Star Trek

***Star Trek*** is an American science fiction media franchise created by Gene Roddenberry, which began with the eponymous 1960s series and quickly became a worldwide pop-culture phenomenon. The franchise has been expanded into various films, television series, video games, novels, and comic books. With an estimated $10.6 billion in revenue, *Star Trek* is one of the most recognizable and highest-grossing media franchises of all time.

The *Star Trek* canon includes the *Original Series*, nine spin-off television series, and a film franchise; further adaptations also exist in several media. Throughout the decades, various actors who appeared on the ABC sitcom, *Benson,* would also take on roles within the Star Trek universe.

## *Benson* and *Star Trek* Connections

### René Auberjonois

Actor René Auberjonois would portray the self proclaimed stuck up chief of staff, Clayton Runnymede Endicott III on *Benson*. Clayton, who wouldn't be introduced until the Season 2 premiere, quickly became a fan favorite; Panning out as one of the most memorable characters on the sitcom.

René would later portray Odo on *Star Trek: Deep Space Nine* in 1993, where he would hold the position of head of security for the space station Deep Space Nine on which the show is set. Odo is often regarded as one of the greatest characters in the vast media and history of the Star Trek Franchise.

### Ethan Phillips

Actor Ethan Phillips would earn his first televised role as Peter J. Downey, executive press secretary for Governor Gatling on *Benson*. Ethan, like Rene, would take up the role starting Seasons 2, remaining on the series until early Season 6 when the character reluctantly moved off to Texas with his wife.

Ethan would later portray the role of *Neelix* on *Star Trek: Voyager*, the series following *Deep Space Nine. Neelix* was noted for his humor and optimism, while also being a cook. Ironically similar to the humorous eater, Ethan had previously played on *Benson*.

### Ed Peck

Actor Ed Peck would first play the role of Lieutenant Colonel Fellini in the *Star Trek: The Original Series* first season episode "Tomorrow is Yesterday".

Ed Peck would later take on the role of Captain McDermott, the paranoid, warmongering security officer at the Governor's Mansion from Seasons 2 - 3 on *Benson*.

### Joel Brooks

Joel Brooks would make two guest appearances on *Benson*, one in Season 1, and one in Season 6.

Joel would make a guest appearance on *Star Trek: Deep Space Nine* as Falow.

### Robert Picardo

Robert would make a guest appearance in the two part episode, "Reel Murder" on Season 7 of *Benson.* Picardo took on the role of a grouchy film director for a George Kennedy Film.

Robert would play one of the leading roles on *Star Trek: Voyager* as The Doctor.

### George Murdock

George would make various guest appearances on television throughout a five decade career. One of his guest roles in the 80's was as the stubborn Officer Grimsby in *Benson's* Season 4 episode, "Crimes of the Hearth".

George would earn some of his most known roles however, in the Star Trek Universe; First as *God* in the 1988 film, *Star Trek V: The Final Frontier* and later as *Admiral Hanson* in the episode, "The Best of Both Worlds" in *Star Trek:* *The Next Generation*.

*Note: This list excludes actors who have only made one appearance in episodes of both Benson and Star Trek.*

## *Star Trek* References in *Benson*

A list of quotes referencing the *Star Trek* franchise in the sitcom.

* **Kraus:** There are many things we do not understand, Benson. How about, um, Atlantis? Or the Bermuda Triangle? Or Leonard Nimoy?

*Kraus in "The Grass Ain't Greener" S3: E2*

* **Captain McDermott:** Today a 65 year old woman breached our perimeter.
* **Governor:** But how did that happen?
* **Captain McDermott:** Well, we figured she slipped in with the help.
* **Governor:** Oh, that explains it.
* **Captain McDermott:** Or she came in with a tour.
* **Governor:** That's good too!
* **Captain McDermott:** Or she vaulted over the back door.
* **Benson:** Maybe Mr. Spock beamed her down.

*Captain McDermott, Governor Gatling, and Benson in "Once in a Blue Moon" S3: Ep:8*

* **Benson:** So what'd you do, beam over?

*Benson in "Unlisted Love" S5: E:11*

* **Benson:** Ever since you got that video tape machine, you haven't stepped outside.
* **Kraus**: Well, why should I go on dates with losers, when I can bring movie stars into the privacy of my own home?
* **Benson**: In that case, maybe you should get *Star Trek.* Those guys love to go where no man has gone before.
* **Kraus:** You better watch it, buster, Star Trek IV could be the search for Benson.

*Benson and Kraus in "The Scandal" S6: Ep:1*

* **Benson:** Beam me up, Mama!

*Benson* and *Lois in "Home For Christmas" S6: Ep:13*

## External Links

* Star Trek Wiki
* Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
* Star Trek: Voyager