recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Rainbow's End

**"Rainbow's End"** is the seventh episode of the third season, and fifty-third episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson.*

Directed by John Rich, the episode originally aired on December 25th, 1981

## Synopsis

Benson meets up with a former flame, Elizabeth (played by Rosalind Cash), who is now disabled and confined to a wheelchair. He takes it hard however, when she looks for a rekindling of the previous romantic relationship.

Meanwhile, the staff is throwing Clayton a birthday party, but wants to keep the event a surprise.

## Trivia

* Though not a Christmas themed episode, originally premiered on December 25th, 1981, and featured Christmas decorations, along with other Holiday decorations, during Clayton's birthday celebration.
* The Governor states that Benson's birthday was right around the corner, meaning that Benson and Clayton both have birthdays in proximity of each other.

## Cultural References

* Benson mentions the 1972-1974 Watergate scandal.
* Benson mentions the 1968 Horror film, Rosemary's Baby.

## Quotes

* **Benson:** Oh, Denise, I got out that meeting late. Call the airport, have them page Elizabeth, and tell her I'm on my way.
* **Denise:** Wait a minute, I already took care of that. When I saw you were gonna be late, I figured I'd better get someone to pick her up.
* **Benson:** Hm, fast thinking.
* **Denise:** I sent Pete.
* **Benson:** Maybe too fast.
* **Denise:** I told him to use your car.
* **Benson:** We have just left the realm of thinking.

* **Denise:** I think he looks very good for his age. How old are you, Benson?
* **Benson:** Well, let's put it this way; Even though I'm no longer under warranty, I can still handle the curves.

* **Benson:** Well, its nice to see you have a sense of humor about all this.
* **Elizabeth:** Well, you know when you're handicapped you can't afford to be boring.

* **Denise:** A golf bag doesn't sound bad.
* **Pete:** Yeah, how much do they run?
* **Kraus:** I saw one on sale for $50.
* **Pete:** 50 bucks for an empty bag?
* **Benson:** When's the last time you bought groceries?

* **Clayton:** You think I'm blind to all this animosity? Well let me tell you something; Prehistoric men feared the sun, because they didn't understand it.
* **Benson:** Listen, did you see Rosemary's Baby?
* **Denise:** Yeah.
* **Benson:** Did the baby live?
* **Denise:** Yeah.
* **Benson:** I think I know where it is.
Take My Life, Please

**"Take My Life, Please"** is the seventeenth episode of the fifth season, and one hundred and seventh episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by Gary Brown, the episode originally aired on January 27th, 1984.

## Synopsis

Benson is surprised when he is declared a security risk before the visiting President is scheduled to appear at the Governor's Mansion.

Meanwhile, the staff is conflicted on whether Benson is a secret spy.

## Trivia

* This episode marks the revealing of Clayton's middle name, Runnymede.
* The episode makes a callback to the episodes, "Too Pooped to Pip", "Band of Gold", the Season 2 episode, "Citizen Kraus", and the Season 3 finales, "The Lumber Mill" and "Black Tuesday".

## Cultural References

* The title is based upon Henny Youngman's signature joke, "Now take my wife. Please!"
* The episode revolves around the President visiting the Mansion, with the President at this time period being unmistakably, Ronald Reagan.
* Benson mentions J. Edgar Hoover and Jerry Ford.
* The Governor mentions Benedict Arnold.
* Dan quotes "Out of chaos comes order" from German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche.

## Quotes

* **Agent McMullen:** Clayton Endicott Runnymede III
* **Clayton:** I am he.
* **Benson:** Runnymede? \*laughs\* Is that what the R stands for? Runnymede?
* **Clayton:** I'm warning you, Benson. Many a fourth grader got his nose punched for making fun of my name.
* **Benson:** Make a note of that. He beats up on fourth graders.

* **Clayton:** What did I do? I was just trying to be nice.
* **Benson:** Well, you shouldn't try things you're not familiar with.

