Ep 3. The Rat Funeral

Dave, the station's news director, is feeling especially depressed after being dumped by his girlfriend. Meanwhile, Bill, the eccentric and paranoid station owner, becomes convinced that there is a rat in the office. In an effort to prove his theory, Bill sets up traps and begins interrogating some suspicious-looking coworkers. It isn't long before he catches the elusive rodent - but what should they do with it?

A surprisingly emotional debate ensues over what to do with the rat's body. Some of the staff want to simply throw it in the garbage, while Dave insists on giving it a proper burial. He becomes increasingly fixated on the idea, eventually convincing everyone to hold a funeral for the rat. The memorial service is an absurd affair, complete with a eulogy, a choir, and a tiny casket.

As the office drama unfolds, the station is hosting a special guest: a famous author named Tom Pecinka, whose latest book is causing quite a stir. The staff is thrilled to meet him and eager to impress him - all except for Matthew, the nerdy engineer, who can't seem to get over a grammatical error in one of Pecinka's previous books. He spends the entire episode working up the nerve to confront the author about it, but every time he tries, he is thwarted by various distractions and obstacles.

To make matters worse, Pecinka's visit coincides with the station's annual pledge drive, a time when listeners are encouraged to donate money to keep the station on the air. The pressure is on to meet the fundraising goal, but all anyone can think about is the dead rat and the looming funeral. In the end, the rat's burial turns out to be a surprisingly touching and cathartic event for the staff, and they are able to move on from the bizarre incident and focus on the more pressing matters at hand.

Despite the outlandish plotlines, The Rat Funeral is a classic episode of NewsRadio that showcases the series' trademark humor and heart. The show was known for its talented ensemble cast, which included Dave Foley, Maura Tierney, Phil Hartman, and Joe Rogan, among others. The Rat Funeral is an excellent example of the chemistry between the actors and the clever writing that made NewsRadio such a beloved sitcom. With its mix of workplace humor, social commentary, and absurdist comedy, this episode is a must-watch for fans of the show and newcomers alike.