But Can She Type?
"But Can She Type?" is the second segment of the thirteenth episode from the first season (1985–86) of the television series The Twilight Zone.
| "But Can She Type?" | |
|---|---|
| The Twilight Zone episode | |
 Scene from But Can She Type? | |
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 13b |
| Written by | Martin Pasko & Rebecca Parr |
| Original air date | December 20, 1985 |
| Guest appearance(s) | |
Pam Dawber: Karen Billings | |
Plot
Karen Billings (Pam Dawber) is an overworked, underappreciated secretary. While making copies on the office Xerox machine, it malfunctions and Karen finds herself transported to another reality. Unaware of the fact that she is no longer in her own universe, Karen attends a party where she is supposed to meet her current boyfriend. She discovers to her surprise that secretaries are a rare and cherished commodity in this dimension. Men at the party hit on her and women talk of how jealous they are of her position. Even the hostess feels her party is now a real event upon finding out a secretary has deemed her party worthy enough to attend. Karen is approached by a wealthy-looking man who offers her a job as his secretary. She does enjoy the attention but realizes she has lost her keys and leaves the party. She goes back to the copy room and accidentally runs the Xerox machine again, and is returned to her reality.
Still completely unaware of the change, Karen returns home to find a message from her boyfriend about missing her at the party. She remembers the card given to her by the man offering her a job and attempts to call. The number, however, doesn't exist and Karen returns to work only to find that her boss is upset with her for not doing her job. He berates her and secretaries in general. While talking with her office friend, Karen realizes what has happened. She runs down to the copy room and finds workmen about to remove the defective machine. Before they can take it away, she frantically operates the copier. A flash of light erupts from the machine and Karen disappears. Now in the alternate dimension, Karen calls the number on the card, which now works. The wealthy man ushers her to a waiting limousine, which will take her to the company's Paris office.
Closing narration
What do you get the woman who has everything, but respect? Ask Karen Billings, recipient of a very unusual and definitely non-returnable present. Because this year, for Christmas, Karen Billings received...the Twilight Zone.