* **Governor:** You think I'm going to impress the President by reading off cue cards?
* **Benson:** Well, a politician who can read is always impressive.

* **Agent McMullen:** For the time being, we have to assume that Benson DuBois is dead.
* **Benson:** Well, for a dead man I've paid an awful lot of taxes.

* **Clayton:** Agent McMullen--uh, Tom... is merely doing his duty.
* **Benson:** Well, I'm tired of everyone doing their duty on me.

* **Benson:** I'll go on to my room without my dinner. But I can tell you one thing, if I died in Korea, and this is the afterlife, it's damn disappointing.

* **Pete:** Benson is an all around guy. He's got a nice job, fancy cars, plenty of girlfriends.
* **Clayton:** You've just described James Bond.

* **Kraus:** Benson, a Russian spy. No wonder he doesn't like me.
* **Governor:** Ms. Kraus, that's ridiculous. There a hundred reasons not to like you.

* **Kraus:** It's hard to believe Benson is a Russian spy.
* **Katie:** Is that what they found out?
* **Pete:** No, not yet, but believe me, it's always the guy you least suspect.
* **Denise:** Well, I never suspected Benson.
* **Pete:** See?

* **Clayton:** I just want to go on record concerning your questionable status that I wholeheartedly support whatever The Governor's position is.
* **Benson:** Clayton, if you're going to be two-faced, why do you wear the ugly one to work?
Princess sofia

**Princess Sofia** is the titular protagonist of the Disney Junior animated television series, *Sofia the First*. She is a little girl with a commoner's background until her mother marries the King of Enchancia and became a princess. Sofia learns that looking like a princess is not all that hard, but behaving like one can come only from the heart.
Senator Tyler

**Senator 'Leonard' Tyler** (played by Bob Fraser) is a state senator on the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

## About Tyler

### Political Career

Leonard Tyler was a four term state senator. In 1983, Tyler would be elected chairman of the appropriations committee; making headlines later that night after getting two drinks poured on him by local repair woman, Betty Braxton, at a cocktail celebration party. This was following negative comments made by Tyler regarding women in the work force.

In 1984, he Tyler ran for lieutenant governor of the state following the impeachment of former lieutenant governor, Jerry Decker. Though, projected the winner in early vote counts, Tyler would eventually lose to the state budget director, Benson DuBois.

Tyler would run for lieutenant governor once again, in 1986, under DuBois' campaign for governor, using the slogan, *'Tyler/DuBois "Like Salt & Pepper"'.*

## Relationships

Senator Tyler is generally approached as a rival by Governor Gatling and his administration. Benson, notably, isn't fond of Tyler and has discredited him on various occasions, publicly referring to him as a "bald candidate" and the "balding boob in the bow-tie". Clayton, while more willing to appease Tyler due to his rank, was never too fond of him as a politician.

Despite Gatling's disagreements with Tyler however, he was receptive to making deals with Tyler on occasion.

## Quotes

* "You can't do this to me! I'm a big man in this town!"
* "I'm not bald. I have a high forehead."
Let's Get Physical

"**Let's Get Physical**" is the third episode of the sixth season, and one hundred and fifteenth episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by Bill Foster, the episode originally aired on October 12th, 1984.

## Synopsis

Benson gets a physical from an attractive doctor, Dr. Liz Burnett (played by Jayne Kennedy), and begins going out with her. When Liz calls back with self declared bad news however, the staff assumes it means Benson is dying.

## Trivia

* Benson having a thing for actress Jayne Kennedy is ironically a running gag in the series.
* Mary, The nurse who accompanied Benson prior to his physical, was played by Belita Merono. She is more well known as George Lopez's mother on the George Lopez Show many years later.
* The clip of Katie hugging Benson would be used for the opening sequence for seasons 6-7.

## Goofs

* Doctors aren't allowed to date their patients in real life.

