Ep 19. Presence

Set in New York City, NewsRadio is a sitcom which revolves around the workplace issues of the staff and management of WNYX, a news radio station. The show frequently deals with issues such as office politics, workplace dynamics, and comedic interludes.

Season 2 Episode 19, titled "Presence," follows the antics of the WNYX radio crew as they prepare to attend a company dinner hosted by their owner, Mr. James. The staff members are fighting for a seat at his table because they believe that being in his presence will help their careers.

The episode starts with Dave, the news director, being assigned to sit at Mr. James’ table. This creates a sense of envy among his co-workers, who start maneuvering around to secure seats at the main table. Meanwhile, Mr. James' assistant, Beth, is going around the office trying to find out who would be a good match for his dinner partner, Melissa.

As the staff gets ready for the big event, they are all jockeying for a chance to sit with the boss and his VIPs. Beth, who is constantly scheming, informs them that Mr. James has a new favorite employee, George, who will accompany him at the head table. This information sets off a fierce competition among Dave, Lisa, Bill, Matthew, Joe, and Catherine, who compete for the remaining seats at the table.

Each one of them presents their pitch to Mr. James about why they should be seated in his company, but ultimately, he makes the final decision. In the end, one staff member is left with a guest who is not what they seem, while another is left stranded outside in the rain.

The episode is full of humorous situations and witty one-liners, with each character adding their own brand of humor to the mix. The storyline explores the various relationships in the office as well as the competitive nature of the staff members, demonstrating how they are all fighting for recognition and validation.

Throughout the episode, the writers play with the concept of presence, highlighting the impact that it has on the staff members. The idea of being present at Mr. James’ table is seen as a ticket to a better future, and the staff members' constant scheming highlights the pressure that they feel to make it in the industry.

At its core, this episode is an exploration of human behavior, highlighting how our desire to be seen and recognized can sometimes cloud our judgment. Viewers are treated to a glimpse into the cutthroat world of radio journalism, showcasing how ambition and competition can sometimes blind us to the bigger picture.

With its sharp writing, impeccable comedic timing, and an all-star cast, "Presence" exemplifies the qualities that made NewsRadio such a beloved workplace comedy. The episode is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the humor that comes with trying to make it in a competitive environment.