Season 10, Episode 8 of ‘The Carol Burnett Show’ featured the Passive-Aggressive News Network. Rock Hudson and Carol play married newscasters who are obviously having relationship trouble.
As they sit at the news desk to begin, Rock says, “We’re on in ten, honey?” Carol tells him not to “honey” her with an angry look on her face. They both quietly argue as the lights dim before the newscast.
Once the lights come on, they smile with frozen faces. Rock says his opening, “From the mountains to the prairies to the oceans white with foam, a gracious good evening.”
Rock tells the viewers that a phone company’s communications are down, but he speaks to Carol in a passive-aggressive way throughout the story. Rock mentions how once the problem is conveyed, they can learn how to solve it.
Carol reads her news story and says, “I have no interest in answering questions at this time! Stated senate investigator Ralph J. Spoolman.” The crowd laughs as Carol gives Rock a dirty look and says the investigator, “…will give the filthy liar what he deserves!”
Carol’s next story is about secretaries getting raises for all the little extra things they help their bosses with. Rock looks worried as Carol asks, “Do you have a comment on that, Steve?” Rock replies, “A good secretary always keeps their bosses’ affairs in order.” Then, he glances at Carol in terror because of what he said. Rock tries to save it by saying it’s because they have a loving wife at home.
Carol is fuming and says, “Divorce rates are up 18 percent this year! Due to unstable, middle-aged husbands who are insecure about their masculinity.” Carol ends the newscast by telling the viewers she will be hosting “For Housewives Only: Making his guilt your gain.”
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