## Cultural References

* The title of the episode is most likely a nod to the 1981 hit single, *Physical* by Olivia Newton-John.
* The Governor and Clayton make various references to *John Wayne* and the films *The Alamo,* and *The* *High and Mighty**.*

## Quotes

* **Clayton:** You know, this reminds me of an amusing little anecdote concerning an acquaintance of mine; He had a whole battery of tests and they assured him he was in perfect health, \*pauses to laugh\* two weeks later he dropped dead while playing golf with his doctor. \*continues to laugh\*
* **Benson:** Thank you Mr. Funny Pants.

* **Benson:** What I don't understand doctor, is if you're gonna see everything God gave me anyway, why do I have to step behind this screen?
* **Dr. Burnett:** Oh, it's purely a matter of professional ethics. It preserves the patient's dignity, and it helps the doctor to keep a straight face.
* **Benson:** Good, because if you giggle, I'm out of here.

* **Dr. Burnett:** Do you have any specific complaints; nausea, dizziness, headaches?
* **Benson:** Yeah, I get a few headaches, but then I work for the government.
* **Dr. Burnett:** What about exercise?
* **Benson:** No thanks, I've had more than my share.
* **Dr. Burnett:** No, do you get any?
* **Benson:** That's a rather personal question.

* **\*Phone Rings\***
* **Kraus:** What is the matter with you, are you too good to answer the phone?
* **Clayton:** Yes

* **Clayton:** Ms. Kraus I- oh, hi there Katie. Ms. Kraus, have you broken the news to Benson yet?
* **Kraus:** Why should I be the one to break the news?
* **Katie:** What news?
* **Clayton:** Oh uh, nothing to worry your pretty little head about, Katie. So uh, Ms. Kraus, you heard anything more from the D-O-C-T-O-R?
* **Katie:** Clayton, that was S-T-U-P-I-D.

* **Clayton:** I think about death everyday.
* **Benson:** I do too. But you know, death is like the weather, everybody talks about it, but nobody does anything about it.
* **Clayton:** I often wonder if I'll have friends up there.
* **Benson:** Probably not.
Jennifer Clark

**Jennifer Clark** (played by Lynne Moody) was one of the significant others of Benson DuBois throughout Season 4 of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

## About Jennifer

Jennifer was a college graduate. She was previously engaged to Wesley, her former boyfriend, for almost a year, until the two stopped dating each other around 1968.

### Relationship with Benson

Despite the two being in love, Jennifer's independence brought out jealousy and possessiveness within Benson's character.

## Trivia

* She stated that she didn't vote for Governor Gatling.
	+ She also didn't believe the Governor's publicly told encounter with a UFO.
* Jennifer made her first and only appearance in the episode, Love in a Funny Phase. Despite only being shown once, she was brought up by Benson throughout multiple episodes during Season 4.
* Lynne Moody previously played a prominent role on the parent series, *Soap*.

## Quotes

* "You know something, Benson. You've been listening to too many Barry White albums."
* "You can't tell me what to do. I'm a free independent woman."
* "We're in love. We don't have to make sense."
Danny Thomas

### Born

Amos Muzyad Yaqoob Kairouz (later Americanized to Amos Jacobs Kairouz)January 6, 1912

Deerfield, Michigan, U.S.

### Died

February 6, 1991 (aged 79)Los Angeles, California, U.S.

### Spouse(s)

Rose Marie Mantell Thomas​​(m. 1936)

**Danny Thomas** (born January 6, 1912 – February 6, 1991) was an American actor, singer, nightclub comedian, producer, and philanthropist whose career spanned five decades. He created and starred in one of the most successful and long-running situation comedies in the history of American network television, the *Danny Thomas Show*.

He would make two guest appearances as two different characters on the ABC sitcom, *Benson,* in Seasons 4 and 5.

He was also the father of the show's producer, Tony Thomas, and famed actress and author Marlo Thomas.

