Ep 8. Love Returns

In the eighth episode of WKRP in Cincinnati's first season, titled "Love Returns," Andy Travis, the station's manager, receives a visit from his ex-girlfriend, Joyce, who is passing through town on her way to California. Although Andy is initially happy to see her, it soon becomes apparent that Joyce is not interested in just catching up with him. She has a proposition for Andy: she wants to get back together with him and move to California. Andy is torn as he still has feelings for Joyce, but also knows that he has a duty to his job and the other workers at the station.

Meanwhile, Jennifer Marlowe, the station's receptionist and Andy's love interest, receives an invitation to a party hosted by her ex-boyfriend, who she is still in love with. Jennifer is unsure whether or not to attend, but her colleagues encourage her to go and see if there is still a chance for them. In an attempt to make her ex-boyfriend jealous, Jennifer drags Johnny Fever, the station's DJ, along with her to the party.

At the same time, Venus Flytrap, the station's smooth-talking soul DJ, is dealing with his own problems. His mother is coming to visit him for the first time in years and he is nervous about introducing her to his radio colleagues, who are mostly white. Venus is worried that his mother will not accept his lifestyle or his career choice, and that his colleagues will judge him for being from a black, working-class background.

As the episode progresses, all of the characters grapple with the idea of love and return. Andy must decide whether to risk his job and his new life in Cincinnati for a chance to be with Joyce again. Jennifer must confront her feelings for her ex-boyfriend and decide whether or not to pursue a relationship with him again. Venus must reconcile his identities as a young, successful DJ and a black man from a rough upbringing.

WKRP in Cincinnati, which aired from 1978 to 1982, was a ground-breaking sitcom that dealt with race, gender, and class in a realistic and nuanced way. "Love Returns" is no exception, as it tackles issues of love, race, and class in a way that is both thoughtful and humorous. The episode was written by Hugh Wilson, the show's creator, and was directed by Asaad Kelada, who also directed several other episodes of the show.

Overall, "Love Returns" is a thoughtful and engaging episode that showcases the strengths of WKRP in Cincinnati as a show that could be both funny and intelligent. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the writing is sharp and insightful. Fans of the show will enjoy seeing how the characters grapple with the complexities of love and identity, and those who are new to the show will appreciate the relatable and accessible themes.