Change

**"Change"** is the first episode of the ABC sitcom, *Benson,* as well as the first episode of the first season. The episode serves as an introduction to Benson's new job at the Governor's Mansion, and an introduction to the characters, Marcy Hill, Gretchen Kraus, Katie Gatling, John Taylor, and Governor Gatling.

Directed by Jay Sandrich, the episode originally aired on September 13th, 1979.

## Synopsis

Benson is searched, soaked and attacked when he reports to work for newly-elected Governor Gatling. In the process, he ends up meeting the Governor's daughter, clashing with the chief of staff, and mouthing off with the head housekeeper.

Meanwhile he forms a plan to prevent the deportation of beavers from the state which would inhibit the building of a multi-billion dollar industry.

## Trivia

* The episode was filmed in March of 1979. Despite being the first episode aired, the parent series, *Soap*, featured a *Benson* set-up depicting Benson departing as a part of the series' Season 2 retrospective.
* This is one of two episodes to be written by series creator, Susan Harris. The other episode being "Snowbound".
* This episode features a special intro showing Benson exiting a cab and entering into the mansion while facing many inconveniences.
	+ Additionally, syndication edits feature a shortened specialized intro that features a shot of the sky that pans over to the mansion that's never seen in the show.
* This is the only episode where David Hedison appears as Taylor, with David stating, "I did a television pilot for a new TV series called Benson, starring Robert Guillaume. I was never particularly excited about it, unfortunately, as I didn't think I'd enjoy the role I had week after week. At any rate, the pilot sold and will be on the Fall ABC Schedule following Laverne and Shirley - but I will not be in it!"
* The scene with Benson and Kraus in the kitchen is cut out in syndication edits for time constraints.
* In the DVD tag scene, when Katie tells Benson she feels awful for calling her dad a murderer, Benson mocks her coping habit. She sarcastically replies with "Thanks, you work a lot with depressed people?" In syndication edits however, Katie says "suicides" instead of "depressed people".
	+ Additionally, "suicides" appears to be the original line as "depressed people" is noticeably dubbed in on the DVD version. It is unknown why this edit was made.
* This is one of the only episodes of the series to have an alternative name, sometimes being referred to as *Benso**n* or *Pilot*.

## Cultural References

* Benson introduces himself to Katie as baseball player, Willie Mays and Prime Minister, Winston Churchill.
* Taylor mentions French explorer, Jaqcues Cousteau.
* Politician, Jesse Jackson, was stated to have a scheduled appearance at the mansion.
* When being confronted about the beaver situation the Governor says "We're losing everything, fish, trees, animals, Radio City Music Hall."
	+ Radio City Music Hall is an entertainment venue at 1260 Avenue of the Americas, within Rockefeller Center, in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Nicknamed "the Showplace of the Nation", it is currently the headquarters for the Rockettes. At the time of this episode however, a declining patronage nearly drove the Music Hall to bankruptcy until it was declared a New York City Landmark in May of 1978.

## Quotes

* **Benson:** Hi.
* **Marcy:** Hi.
* **Benson:** I'm Hiding.
* **Marcy:** I see.

* **Governor:** Our state will have no beavers.
* **Taylor:** Beavers don't vote.
* **Governor:** They're so cute.

* **Governor:** This industrial complex that we've been talking about, this will create thousands of jobs for your people. I don't know how black people feel about beavers, but I do know how they feel about jobs.

* **Marcy:** This is Benson from your cousin, Jessica's family.
* **Governor:** You mean we're related?
* **Benson:** Aren't you glad I didn't show up before the election?

* **Governor:** You think I'm a terrible governor don't you, Benson?
* **Benson:** Well I can't say sir, I haven't seen you govern.
* **Governor:** You think I'm an idiot?
* **Benson:** That I've seen.

## External Links

1. http://www.davidhedison.net/hedison/galleries/tv/benson/index.htm
2. https://jacksonupperco.com/2021/08/11/a-forgotten-spin-off-set-up-from-soap-to-benson/amp/