recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Last Man on Earth

**"Last Man on Earth"** is the tenth episode of the seventh season, and the one hundred and forty-sixth episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by Gary Brown, the episode originally aired on January 3rd, 1986.

## Synopsis

Kraus dreams that she and Benson are the only ones left on earth following a discussion of the upcoming Halley's Comet.

## Trivia

* Benson and Kraus's in dream sons were played by Brandon Quinton Adams, and Matthew Waterson. Brandon would go on to appear in Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal Music Video, as well as Michael Jackson's Moonwalker. He would also appear in the fellow *Witt/Thomas* sitcom, Empty Nest, as well as other 90's sitcoms such as Martin, Roc, A Different World, and Moesha. Matthew would go on to do various video game voicework in games such as Fallout 4, Uncharted 4, and The Last of Us Part II.
	+ The two actresses who played Benson and Kraus's in dream daughters however, have both since left the industry.
* The tag scene is cut from all syndication edits.

## Cultural References

* The episode's premise revolves around the most famous periodic comet, Halley's Comet. By only returning to Earth's vicinity about every 75 years, It was last seen in early 1986, and won't be seen again until July 28th, 2061.
* The episode is a parody of the 1984 Sci-Fi Comedy film, Night of the Comet.
* Mrs. Cassidy mentions seeing a film with the late Olympic swimmer, and TV actor, Buster Crabbe.

## Quotes

* **Benson:** I don't believe superstitions. It's bad luck.

* **Mrs. Cassidy:** I saw a movie on TV--When Comets Collide. See this one comet struck the earth and knocked it off its axis. Oh, there was wind and floods and fires. That movie had everything. Including bad love scenes and Buster Crabbe.

* **Mrs. Cassidy:** Can I fix you some breakfast, honey?
* **Katie:** Oh, no, I'm late already. I'll just have a glass of milk and a piece of toast.
* **Mrs. Cassidy:** Oh, I'm sorry. The toaster's broken. It won't pop up. I think the popper is pooped.

* **Benson:** You were right. We are all alone. We're the last people on Earth.
* **Kraus:** I always knew I was destined to be someone special. I am to be Mother Earth.
* **Benson:** And who is to be Father Earth?
* **Kraus:** You and I are the new Adam and Eve. Together, we will repopulate the Earth.
* **Benson:** That is the most disgusting thing I have ever heard.

* **Kraus:** This is my new coat. Don't you love it?
* **Benson:** As a matter of fact, I hate it.
* **Kraus:** Well, I like to wear nice things. Don't you care about the way I look?
* **Benson:** I've never cared about the way you look.
Rose Cassidy

*"35 years of cleaning up after a bunch of sloppy politicians, and that's what I get?" - Rose Cassidy*

## Rose Cassidy

### Aliases

Mrs. Cassidy
Rose

### Occupation

Housekeeper
Public Service

## Appearances

### Debut

Hello, We Must Be Going

**Rose Cassidy** (played by Billie Bird) is The Governor's housekeeper and chef at the Governor's Mansion from Seasons 6 -7 on the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

## About Mrs. Cassidy

Rose Cassidy would become a widower when her husband, Mr. Cassidy, would suddenly pass away. According to Rose, her husband died after being ran over by a steamroller. Rose Cassidy began her public service as a maid for the Governor's Mansion in 1951. Cassidy would work under eight administrations before serving under Governor Gatling in 1979.

## Relationships

Mrs. Cassidy generally bared a slight guard while carrying herself with a sense of humor. She often told stories of her deceased husband, keeping his memory alive with various "*Late Mr. Cassidy...*" tales. She would spend most of the time in the kitchen preparing coffee and cleaning while occasionally clashing with the staff.

The staff was generally appreciative of her work with chief of staff turned budget director, Clayton Endicott, being a potential exception.

## Trivia

* She enjoys a good cry
* She doesn't consider herself much of a religious person.

## Quotes

* "The late Mr. Cassidy always said, '*a fool and his money are soon parted*' ...and he died then I got all his money!"
* " A stick pin? 35 years of cleaning up after a bunch of sloppy politicians and that's what I get?"
* "I didn't make 35 years in this joint by flapping my gums!"
Kraus Sings the Blues

**"Kraus Sings the Blues"** is the nineteenth episode of the fourth season, and eighty-seventh episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by Bill Foster, the episode originally aired on March 4th, 1983.

## Synopsis

When Kraus steps in to perform for The Governor's Myerson Children's fund-raising telethon, she catches the attention of a shady record producer, Al Tobias (played by John O'Leary). When the staff takes notice, they plan a revenge tactic on the executive.

## Trivia

* The beginning scene of Benson and Kraus in the kitchen is cut from syndication edits due to time constraints.
* This marks the first mention of the Myerson Children's Clinic.
* Inga Swenson, a Tony nominated Broadway actress, shows off her singing for the second time in the series; first being in the episode "Mary and Her Lambs".
* When Denise poses as an astrologer, she states that the planets will align again on July 13th, 2009, 26 years following the episode's airing.

## Cultural References

* Benson refers to Kraus as *Big Bird.*
* The song Kraus sings is "In the Still of the Night" by Cole Porter.
* When the staff poses as a musical group, they perform a rendition of "Day-O" by Harry Belafonte.

## Quotes

* **Clayton**: Hm, I thought you'd be touchy after seeing the newspaper.
* **Benson**: What's in the newspaper?
* **Kraus**: His picture.
* **Benson**: What a photograph or one of those police sketches?

