Original subtitles

Change, change, change.

Must be my new secretary.

Hi, I'm Murphy Brown.

Hello, Patricia Grunwald.

Let me just get right to the point, Patricia.

Have you ever been institutionalized?

Oh, goodness gracious, no.

Now, I sorted your mail, I adjusted the temperature in your office, and I called

office services and told them to have your typewriter fixed within the hour or

to suffer the consequences.

This is great!

Welcome aboard, Patricia.

Be sure and write your birthday down on my desk calendar.

You're about a size six, right?

Morning, Murphy.

Come join the others. I have a bit of news.

Frank, Corky, you'll want to hear this.

What's up, Jim?

Oh, nothing much.

I just wanted you all to know I'm going on assignment.

What? Assignment?

Jim! Yes, yes, it's very exciting.

The brass called, asked me to go cover Libya, what with the recent event.

Gee, Jim, you haven't been on assignment since...

When did you last go on assignment?

June, 1973.

I went over to the White House lawn.

We were in the thick of Watergate.

I'll never forget those clear, bright nights with only the gentle hum of the

paper shredders marring the pristine silence.

God, I've missed it.

Well, welcome back to the fraternity. A little action, a little danger, life on

the road, you wild man.

Get married, Frank.

Don't worry about anything while you're gone. I'll keep the old anchor chair

warm for you as usual.

All right, then. I've got to get going.

Check in with my producer.

Find out who my crew is.

We're leaving on the midnight flight from Dallas.

Oh, you're leaving tonight?

That doesn't leave us much time. I better call Phil. Make it 7 o 'clock.

let everyone know. Hey, now, hey, now. No need to make a fuss.

Oh, what the hell? Make a fuss.

Come on, let's get cracking. We've got plans to make. You better let me help

you. I'll call the florist.

I help you.

That's right, I'm Bambi, your special telephone friend.

What's your name?

Oh, Gur.

Hi, Jeff. Are you ready to enjoy a deep and unbridled ecstasy that explodes

beyond your wildest dreams?

Good, because as soon as I get your visa or your MasterCard number, Bambi's

gonna teach you all sorts of nice little things.

Excuse me.

Bambi just got sent back to the forest. This is Thumper.

And she's telling you to get off the phone and stop calling here because...

What?

Oh, all right.

I'm hot, I'm hot. I'm on fire.

Yes, yes, faster, slower. Oh, boy, oh, baby, oh, baby.

Typical.

An inflatable companion.

This newsman is ready to be shipped off. Thank you all.

Jim, I just know when you get back, you'll enjoy the placemats I gave you.

Nobody told me.

in one place because it gives me a chance to say something I've always

say. Hey, everybody.

Sorry I'm late.

Had to pick up Miller here.

Everyone, this is Miller Redfield from our affiliated Hartford. I want you to

make him feel at home because he'll be getting his first network test.

For the next two weeks, he'll be filling in for Jim.

And he'll do a damn fine job, I'm sure. Jim Dial, welcome.

Just remember, we all had to go through that first network experience. I know

you'll do fine.

Thanks, Jim. I really appreciate your confidence.

Listen, I feel like I'm interrupting something here. Well, not at all.

Well, this is just my old reporter's hat, my old reporter's coat.

The bra's new.

Excuse me.

I'm going to go mingle.

Miller, let me introduce you to the people you'll be sharing the desk with.

My bunch, my gang, my compadres, and I should also add, my family.

Frank Fontana, Corky Sherwood, Murphy Brown.

It's a pleasure, really. I can't tell you what a thrill this is for me.

I've watched you and admired you as journalists for a very long time. If you

need anything, we're here for you.

Okay, folks, let's not wear them out. Come on, Miller, I'll buy you a brewski.

I hate you. Me too.

My name is Miller.

Something smells funny here.

Why do we need a substitute anchor? What is this, the Tonight Show?

Look, we're reporters. We should be able to find out what's going on.

You tail the new guy. I'll take Miles.

Okay.

So, Miles, what's the deal on this guy? Why'd we get him? His contract up with

Arrow shirts?

Oh, boy. I should have seen this coming.

You just hate to make new little friends, don't you?

Miles, let me lay this out for you. Jim is sent on assignment for the first time

since the Shangri -Las are off the charts. A substitute anchor is brought

the first time ever.

I think the network's playing musical chairs and Jim's going to lose.

No way.

It's just a network test.

I'm the executive producer. There's no way they'd make a change without my

input. If what you're saying was true, it would mean I was out of the loop.

So you're out of the loop. You can still grow up to be vice president.

Excuse me.

I haven't finished digging.

Oh, God.