## Death

In 1991, Thomas died after a heart attack at his home in Beverly Hills, a hospital spokesman said. Two days previously he had celebrated St. Jude Hospital's 29th anniversary and filmed a commercial, which aired posthumously. He is interred in a mausoleum on the grounds of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, alongside his wife.

## Legacy

His legacy includes a lifelong dedication to fundraising for charity. Most notably, he was the founder of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, a leading center in pediatric medicine with a focus on pediatric cancer. St. Jude's now has affiliate hospitals in eight other American cities as of early 2020.

## Awards and honors

A park in Toledo, Ohio, bears Thomas's name and a monument.

A stretch of roadway in Memphis is locally known as Danny Thomas Boulevard. The road, built in the 1960s to partially reroute U.S. Highway 51 around downtown, runs from E.H. Crump Boulevard (U.S. 70/79/64) to North Parkway/A.W. Willis Avenue (Tennessee State Route 1), passing through St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's campus on a viaduct.

For Thomas's contribution to the television industry, in February 1960 he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame located at 6901 Hollywood Boulevard.[31]

Thomas was a posthumous recipient of the 2004 Bob Hope Humanitarian Award.

On February 16, 2012, the United States Postal Service issued a first-class forever stamp honoring Thomas as an entertainer and humanitarian. The Danny Thomas Forever Stamp shows an oil-on-panel painting depicting a smiling, tuxedo-clad Thomas in the foreground and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in the background.
George Aliceson Tipton

Conductor

**George Aliceson Tipton** (January 23, 1932 – February 12, 2016) was an American composer, musical arranger, and conductor, who is well known for his work in television and for his collaborations with singer-songwriter, Harry Nilsson.

He is the composer for the theme music of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

## Credits

Among Tipton's works are the theme music for the TV shows *Soap* and its spinoff *Benson*, *It's a Living*, *I'm a Big Girl Now*, and *Empty Nest*, plus incidental music for numerous shows, including *The Courtship of Eddie's Father*, *Soap*, *Mulligan's Stew*, *The Love Boat*, *Heartland*, *The Golden Girls*, and *The Golden Palace*. He also wrote the score for the film *Badlands* (1973), and for the television films *Home for the Holidays* (1972), *The Affair* (1973), *The Stranger Who Looks Like Me* (1974), *The Gun and the Pulpit* (1974), *Hit Lady* (1974), *Red Alert* (1977), *The Gift* (1979), and *Gidget's Summer Reunion* (1985).

## Outside of Television

His arranging and conducting credits include numerous hits by Jan and Dean, The Sunshine Company, and Jose Feliciano's hit version of "Light My Fire" by The Doors. He was one of the main arrangers on the albums of Leonard Nimoy during the late 1960s. Tipton is arguably best known in the pop-rock field for his work as an arranger on singles and albums recorded by singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson during the most productive phase of his career in the 1960s and early 1970s. They met ca. 1964 through music publisher Perry Botkin Jr., where Tipton worked as a copyist. Their collaboration began when Tipton put up his life's savings ($2,500) to arrange and record four Nilsson tracks which they sold to Tower, a sub-label of Capitol Records. These tracks were subsequently included on the *Spotlight on Nilsson* LP.[2]

Tipton arranged Nilsson's acclaimed early albums for RCA Records (1967–71): the *Skidoo* soundtrack, music for the TV series *The Courtship of Eddie's Father*, and for the animated feature *The Point!*. Tipton also arranged Nilsson's classic single "Everybody's Talkin'," which won a Grammy Award in 1969. In 1970, Tipton recorded an album of instrumental interpretations of Nilsson's music, *Nilsson by Tipton* (Warner Bros. Records), which featured cover illustrations by Dean Torrence.

Tipton and Nilsson subsequently had an unexplained falling-out, and Tipton reportedly refused to be involved in the 2010 documentary on Nilsson's life and career.
Bob Fraser

Screenwriter

**Bob Fraser** (January 31, 1945 – July 12, 2011) was an American television producer, writer and actor. Fraser's most notable work is on the TV show *Benson*, where he played a recurring role as Senator Tyler for 6 seasons, in addition to serving as a story editor, writer, and later producer of the series (along with partner Rob Dames).