* **Pete:** Oh yeah, you gotta' have about three hours worth of jokes.
* **Benson:** Jokes? I'm not telling any jokes.
* **Pete:** \*laughs\* That's very funny! Three hours!

* **Denise:** What makes people do things like that?
* **Governor:** Plain old greed.
* **Pete:** Yeah, I can understand that.
Secret Love

**"Secret Love"** is the eleventh episode of the seventh season, and one hundred and forty-seventh episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by Bill Foster, the episode originally aired on January 18th, 1986.

## Synopsis

When the committee learns that Clayton lives with a Russian renegade, problems begin to ensue toward his appointment for budget director.

## Trivia

* The tag scene is cut out of syndication edits.
* Jack Dodson's role is wrongly credited as Senator Chapman in the episode's credits, as opposed to Senator Gate which he is referred to in the episode.

## Cultural References

* The Governor states that he'd think it'd be easier to get Fred Flintstone through the committee than Clayton.
	+ Benson also makes a callback to the statement at the end of the episode, mentioning Fred's sidekick, Barney Rubble, as well.
* Benson sarcastically states that Clayton went to the "Rambo School of Charm" after Clayton tells Mrs. Cassidy to buzz off.
* The premise of the episode focuses on stereotype from global conflict.
* Benson states that his family has had trouble with Georgia, in reference to heavy racial discrimination in the south of the U.S.
* When the Governor asks if Clayton had been living with a "dancing communist" Benson sarcastically states "Yeah. Red Astaire" in reference to the Communist flag's color of red, and the name of actor and dancer, Fred Astaire. Fred would die a year later in 1987.

## Quotes

* **Governor:** Benson, don't get me wrong, Clayton can do the job, but you'll never get him through Senator Gate's committee. They hate him over there.
* **Benson:** Well, that's not the point, we hate him over here.

* **Clayton:** You know I have a way with people.
* **Benson:** That's exactly what worries me. Your way with people.

* **Senator Gate:** Does the Governor support this nomination?
* **Benson:** Yes, he does.
* **Senator Gate:** Unbelievable. Who voted for that guy?

* **Governor:** Does she have a green card?
* **Clayton:** She's an alien.
* **Governor:** Clayton. She is from this planet?

* **Clayton:** Senators, I want to be completely candid with you. I want to speak with you from the very bottom of my soul. I sincerely believe this. My father could buy and sell everyone of you, and don't you forget it.
Pardon Me

**"Pardon Me"** is the eighteenth episode of the seventh season, and one hundred and fifty-fourth episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by Rob Dames, the episode originally aired on March 15, 1986.

## Synopsis

Benson persuades the Governor to sign a pardon for a framing. The pardon backfires however, when the man has already adjusted to jail life and is woeful of being set free.

## Trivia

* The man in the mask was played by Fred Smoot who previously appeared in Season 4 of parent series, *Soap*, as Fluffy.
* Benson mentions the Dobermans that stay around the Mansion, though they haven't been shown, and very rarely ever mentioned, since Season 1 of the series.
* The episode marks the last appearance of Tom Biener as Sergeant Leary.
* Jake McGraw was played John LaMotta, who would portray Trevor Ochmonek on the sitcom, *ALF.*
* When on the phone with the state prison, Benson says, "Well, you tell the former Lieutenant Governor hello from me, too", in reference to the Season 6 episode, "The Scandal" where the, then, lieutenant governor, Jerry Decker, is exposed accepting bribes and then sent to prison.
* The tag scene is removed from syndication edits.

## Cultural References

* Jake McGraw sings the African American spiritual tune, "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot".
* Benson states that 25 years ago, from 1986, gas costed a quarter, people were using dixie peach styling pomade, and a "Whoopi Goldberg" was a cushion, in reference to the gag toy, whoopee cushion, and actress and comedian, Whoopi Goldberg.

## Quotes

* **Man:** 25 years ago, a man named Jake McGraw was convicted of a crime he didn't commit.
* **Benson:** So why are you telling me? Why aren't you telling the police?
* **Man:** I can't. I helped commit the crime, then we framed McGraw for it.
* **Benson:** And the police bought it?
* **Man:** That was easy. We were the police.

* **Man:** Oh, come on please. It'd take a great burden off my conscience.
* **Benson:** Look uh, Mr...
* **Man:** Uh, Dog. \*puts on dog mask\*
* **Benson:** Why don't you just turn yourself in?
* **Man:** That burdened I'm not. Come on, will you do this?

* **Kraus:** Oh, Clayton. Someone should lock you up and throw away the door.

* **Kraus:** Every year it gets worse. Year after year...

* **Clayton:** Ah, Mrs. Cassidy, if you don't mind, I'd like to have a word with Mr. McGraw.
* **Mrs. Cassidy:** Sure, but don't keep him long. As soon as he's he's done with the bathrooms I think I'll have him buff the basement. \*chuckles devilishly and walks away\*
* **Benson:** Drunk with power.
* **Clayton:** No, I think she's just drunk.

* **Governor:** This is an innocent man you're talking about.
* **Clayton:** Innocent? The man is obviously a loser. He belongs behind bars guarded, day and night. So, maybe he didn't commit this one crime. He's obviously committed some crime. I mean sir, the man has a tattoo.
Half-Court Trap

**"Half-Court Trap"** is the twentieth episode of the fourth season, and eighty-eighth episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson.*

Directed by Bill Foster, the episode originally aired on March 11th, 1983.

## Synopsis

When Benson's nephew, Tommy Colfield (played by Richard Cummings Jr.) makes a visit, Benson discovers he's illiterate and has abandoned academic success in hopes of becoming a famous basketball star.