I'm out of the loop.

You know, Miller, I had an idea. How about we take you to dinner tonight?

of get to know each other just as journalists.

Well, that'd be great, Murphy, but can I take a rain check? I still have to find

a place to stay.

Wait a minute. You mean the network isn't putting you up at a hotel?

Well, sure, but that's just temporary.

They have a realtor coming to pick me up in, whoa, 15 minutes.

You want me to start looking for a house here in Washington?

Listen, I got to run. It's great meeting all of you. I'll see you on the set.

And we're into commercial.

Power them if you got them.

Leave all the suits here tonight?

I feel like somebody's going to sell me a policy.

It's just the network. Don't let them get to you, Frank.

You just have to learn how to get used to them.

Now listen, Murphy, when I intro you after the break, I thought we should

in a little friendly repartee.

I wrote some lines for you on these note cards.

You're kidding.

No.

See, I've noticed that the show could use a little loosening up.

Audiences love spontaneous banter.

Miller. There's something you should know besides the meaning of the word

spontaneous. I don't banter. It wouldn't be pleasant for any of us.

You know, Murphy, I realize it's not easy to teach the proverbial old dog the

proverbial new trick, but it's a tough new world out there.

We can't just inform. We have to entertain, too.

Well, someday you'll agree with me.

If you want to be part of the future.

Now look. All right, places, people.

Thank you, Murphy. Here we go.

In five, four, three, two.

Welcome back to FYI.

I'm Miller Redfield, sitting in for Jim Dial, who's on assignment in Libya.

We're about to go live to Libya, where it's this morning over there, tonight

here. Tell me, Murphy.

Thanks, Miller.

In recent days, Libya has returned to the headlines. We know that the attempt

overthrow the government of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi has apparently failed.

Jim, can you tell us what's happening over there now?

As you can see, Murphy, there are still pro -Gaddafi demonstrators in the

streets, mostly here for our benefit.

Jim, what do you know of the fate of the generals who attempted the coup?

A good question, Murphy.

According to our sources, they were last seen in the company of armed guards

last night.

Jim, it looks like you have company.

One moment.

We are apparently

being told we cannot report from here. It is unclear whether they mean from

location or report at all.

Jim, can you tell us what's happening?

They want us to turn off the camera.

Do not turn off the camera.

All right, now, I've had just about enough of these shenanigans.

This is a network broadcast.

You are going to allow me to wrap it up, then we turn off the camera.

I can report right now, Murphy. There is confusion here, but apparently Gaddafi

is indeed still in power. This is Jim Dial reporting live.

Incredible. Now, you be careful over there.

We bring it to you as it happens, America.

I'm Miller Redfield. For all of us at FYI, good night.

And we're out. Nice work, people. That's one for the VCRs.

I've never seen Jim like that before.

What a man.

Talk about guts.

Gotta hand it to him. He's still got it.

Yeah, and look who's reaping the glory.

When you look at them, I haven't seen smiles like that since they stole back

Connie Chung.

Like it was a big deal.

I feel like a ball of dirt.

I believe those guys when they said he was just supposed to be filling in.

Jim was so happy to be going on assignments.

He had his little hat.

Miller is just a fake, Jim.

Fake.

I hate that fake, Jim.

What is this?

We can't just roll over and let this happen. Meeting tonight, my house.

You got it.

I can't go.

Why not?

Because I'm the executive producer.

I'm management.

I'm not supposed to get involved.

I'm sorry.

We understand, Miles.

You have a responsibility to the network.

After all, they just put a kitchenette in your office.

Come on. I love Jim. You know that.

That's okay, Miles.

we wouldn't want anything to come between you and your new little fridge.

Come on, guys. Let's go.

I just don't get it. How could the network want to hire somebody like that?

He's nothing but a superficial, blonde airhead.

He's going to give us all a bad name.

You move with the beauty and the grace of a gazelle.

Did anyone ever paint you?

No, no, no. I mean, thank you.

Frank, can we just get to the problem here?

What if we get a letter -writing campaign going? You know, show audience

for Jim.

Ah, forget it. It would take too long. Why don't we just go to the network and

tell them how we feel? That Jim has depth and experience and Miller's a meat

puppet. Come on.

The network has to listen to reason.

Oh, help me. I'm hallucinating.

Wait a minute.

circuit his earpiece and fry his brains out.

Come on, that doesn't help.

Although, there is something to be said for making him look bad on the air.

I liked it the moment I heard it.

It's quiet out there.

Too quiet.

Although, maybe that's good.

But on live TV, you never know.

Then again, That's the beauty of it, right?

Be ready to go black at a moment's notice.