## About Bob Fraser

Fraser was a New York stage actor who eventually owned four theaters with his wife of 42 years, Bev. In 1976 they moved to Los Angeles, where for six years he was the showrunner on the series "Benson," for which he also directed, wrote, and played the character Sen. Leonard Tyler.

After Benson, Fraser and Dames formed their own production company in 1987. Aligning their company with Paramount Television, Dames-Fraser Productions first produced *Marblehead Manor*, a weekly syndicated sitcom with Fraser in the cast. NBC's owned-and-operated stations carried the sitcom as part of a scheme to draw more viewers to its prime-time lineup, which *Marblehead Manor* and four other sitcoms (airing on different days) immediately preceded in the 7:30 PM timeslot.

After *Marblehead Manor* and three of the other four series failed after one season, Fraser created the game show *Wipeout*, which debuted in September 1988 with Peter Tomarken as host; *Wipeout* was canceled at the end of the 1988–89 season and Fraser and Dames dissolved the production company and the partnership.

Other series Fraser and Dames wrote for include "The Love Boat," "Full House," "Harry and the Hendersons," "Condo," and "Hard Knocks."

## After Television

After he retired from television, Fraser began teaching. In addition to his books, DVDs, and workshops, he authored a popular free newsletter for actors titled "Show Biz How-To" as well as The Show Biz Blog.

## Death

In 2011, Fraser's family and friends set up a Give Forward account to raise money to help with his battle against melanoma, which had spread to his organs and bones. More than 65 people contributed, raising over $11,000. Several contributors were actors whose lives Fraser touched. On the site, many people commented anonymously on how Fraser's career advice inspired and encouraged them.
Fraser had died on July 12, 2011, aged 66.
Fraser is survived by his wife and three children.

## References

1. **^** Actor and Coach Bob Fraser Dies By Jessica Gardner of BackStage.com July 12, 2011,
Conflict of Interest

**"Conflict of Interest"** is the fifth episode of the first season, and fifth episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

The episode originally aired on October 18th, 1979 and was directed by Jay Sandrich.

## Synopsis

The Governor faces a conflict when he must decide between attending a political hearing, or attending his daughter, Katie's, school play which he had promised to see.

## Trivia

* This episode was mentioned in the Season 11 Family Guy episode, "Call Girl".
* Kraus' indirect rant about Benson while in Katie's room is cut out in some syndication edits due to time constraints.
* This episode reveals that the state has a town named Carsonville.
* Kraus mentions that the Governor doesn't know how to fly a plane. This was later proven, and disproven, in the Season 2 episode, "In High Places".
* The clip of Benson and Katie in her bedroom was used in the Season 2 opening sequence.

## Cultural References

* The President at this time, though never mentioned by name, was unmistakably, Jimmy Carter.
	+ Further references, such as The President apologizing and being a one term governor, are more direct references to Carter.
* Benson says that Gatling's chances at becoming President are as high as his chances at becoming King of Sweden.
* The Governor mentions George Washington and his wife, Martha Washington. Katie corrects him by referencing President Grant and his wife, Julia.

## Quotes

* **Kraus:** Benson, now that the child is gone, what did you think of my performance.
* **Benson:** Eh.
* **Kraus:** Look who I'm asking. You know nothing of the theatre, the arts. I come from a theatrical family. I was born in a trunk.
* **Benson:** Pity they opened it.

* **Kraus:** Benson, I am doing the best I can!
* **Benson:** That's what's so tragic.

* **Taylor:** Aren't you overreacting just a little? My father missed all of my school plays.
* **Benson:** And look what happened to you.