## Trivia

* This episode marks the first episode to be written by Bill Boulware.

## Cultural References

* Benson mentions American Basketball player, Dr. J.
* Sid, the cable repairman, says cable will revolutionize TV, but Benson disagrees. At the time, cable was still a relatively new format of consuming entertainment; In more recent years, the conversation would be more likely shifted towards streaming, cable, and broadcasting.

## Quotes

* **Kraus:** Boy, he sounds like a talented young man!
* **Benson:** Yes, he is, he's very talented. Very good looking too, but of course that runs in the family.
* **Kraus:** Really? It sure isn't running rampant.

* **Benson**: Are you gonna take the basketball with you?
* **Tommy**: I go everywhere with this basketball. I eat with it. I sleep with it. I do everything with it.
* **Benson:** Ah, yes the perfect companion... It's always glad to see you, and it doesn't mind if you dribble.

* **Benson**: [Benson is looking at the illiterate note his nephew wrote] You're putting me on, huh.
* **Tommy:** What do you mean?
* **Benson:** This note.
* **Tommy**: Oh, you mean my handwriting. Pretty bad, isn't it? I always did write like a chicken.
* **Benson:** Yeah, and you're beginning to spell like one.

* **Benson:** Tommy, they're just using you. Can't you see that?
* **Mr. Harlington:** Mr. DuBois, everyone gets used. Damn few make a million dollars for it.

* **Governor:** You can call a pig Rover, but you can't make him fetch.
Frankie

Benson's Groupie

**Frankie** (played by Jerry Seinfeld) is a mail courier at the Governor's Mansion on the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

## About Frankie

Frankie is an aspiring comedian who got a job as a mail courier under Governor Gatling's administration. He often tried to sneak pass the head of the household, Benson, in order to pitch jokes to the Governor.

### Relationships

From being mocked by the Governor's daughter, Katie Gatling, and being sassed by the Governor's secretary, Marcy Hill, the staff generally carried a strong dislike for Frankie's jokes. Despite constantly chewing him out, Benson once stated that he liked everything about Frankie, except his jokes.

## Trivia

* This was Jerry Seinfeld's first acting role.
* Jerry Seinfeld played Frankie for three episodes until he was asked to leave due to creative differences.

## Quotes

* "Why am I the only courier who has to drop his pouch here in the kitchen?"
* "You know, I've never met a funny Lutheran."
* "You think it's easy coming up with Lutheran jokes?"

## List of Frankie's Jokes

* "Do you know what Custer's last words were? 'Does anybody here speak Indian?'"
* "Why did Washington throw a dollar across the Potomac? His horse was too big."
* "Do you know why a Priest crosses himself? To get to the other side."
* "Did you hear about the Rabbi who bought himself a ranch? Called it the Bar Mitzvah."
In High Places

**"In High Places"** is the eighth episode of the second season, and thirty-second episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson.*

Directed by John Rich, the episode originally aired on January 9th, 1981.

## Synopsis

On the way to a Solar Energy Conference in Albuquerque, the pilot of the plane flying the staff becomes ill and dies; leaving it up to The Governor and Benson to fly the plane.

## Trivia

* This episode marks the second mention of Marcy's disdain for planes.
* It's revealed that The Governor was taking flying lessons right before he decided to run for Governor.

## Cultural References

* Clayton mentions *The Wright Brothers* when misunderstanding The Governor's "first flight" story.
* Clayton states that finding radio frequencies to help land the plane only works in Charlton Heston movies.

## Quotes

* **Marcy:** I hate thinking about flying. I hate waiting to fly, I hate flying! You know what I hate worse than flying? Falling.

* **Marcy:** Now look here, flying works. It's been proven over and over again. There are laws that govern it! It makes absolutely logical sense...If you're a physics major. But I'm not. I'm a perfectly normal person who knows you cannot keep six tons of steel in the air!
* **Benson:** I think they're gonna try it anyway.

* **Clayton:** There is no Co-Pilot?
* **Benson:** Then who's flying the plane?
* **Governor:** Well as the pilot said, it's on automatic,
* **Benson:** Is that a nice way of saying that nobody is flying the plane?
* **Clayton:** Oh my God, we're all gonna die! We're gonna crash, we're gonna die!
* **Benson:** \*Raises hand\*
* **Clayton:** Benson, if you slap me I'll slap you back.
* **Benson:** Alright, but get control of yourself. This is no time to panic.
* **Governor:** I better take over the controls.
* **Benson:** Now you can panic.

* **Benson:** Help! Help! We're up here! Uh, somebody come up and rescue us before we're splattered all over the countryside! Help! Hello? Help! Help!
* **Marcy:** \*Walks in\* I don't think it's a good idea to broadcast your distress signal into the cabin. You're scaring the hell out of us back there!
* **Benson:** You're scared? I could end up being the first black on Mount Rushmore.

* **Jet:** Roger unidentified, I read you now! Please identify.
* **Benson:** \*sigh of relief\* This is Governor Gatling's plane!
* **Jet**: That's where you guys are! Everybody's been looking for you. Welcome to the Nevada nuclear test range!
* **Governor:** Nuclear test range?
* **Benson:** I hope we're not interrupting anything.
* **Jet**: What's your current situation?
* **Benson:** The pilot's dead, an armature's flying the plane, and we don't know how to land. Any suggetions?
* **Jet:** Are you a religious man?
Inga Swenson

**Inga Swenson** (born December 29, 1932) is an American actress who portrayed the character Gretchen Kraus on the ABC sitcom, *Benson*. She has appeared in multiple Broadway productions, receiving two Tony nominations.

