At Least Silliness of’WKRP’ Is Still in Fashion

In the pilot episode of “WKRP in Cincinnati,” obnoxious images compete for attention, but the most compelling ones aren’t meant to be offensive.

The patchwork blazers worn by Herb are supposed to be amusing, but they’re nothing compared with that hideous yellow hard hat that Jennifer calls hair. And you’ll find that you can’t not stare at Andy’s glued-on western shirt, with sleeves rolled up so high that he couldn’t have done it himself.

If you can get past wondering, “What the heck were we thinking in 1978?” you’ll find that the humor has aged better than the hairstyles.

Back then, pretty boy Gary Sandy--who plays Andy Travis--got top billing. You remember him--well, maybe you don’t. He hasn’t done a lot since CBS’ “WKRP” ended in 1982. Only Jan Smithers has a more forgettable role (and a less impressive resume) as Andy’s timid assistant, Bailey Quarters.

In part one of the pilot (Wednesday at 7 p.m. on KDOC-TV Channel 56), new program director Andy immediately switches the third-rate radio station from “beautiful music” to rock.

The change makes a new man of morning deejay Johnny Caravella (Howard Hesseman), who’d been catatonic from years of playing things like the Hallelujah Tabernacle Choir’s version of “(You’re) Having My Baby.” He quickly regains his ‘60s attitude and becomes Dr. Johnny Fever.

Some things don’t change: Herb Tarlek (Frank Bonner) is a sleaze; newsman Les Nessman (Richard Sanders) is no newsman; and station manager Arthur Carlson (Gordon Jump) doesn’t have a clue (he doesn’t remember hiring Andy).

The one who seems to have it together is receptionist Jennifer Marlowe (Loni Anderson), lusted after and underworked but highest paid.

The station owner is Carlson’s mom (played in the pilot by screen star Sylvia Sidney, subsequently by Carol Bruce), and money is her bottom line. She makes it clear that they’d better make truckloads or they’re out.

Even with the new hire, Venus Flytrap (Tim Reid), this station’s doomed to be a loser. Fortunately, in comedy, winning isn’t everything.

DETAILS, DETAILS: What was the off-the-air name of deejay Venus Flytrap? The answer to last week’s quiz (Who played Little Joe’s mother in flashbacks on “Bonanza”?): Felicia Farr.

Set Your VCR

* Lifetime brings back “L.A. Law,” beginning with the two-hour pilot (part one airs Monday at 10 a.m.; part two is Tuesday), which introduces us to the sudsy world of McKenzie Brackman, Chaney & Kuzak. Other pilots airing are those of “Beverly Hills, 90210” (part one is Monday at 1 p.m. on WGN; part two airs Wednesday) and “Designing Women” (Friday at 4 p.m. on Lifetime).

* Is it coincidence that the boy genius on “Columbo” episode “Mind Over Mayhem” (Monday at 6:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on A&E;) is named Steve Spelberg? Steven Spielberg had directed an earlier episode of the series--four years before “Jaws.”

* A typically loony “I Love Lucy” (today at 11 a.m. on KTTV Channel 11) has a different look, because it was the series’ first episode shot, although not to air. Lucy’s hairstyle isn’t the same as it would be forever after; neither is the lighting.

* Among the sketches on “Carol Burnett and Friends” (Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. on Family) is Burnett’s parody of Norma Desmond, which got so much fan mail it became a recurring feature.