characters: Walt

ummary

Beth is out sick and Lisa is the only woman working in the station. The guys see this as a license to be vulgar, because they think of Lisa as "one of the guys". Bill becomes worried the people don't think he is funny. Mr. James discovers a tax loophole and turns the station into a historic landmark, as long as they host six tours a day.

Notes

* Vicki Lewis was not in this episode; she was away working on Godzilla.

Sinking Ship

* Episode No.: 4-22 (75)
* Production No.: 422
* US Airdate: May 12, 1998
* Written by:
** Teleplay by: Joe Furey, Brian Kelley, Josh Lieb, and Sam Johnson
** Story by: Chris Marcil, Lew Morton, Drake Sather, and Paul Simms
* Directed by: Tom Cherones
* Guest stars: Brad Rowe as Walt, Emil Alexander as Porter
* Recurring characters: Walt

ummary

Another "What-if" episode that places Newsradio on the Titanic.

Notes

* Vicki Lewis does not appear in this episode, and she is not included in the specially-created opening credits. Her absence was noted at the end of the show, when the audience is told that she was in Toronto working on Godzilla. She does appear on the DVD commentary.

* The show producers were always concerned that NBC would not pick up "NewsRadio" for another season, so they felt that "Sinking Ship" was an apt title for the season finale.

* "Sinking Ship" is Phil Hartman's last appearance on "NewsRadio". He was murdered by his wife Brynn in their home in Encino just weeks after this episode aired.

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Next: NewsRadio season 5