## Early years

Inga Swenson graduated from Omaha Central High School in Nebraska in 1950. While attending OCHS, as a junior, Swenson won the state title in the National Forensic League's speech contest and later completed at the NFL's national contest. As a high school senior she was chosen the school's best vocalist and was president of the Central High Players. She studied drama at Northwestern University under Alvina Krause, among others, and was a member of the Alpha Phi sorority.

## Career

Early in her career, Swenson had supporting roles in the films *Advise and Consent* (1962) and *The Miracle Worker* (1962) in which she played Helen Keller's mother. Swenson is a trained lyric soprano and starred on Broadway in *New Faces* (c. 1956), and *The First Gentleman* (1959), receiving Tony Award nominations for Best Actress in a Musical for her performances in *110 in the Shade* (1964) and *Baker Street* (1965).

Swenson had a role in the TV western series *Bonanza* in two episodes: "Inger, My Love" (1962) and "Journey Remembered" (1963). Swenson also portrayed Gretchen Kraus, the autocratic and acerbic German cook (later head housekeeper and administrative assistant) in the TV sitcom *Benson*. She received the part by appearing in a multi-episode stint as Ingrid Spencer, the Swedish birth mother of Corinne Tate (Diana Canova), on the TV sitcom *Soap*, which had the same producers. She also appeared as northern matriarch Maude Hazard in the mini-series *North and South* in 1985 and again in 1986.

A life member of The Actors Studio, her favorite role was Lizzie Currie in the musical *110 in the Shade*.

## External links

* Inga Swenson at IMDb
* Inga Swenson at the Internet Broadway Database
* Inga Swenson: Wikipedia
Tonight It's My Party

**"Tonight It's My Party"** is a song by Robert Guillaume featured in the episode "Solid Gold" from the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

## Background

The song was written by Robert Guillaume's son, Kevin Guillaume for the episode, "Solid Gold". It features a dance-pop instrumental with vocals by Robert Guillaume. The song was never officially released, but was performed by Robert on certain occasions in the 80's.

In the show, the song is performed by Benson in Las Vegas after being hypnotized.

## Lyrics

[Verse 1]

"Is it already Monday?", I say to myself as I crawl from under the sheets

in and out of the shower, no time for breakfast, I've got to hit the streets

out on the freeway the rush hour traffic's enough to make you scream

even before you arrive to work every morning you're tearing at the seams

sometimes it makes me wonder what's the use

but nobody said it would be easy trying to pay your dues

everyday I'm so busy

from sun up 'till sun down, I've got to find a way

to relieve all this tension from pounding in pavement every single day

I've gave it all I got and then some more

but now it's Friday night and I'm heading out the door

[Chorus]

'Cause tonight it's my party and there's no one who deserves it more

don't stop me once I started

turn up the volume on the music

this night is my reward

[Verse 2]

I arrive at the office

the bosses are screaming I need this yesterday

I don't care how it get's done, just see that it is and there's nothing you can say

all week long they've been pressing, taunting, and testing, I've had it up to here

I need to spend time with my friends, a couple of drinks in a social atmosphere

the week is through and the lesson that I've learned is that no one can take something from you you've earned

[Chorus]

'Cause tonight it's my party and there's no one who deserves it more

don't stop me once I started

turn up the volume on the music

this night is my reward

[Guitar Solo]

[Chorus]

'Cause tonight it's my party and there's no one who deserves it more

don't stop me once I started

turn up the volume on the music

this night is my-- tonight it's my party and there's no one who deserves it more

don't stop me once I started

turn up the volume on the music

this night is my-- tonight it's my party and there's no one who deserves it more

don't stop me once I started

turn up the volume on the music

this night is my reward

## External Links

1. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-11-02-ca-11965-story.html
War Stories

**"War Stories"** is the tenth episode of the first season and tenth episode overall of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

The episode was directed by Jay Sandrich and originally aired on November 29th 1979.

## Synopsis

Benson is overjoyed when Marcy falls in love with his old war buddy, Eddie (played by Mark Goddard), not knowing that he is married.

## Trivia

* This is one of the only episodes to feature the 40 second edit of the opening sequence.
* The scene with Kraus and Katie talking is taken out in certain syndication edits due to time constraints.
* Benson uses his *Soap* catchphrase, "I ain't cleaning this", at the end of the episode for one of the only times in the series.

## Cultural References

* The Korean War is referenced due to Benson and Eddie being war buddies.
* When Benson knocks on the door and Eddie asks who is it, Benson says "Hamilton Jordan, you wanna come to the party?" in reference to the Chief of Staff of the, then, current President, Jimmy Carter. Hamilton was notably caught in a scandal regarding him allegedly at the infamous *Studio 54* doing cocaine and performing intercourse.

## Quotes

* **Eddie:** Oh come on, give me a break huh?
* **Benson:** I'm going to, starting with your neck.

* **Katie:** There's this boy in my class, Billy Carpens. He told all the kids he likes me, but he sure has a funny way of showing it.
* **Kraus:** What do you mean?
* **Katie:** He keeps pulling my hair.
* **Kraus:** Well at this age, it can be a primitive sign of affection.
* **Katie:** Yesterday he punched me.
* **Kraus:** I've known a few like that too. Did you punch him back?
* **Katie:** He'd only punch me back.
* **Kraus:** If you do it right he won't get up again.