Coming back, people. Satellite thieves, stand by.

In five, four, three, two... Jim Dial

has been on the scene in Libya, a country dripped in fear since last week.

Tonight, in a conversation with Murphy Brown, he'll bring us up to date on

developments there.

in Libya, where he is.

And has been.

And from where he is reporting to us.

About some overthrowing taking place.

What do you want to do, Miles?

Stay on Miller.

Silverberg says stay on Miller.

Take it.

Take it.

Washington, do you hear me? Yes, Jim, we hear you.

So, Jim, how's it going over there?

Well, Miller, we are reporting from one of the major cities, Benghazi, where

things remain relatively calm.

The soldiers have not been so much in evidence as they were last week, but

is still a great deal of uncertainty.

How bad?

Of course, I'm sure you're going to ask why Gaddafi has not yet appeared in

public if he is, as his minions say, firmly in power.

Economic issues, which were the primary motive behind the coup attempt, still

have not been resolved.

What? Good question.

Central is the Libyans' newfound desire to freely operate their own businesses.

As you know, foreigners operate most service industries here.

Right -o.

So we wait and watch.

Will Muammar Gaddafi's people's revolution continue, or has his brand of

economic reform failed?

It is a question that could have profound implications for the Middle

and the world.

Back to you, Miller.

Thank you, Jim, for that fascinating report on a situation that is

uncertain and will no doubt continue for a while.

Because the implications are far -ranging for the Midwest.

Very long time to come.

I'm Miller Redfield.

For all of us.

Saying goodnight.

Yes, something must have stuck in my throat and I was choking.

First time that's ever happened.

Amazing.

So, old Miller didn't seem to do so well.

No, he didn't, did he?

Too bad.

You could have thrown the interview to Frank, you know.

I know.

You definitely have potential, Miles. We haven't even started. to tap this. Have

you ever worked with rubber vomit?

Yes, Jim. And what was the name of that city you were in? Libya?

Is that anywhere near Switzerland?

Good skiing in Switzerland.

Nice. Wide.

All together?

Probably feeling pretty smug.

Gee, Miller, is something wrong?

Guys, I think something's bothering Miller.

It's like you've got some little club here.

You're just so childish.

Everything has to be your way.

You think you're Mr.

and Mrs.

King and Queen. Well, let me tell you something.

It won't work.

I know what I want out of life, and I'm going to get it. You can't stop me.

I'm inevitable, like a bad penny.

Shut up.

Jim Miller, good to see you again. How's it going?

Jim!

Jim,

Jim, come on, Jim.

We live the glory... Tell us, is it everything you thought it would be? It

stimulating, actually.

Even more than I thought it would be.

On the long flight back, I had a lot of time to think.

Shooters, I never thought I'd be saying this.

I hope you all understand.

What is it, Jim?

It's time to make a change.

I'm putting in for a foreign correspondency on a permanent basis.

I'm leaving FYI.

Jim, I don't know what to say.

We started the show together.

We've been together 12 years.

It would seem really strange without you.

This is kind of sudden, Jim.

You sure about it? Have you thought it out?

Yes.

After Libya, the juices are flowing, sap is rising.

I say let some other poor soul be the desk jockey.

You do understand, don't you?

What Corky's trying to say, Jim, is... But if this is what you want to do, then

of course we'll all stand behind you.

If I can understand how you feel, buddy, we're sure gonna miss you.

Hey, Jimbo!

Welcome back!

What'd you bring me? Only kidding.

Boy, this is what I like to see.

Everybody together.

Miles?

Jim is leaving the show.

What? Now, people, please don't feel I'm abandoning you. You'll find a

replacement.

Why not use Miller, for instance?

He made a few mistakes, but with a little experience under his belt, he'll

fine.

I don't think Miller will be available.

The network feels he's too green, so they're sending him to our overseas

South Yemen.

South Yemen.

for at least a year.

Miles, could you close that door for a moment?

Yes! This is perfect!

The little wiener! The papa's little putz! The way he's getting what he

deserves! Oh, God, I thought I was a goner as soon as I got that assignment

I found out about Miller. Wait a minute. You knew?

Of course I knew.

I'm a reporter, damn it. I smell a network shuffle a mile away.

But what about the field? I thought your juices were flowing. Your sap was

rising. Get real.

I've been there. I've done it.

You think it's romantic sharing a hotel room with your crew for two weeks?

You think it's a picnic sharing a bed with Gerald the Horse Hertzfelder?

You once called me Roberta in his sleep and tried to spoon me.

If that's life on the road, you can leave it to Charles Kuralt.

Why are we all standing around? We've got work to do.

Don't do that again, okay?