Big Day
The Big Day when Jimmy hands out the annual bonuses has arrived. And after he's cautioned against having an affair with anyone at work, and particularly Lisa, Dave is saddled with the responsibility of deciding this year's bonuses. Explaining how he motivates with paranoia and fear, Jimmy says that everyone should get $400 except for two. One gets "the big bonus" of $3,000, while the other gets "the shaft, " or nothing. Not wanting to be "shafted" for the fourth year in a row, Matthew pleads his case with Dave, while Lisa is convinced she's getting the big bonus to make up for not being made news director. Dave suggests that no one get "the shaft" this year. But Jimmy won't accept any changes in the policy and offers to take full responsibility for whatever Dave decides. However, when Lisa accidentally finds his list of who's getting what, she discovers that she isn't the only candidate for the big bonus. Upset over Dave keeping his role a secret, Lisa then offers to keep quiet about what she's found -- -- in exchange for the $3,000! Realizing that things have gotten out of hand, Dave calls a staff meeting and suggests pooling all the bonus money to give everyone an equal share. What he finds is that everyone is willing to take their chances with his decision, as each of them certain they're the one getting the $3,000. Seeing how to manipulate the situation to her advantage, Catherine claims she doesn't care one way or the other and ends up with the big bonus, while Dave gives himself "the shaft" to make everyone else feel guilty. However, Dave soon realizes that not recognizing Joe can mean real problems for the station.