* **Marcy**: He's not married.
* **Benson:** He is married.
* **Marcy:** He told you he's married? He's making it up. It's happened to me before. He just doesn't like me and that's his way out.
* **Benson**: No, Marcy.
* **Marcy:** I'm telling you. Do you know one guy even told me he was gay just to get rid of me? Really! He even started dating guys.
Tony Thomas

Hollywood, California, U.S.

Marlo Thomas (sister)

**Charles Anthony Thomas** (*né* **Jacobs**; born December 7, 1948) is an Academy Award nominated American television and film producer. He was a producer for the feature film *Dead Poets Society* for which he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1989*, Insomnia,* among other films.

Tony Thomas along with Paul Junger Witt, were executive producers for the ABC sitcom, *Benson* throughout its seven year run.

He is also the producer of many successful television series from the 1970s into the 1990s such as *Golden Girls* for which he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series twice and won three consecutive Golden Globe Awards for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy. Thomas was the producer of *Blossom* and many other TV series. He is the co-founder of Witt/Thomas Productions.

## Early life and family

Born Charles Anthony Jacobs in Hollywood, California,[2] Thomas is the son of actor and philanthropist Danny Thomas and the former Rose Marie Cassaniti. He is the younger brother of actresses Terre Thomas and Marlo Thomas.[3]

## Career

Thomas began working in Hollywood film/TV production at Screen Gems as an associate producer on the acclaimed television movie *Brian's Song*. In 1974, he teamed with producer Paul Junger Witt and wife Susan Harris to form a TV production company, Witt/Thomas Productions (alternately Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions), which produced numerous successful television series from the 1970s into the 1990s.

He has produced many TV series, including *The Practice* (1976–1977), *Nurses*, *Herman's Head*, *Soap*, *Blossom*, *Empty Nest*, *Benson*, *Beauty and the Beast*, *The Golden Girls*, *Brotherly Love*, *The John Larroquette Show* and *It's a Living*. He was a producer for the feature film *Dead Poets Society*.[1]

## Other endeavors

Thomas serves as a member of the ALSAC/St. Jude Boards of Directors and Governors, directing the operation of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital that his father had founded.[5]

## Personal life

Thomas married Ann Souder on Christmas Eve 2005 in Montecito, California.
Kraus Falls in Love

**"Kraus Falls in Love"** is the ninth episode of the third season, and fifty-fifth episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson.*

The episode was directed by John Rich and originally aired on January 15th, 1982.

## Synopsis

Kraus falls in love with Jim Waverly of the state tax board. Things fall apart however, when Jim is caught cheating on his wife.

Meanwhile, Pete is being sued after driving into someone's piano to save a dog's life.

## Cultural References

* Benson references the German fairytale, Hansel and Gretel.
* Katie mentions the nose of actress Bo Derek.
* Benson makes fun of Clayton's tennis outfit by comparing him to the Dairy Queen uniform.
* Kraus mentions the only options for a mugs at the store were ones with a wombat or ones with singer, Chubby Checker.
* Kraus mentions *Annie.*

## Trivia

* The episode was written by Korby Siamis, who would later go on to produce the sitcom, *My Sister Sam* and the long running sitcoms, *Murphy Brown,* and *The Middle.*
* This episode marks the first mention of Kraus' boyfriend, Arnold Lumditter.

## Quotes

* **Governor:** What if she doesn't go?
* **Kraus:** It is very important to the man, if she doesn't go she may lose him,
* **Governor:** Well Ms. Kraus, if the man has made her feel like that, then maybe she wouldn't be losing much.

* **Clayton:** I was working my way through law school, my father thought it would build character.
* **Benson:** Was he wrong.

* **Kraus:** You said you didn't have to make excuses!
* **Benson:** Kraus, excuses that aren't true are called lies.
Lewis J. Stadlen

**Lewis J. Stadlen** (born March 7, 1947) is an American stage and screen character actor. On television, Lewis is best known as Ira Fried in ‘’The Sopranos’’

Lewis would play the role of John Taylor in the first season of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

## Career

Born in Brooklyn, New York to voice actor Allen Swift, Stadlen studied acting with Sanford Meisner and Stella Adler. He made his Broadway debut as Groucho Marx in the musical comedy *Minnie's Boys* in 1970. Other noted broadway roles include Senex in *A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum*, Banjo in a revival of *The Man Who Came to Dinner*, Milt in *Laughter on the 23rd Floor,* and Dr. Pangloss in the 1973 production of *Candide*. He has been nominated for two Tony awards during his career.

*The Time of Your Life* was revived on March 17, 1972 at the Huntington Hartford Theater in Los Angeles where Stadlen, Henry Fonda, Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Thompson, Strother Martin, Gloria Grahame, Jane Alexander, Richard X. Slattery and Pepper Martin were among the cast with Edwin Sherin directing.

His autobiography, *Acting Foolish*, was published by Bear Manor in 2009.

## Film and television credits

Stadlen's film credits include *Portnoy's Complaint* (1972), *Serpico* (1973), *The Verdict* (1982), *To Be or Not to Be* (1983), *Windy City* (1984), and *In & Out* (1997).

On television, Stadlen had a regular role in the first season of *Benson* as John Taylor, Governor Gatling's chief of staff, before being replaced in the second season by René Auberjonois, who assumed the role of Clayton Endicott, Taylor's replacement as chief of staff, on the series. He also has appeared in *Law & Order* and *The Sopranos*.

## Awards and nominations

* 1970 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Performance (*Minnie's Boys*, **winner**)
* 1970 Theatre World Award (*Minnie's Boys*, **winner**)
* 1974 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical (*Candide*, nominee)
* 1996 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical (*A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum*, nominee)
* 2001 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (*The Man Who Came to Dinner*, nominee)

## External links

* Lewis J. Stadlen at the Internet Broadway Database
* Lewis J. Stadlen at IMDb
Benson In the Hospital

**"Benson in the Hospital"** is the second episode of the second season, and twenty-sixth episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by John Rich, the episode originally aired on November 7th, 1980.

## Synopsis

A mysterious ailment sends Benson to the hospital and a visitor holds the key to what his allergy is.

Meanwhile, Clayton starts looking for a replacement for head of household affairs.

## Cultural References

* The Governor mentions Fruit Loops.

## Trivia

* This episode marks the first mention of Marcy's soon to be husband, Dan.
* It is first revealed that Benson is allergic to cat hairs
* According to the episode, "Too Pooped to Pip", Bubba Knight was in the room down the hall in the hospital.
* The clip of Benson throwing the puzzle piece in the air and catching it in the tag scene is used the the Season 2-5 opening sequence.

## Quotes

* **Benson:** I shouldn't have been lying down, I'm not feeling well.
* **Clayton:** It's because you don't take care of yourself, now look at me.
* **Benson:** No thanks, I feel bad enough already.

* **Clayton:** Well let me have a go at him sir. I'm sure the senator has his weaknesses.
* **Governor:** Well, I know he's crazy about Fruit Loops.

* **Clayton:** Marcy, believe me, it's as unpleasant for me as it is for you, but when a horse breaks its leg, you shoot it,
* **Marcy:** I don't know anything about horses, but I know a jackass when I see one; do your own dirty work.

* **Pete:** \*walks into hospital room\* Oh what a great shot; Governor helps sick black friend in hospital! I've got to get a picture of this!
* **Benson:** What's the hurry?
* **Pete:** You could get well on me.
* **Benson:** I'd like to get sick on you. What if I die?
* **Pete:** Hey, then we'd be talking national coverage.
Season 7 (1985 - 1986)

**Season 7** of the ABC sitcom, *Benson,* served as a continuation of Benson's term as Lieutenant Governor and Governor Gatling's second term as governor of the state. The season ended up being the last season of the series all together and served as an introduction to the recurring character, Senator Hartford.

The season premiered on October 4th, 1985 on ABC.

## About Season 7

Season 7 of the ABC sitcom takes place during Benson's term as Lieutenant Governor and the end of Governor Gatling's second term as governor of the state. The season would focus on the dilemmas of the higher political world while also depicting the tensions between the Gatling administration as it would supposedly come to a close. Topics such as political defamation, global conflict, and PTSD would be covered, with the season concluding with the double episode finales, "Friends and Enemies" and "And the Winner Is...".

This season was the first season to feature a Halloween themed episode and the first, the only season to have two two-parter episodes, and the only season, to end on a cliffhanger.

## Cancellation

In 2007, *Benson* showrunner Bob Fraser said that the season ended on a cliffhanger at the request of the network, despite three endings being filmed; one where Benson wins the election, one where Gatling wins, and one with a tie. The show was cancelled after the cliffhanger had aired. Coincidentally, the parent series, *Soap,* was also canceled with unresolved cliffhangers, though Guillaume had moved on to *Benson* by that point. According to Fraser, the cancellation was a last minute decision by ABC due to the high production costs of the series. Robert Guillaume had also stated that there was hostility between the producers and the network, ABC, that would ultimately result in the cancellation of the series.

### Season 8

According to Gary Brown, if the "whimsical" tie scenario were used for the finale instead of the cliffhanger, it would have been "an unusual first episode of the new season." He also stated that Benson would've became governor "one way or another" had the show continued.

Bob Fraser, however, indicated that Gatling would have won the election by a slim margin with Senator Tyler would've insisting for a recount, but Gatling remaining victorious. Benson would've been left stumped until the state’s junior senator unexpectedly dies, with Benson being appointed by Gatling to finish the term in Washington as Kraus and Clayton follow along. Fraser also stated that a long term goal for the series would've been for Benson to end up President of the United States as a result of a string of accidents involving various people in lines of succession.

Fraser stated that the idea of the "first African American President" may have been a part of ABC's decision to end the series.

## Accolades

Inga Swenson would be nominated a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television at the 1986 Golden Globe Awards.

## Home Media

The season was made available on Roku in 2020.
The Governor's Brain Is Missing

**"The Governor's Brain Is Missing"** is the twelfth episode of the fifth season, and one hundred and second episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson.*

Directed by Bill Foster, the episode originally aired on December 16th, 1983.

## Synopsis

When Army operatives secretly replace The Governor with an operative double, the confidential exchange causes commotion among the staff.

## Trivia

* Kocholnik was played by Earl Boen. Earl made an appearance in the film *Airplane II* along with James Noble.

## Cultural References

* Benson mentions actress, Jayne Kennedy, who would later play Liz Burnett in Seasons 6 and 7.

## Accolades

* This episode was nominated for an Emmy at the 1984 Primetime Emmy Awards.

## Quotes

* **Katie:** Hi Daddy. Hi Benson.
* **Governor (Double):** Ah, well, good morning, Katherine.
* **Katie:** What did I do?
* **Kraus:** He's in a bad mood.

* **Clayton:** Now let me just be sure that I understand you theory, Benson. For a reason or reasons, as yet undetermined, a person or persons as yet unknown, has managed to substitute a double for the Governor totally undetected. Is that basically it?
* **Benson:** Anybody can make it sound silly, Clayton.
* **Clayton:** If you actually believe that this little spy thriller you've concocted has merit, then you should seek psychological counseling, or a publisher.

* **Katie:** Hi, Dad.
* **Governor:** Hi, Honey. Come on in.
* **Katie:** I just wanted to tell you I was home from school.
* **Governor:** Did you miss me?
* **Katie:** While I was at school?
* **Governor:** No, while I was at Camp David?
* **Katie:** You were at Camp David?
* **Governor:** Oh, I wasn't supposed to say that. It's a top secret. Oh, it's okay though, because you're my daughter. Maybe it's not okay. I mean about the secret. It's okay you're my daughter.
* **Katie:** Right, Dad. See you later. \*walks to the door\* Whew.

* **Clayton:** Boy am I gonna get a book out of this administration. We're talking best-seller.
Jessica

**"Jessica"** is the eighth episode of the first season, and eighth episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

The episode was directed by Jay Sandrich and originally aired on November 8th, 1979.

## Synopsis

While a Baron visits the state and has meetings with the Governor, he meets the Governor's cousin, the visiting Jessica Tate (played by Katherine Helmond). The two start an affair, but the Baron is later found dead in his hotel room.

## Trivia

* This episode marks the first of two appearances from Jessica Tate, and is the only episode to feature Jessica while *Soap* was still running.
* This episode is also the first of two crossovers between the running of *Benson* and *Soap,* with the latter being on *Soap* at the end of Season 3.
* When Jessica meets Kraus, she states that she thinks Kraus is very sweet. This could be a tongue in cheek reference to the fact that Inga Swenson previously played one of Jessica's adversaries, Ingrid Svenson, on the parent series prior to taking on the role of Kraus.

## Cultural References

* Jessica Tate mentions actor, Roy Rogers, and his horse, Trigger.

## Quotes

* **Governor:** You look just the same, how long has it been?
* **Jessica:** And you look just the same too, only better. So good in fact, I wouldn't have recognized you if you didn't look just the same. You know, even if you didn't look just the same, I would have assumed it was you, because you are here, and you did know who I was.
* **Benson:** I'm glad we solved that.

* **Jessica:** Here you are, governor. And none of us thought you would amount to anything.
* **Benson:** There's still time.
* **Jessica:** Even in school, in chemistry class, Gene was voted the student most likely to dissolve.

* **Benson:** It's not what you and the baron are doing that counts, it's what the press and the governor's opponents say you're doing. Facts don't seem to matter in a political town.
* **Jessica:** Poo.

* **Jessica:** Why is it that people always assume that when a man and woman are together, it's always sex?
* **Benson:** Wishful thinking.

* **Jessica**: You see, I happen to believe that there is an afterlife.
* **Governor**: Well of course there is that's why we have social security.
Whitey Endicott

**Clayton 'Whitey' Endicott II** (played by Stephen Elliott) is the father of Clayton Endicott III on the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

## About Clayton Endicott II

Clayton 'Whitey' Endicott II is the owner of *Endicott Industries* and the subsidiary, *C.E. Clothiers*. He was married to Mrs. Endicott until her death between the years of 1984 - 1986.

He would re-marry to Darlene Montgomery in 1986.

## Quotes

* "Just call me Whitey."
* "This country has changed a lot since I was a kid"
Snowbound

**"Snowbound"** is the seventh episode of the first season, and seventh episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson.*

Directed by Jay Sandrich, the episode originally aired November 1st, 1979.

## Synopsis

The Governor takes the staff on a working vacation retreat to his uncle's cabin in the mountains. When a snowstorm unexpectedly traps everyone in the cabin emotions begin to run rough.

Meanwhile, a laboring woman and her significant other find their way into the cabin, depending on the staff for delivery.

## Trivia

* This is second, and last, episode to be written by the show's creator, Susan Harris and the only episode to be written by Stu Silver.
* Benson uses his *Soap* catchphrase, "I'm not cleaning this. No way am I cleaning this" for one of the only times in the series.
* Marvin was played by Jerry Houser, who also made an appearance in the parent series as a robber. He is best known for his voicework throughout animation such as Aladdin, The Smurfs, and G.I. Joe. He also played a guest role on the short lived animated series, Fish Police, which coincidentally starred Robert Guillaume.
* The clip of The Governor shaking hands with Benson would be used in the opening sequence from Seasons 2-5.

## Cultural References

* Marcy mentions Grizzly Adams, a fictional character and star of the 1970's film and TV series, *The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams*.
* Benson sarcastically refers to Taylor as Wilt Chamberlain, an American basketball player, when Taylor states that he's not considered a short person.

## Quotes

* **Governor:** Oh Benson, just think. You can go skiing.
* **Benson:** Not me. I ain't strapping no sticks to my feet to be jerked up a mountain on a wire so I can come down again at 60 miles an hour with no breaks. Best thing I can hope for is to hit a soft tree and break a leg instead of a neck.

* **Marcy:** I just wished I looked better in the cold. My face gets all blotchy, my hair gets all stringy, my nose runs, and my lips crack.
* **Benson:** I'm sorry I'm going to miss all that.

* **Taylor:** Screaming is the worst thing you could do to a bear. They'll tear you to pieces.
* **Marcy:** I'm in a room the size of a walnut with a bear and he's telling me not to panic! Who are you, Grizzly Adams!?

* **Marcy:** Are we snowed in?
* **Governor:** It's hard to tell with all this snow.

* **Marcy:** Someone stole one of the candy bars. Someone who couldn't share like everyone else. Someone who was worried perhaps about his blood sugar level!
* **Taylor:** I did not take your candy bar. That was not me, I swear it on my mother's head!
* **Kraus:** Big deal. Your mother is dead.

* **Harriet:** I want you to know, Marvin, I'm not gonna forget all this.
* **Marvin:** I didn't what to do.
* **Harriet:** Didn't know what to do? You were full of ideas 9 months ago.

* **Katie:** Benson, this is terrible! There's no food. How's the baby gonna eat?
* **Benson:** From her mother. She's got milk.
* **Katie:** Enough for everyone?
Fireside Chat

**"Fireside Chat"** is the twelfth episode of the second season, and thirty-sixth episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson.*

The episode originally aired on February 13th, 1981, and was directed by John Rich.

## Synopsis

When the Governor schedules to be on television for a "fireside chat", a lover's quarrel between Marcy and her boyfriend, Dan Slater (played by Ted Danson), the telecast's producer, effects the production in the process.

## Trivia

* This episode marks the first appearance of Ted Danson as Dan Slater.
* When Marcy states that Dan is responsible for all the news, Benson states "All this time we've been blaming it on the Russians" in reference to the global tensions with Russia in the 80's.
* *Benson* would air against *The* *Dukes of Hazzard* on Friday nights. According to Bob Fraser, *Benson,* would occasionally win the timeslot in viewers.
* *The Muppets Show* aired between 7:00 P.M to 8:00 P.M eastern, meaning that the Governor's telecast aired sometime between that frame.

## Goofs

* The boom mic can be seen twice; once at the top of the screen when Katie first walks into the kitchen to talk to the Governor, and a second time when Marcy gets up to begin the rehearsal of the fireside chat.

## Cultural References

* The Governor names the Seven Dwarfs from the franchise, *Snow White.*
* Benson mentions the NAACP.
* When the Governor thinks that Marcy is getting married to Benson, he states that some people might not want to rent to them. This is in reference to the taboos on interracial marriage, which were a lot more economic at the time of this episode's airing.
* Katie and the Governor mention *The Muppets.*
* Clayton mentions *The Dukes of Hazzard.*
* Benson states that Clayton and Pete are playing 'Tweedledum and Tweedledumber'.
* Benson is referred to as actor, singer, and dancer, Ben Vereen; the first of a running gag in the series.

## Quotes

* **Pete: L**ook at the latest polls, sir. Okay, 38 percent approved of the Governor's performance, 43 percent disapproved.
* **Governor:** Oh, polls don't mean anything.
* **Pete:** Sir, it's not the 81 percent who approve or disapprove that bother me. It's the other 19 percent.
* **Governor:** They're undecided?
* **Clayton:** No, sir, they don't know who you are.

* **Governor:** Do I make the speech or not?
* **Pete:** Well let's load on it! What do you say?
* **Benson:** I say go ahead.
* **Clayton:** You don't have a vote.
* **Benson:** They're not gonna like that down at the NAACP.

* **Clayton:** If I called you 'shiftless' would you consider that a racial slur?
* **Benson:** If I called you an ambulance would you consider that an omen?

* **Marcy:** 29 Billion burgers have passed over the counter in my lifetime. You know how old that makes a person feel?

## External Links

* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The\_Muppet\_Show
Benson the Hero

**"Benson the Hero"** is the first episode of the seventh season, and one hundred and thirty-seventh episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson.*

Directed by Rob Dames, the episode originally aired on October 4th, 1985.

## Synopsis

When Benson foils an armed robbery, and begins to earn public acclaim, he gets hit with a civil suit by the robbers who've hired a glory-seeking attorney; Nevada Bob Walker (played by Jerry Hardin).

## Trivia

* This is the fourth episode of the series to take place in court.
* This episode marks the final appearance of Percy Rodrigues as Ned Harper.
* Bob Walker was played by Jerry Hardin, who is likely best known for portraying the character, *Deep Throat,* on the Fox drama series, *The X-Files.*
* Skippy Lee White was played by Norman Epperson, a stunt performer who has performed in various films such as, *Alvin and the Chipmunks, Obsessed,* and *Horrible Bosses*. His portrayal of Skippy Lee White is marked as his single, and only, acting credit.
* The tag scene isn't featured during syndicated edits.

## Cultural References

* Benson states that he feels like *Godzilla's* manicurist while holding a pair big scissors. This is in reference to the fictional Kaiju's size.
* Benson mentions actor, Billy Dee Williams when looking at the magazine.
* Kraus refers to Clayton as "F. Lee Dummkopf", a play on the name of the famous criminal defense attorney, F. Lee Bailey, who would likely be best known for his involvement in the highly publicized O.J. Simpson trial in the 90's.
* Benson mentions trying to improve a TV reception during the airing of the *Super Bowl.*

## Quotes

* **Clayton:** When is everyone going to stop fawning over this man? I mean it's been two months. You act as if he brought us peace in our time.

* **Benson:** Who is that?
* **Kraus:** That's Nevada Bob Walker don't you recognize him, Benson? His picture was on the cover of Person Magazine.
* **Benson:** Is that the guy that was on TV and sued Canada?
* **Governor:** And won.

* **Nevada Bob Walker:** Now, Ms. Kraus, you're a very attractive woman.
* **Benson:** I object, misleading the witness.

* **Walker:** Lieutenant Governor, you're acting like a man who was just standing in the mall minding his own business on the day in question.
* **Benson:** That's exactly what I was doing.
* **Walker:** If that's so, then why were you armed?
* **Benson:** I wasn't armed.
* **Nevada:** Oh, then what do you call these?
* **Benson:** Big scissors, what do you call them?
* **Walker:** Concealed weapon.
* **Benson:** A concealed weapon, where did I hide them, in my socks?