* **Governor:** Honey, my meeting with the President has been moved up to the same day as your play. You were depending on me to be there, I know. There are a lot of people depending on me right now.
* **Katie:** Sure, Daddy. I understand.
* **Governor:** Honey, you know I'd be there if I could.
* **Katie:** I know, Daddy.
* **Governor:** It's the President.
* **Katie:** I understand.
* **Governor:** Do you really?
* **Katie:** No. But I love you anyway.
Dan Slater

Marcy Hill-Slater (1981)

**Daniel 'Dan' Slater** (played by Ted Danson) is the husband of Marcy Hill in Season 2 of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

## About Dan

### News Production Career and Marriage

Dan Slater is a news producer. He would previously divorce after an unsuccessful marriage, keeping his two kids, Tommy Slater and Sally Slater, in his support.

He would produce a live broadcasted speech by Governor Eugene X. Gatling in 1981. That same year, Dan would enter his second marriage with Governor Gatling's executive secretary, Marcy Hill.

### Move to New York

Later in 1981, Dan bought an ad agency with his wife, Marcy, in Buffalo, New York, where the two would both move shortly following the purchase.

## Trivia

* Dan knows how to survive in the wilderness
The Lobbyist

Story:

Chip Keyes & Doug Keyes

**"The Lobbyist"** is the fifth episode of the third season, and fifty-first episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by John Rich, the episode originally aired on December 11th, 1981.

## Synopsis

Benson's lobbyist girlfriend, Cynthia Howard (played by Saundra Sharp), approaches him with a proposal for available land in the area; a company she represents wants to build on the land. As budget director, Benson approves, but the project backfires; bringing back public charges of corruption against him.

Meanwhile, Pete Downey attempts to make a move on Benson's new secretary, Denise Stevens.

## Trivia

* The episode's story was done by Chip Keyes and Doug Keyes. The duo is known for writing and producing various 80's sitcoms such as, *Gimme a Break!, Valerie,* and *Perfect Strangers.* The duo also worked on *That's So Raven, Fuller House*, and the animated series, *Yin Yang Yo!.*
* Katie states that she has a friend at school named Walter Murphy. Walter Murphy is the name of a musical composer who's best known for the 1976 number one disco hit, *A Fifth of Beethoven*, and is also known for composing the soundtrack for *Family Guy* and other Seth Macfarlane projects.

## Cultural References

* When Pete corrects Denise after referring to him as Paul, she states that she knew it was on of the Apostles.
* Pete invites Denise to concert by 'the singer from General Hospital'; The singer in question was Rick Springfield.
* The Governor sings a variation of the children song, "*Three Little Fishies"* as he exits Benson's office.

## Quotes

* **Pete:** So, how's it going?
* **Denise:** How's what going?
* **Pete:** Oh, you know; life?
* **Denise:** Wow, that's a tough one.

* **Clayton:** You know, if we teamed up, there is absolutely nothing we couldn't accomplish!
* **Benson:** Couldn't have a baby.
* **Clayton:** I think you should take this seriously, Benson.
* **Benson:** Okay, we'll adopt.
Fool's Gold

**"Fool's Gold"** is the third episode of the second season, and twenty-seventh episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by John Rich, the episode originally aired on November 14th, 1980.

## Synopsis

When Benson and Kraus find a secret compartment in the Mansion's fireplace hearth, they unearth a letter written by a past governor telling about a stash of hidden gold. When word gets out, the staff catches gold fever.

## Trivia

* Jerry Seinfeld makes his acting debut as Frankie in this episode. Despite this however, various modern syndication edits omit his appearance due to time constraints.
* It's revealed that The Mansion had been rebuilt three times since 1840.
* Clayton states that the $10,000 in gold would've been worth $437,500 and that the amount of gold allegedly hidden in the mansion would've been worth 5 million dollars. Due to inflation however, the gold would be worth roughly $17,000,00 today.
* Katie mentions the McDonalds' sign that counts how many burgers have been sold. McDonald's would eventually give up keeping track, however, in 1994.

## Cultural Reference

* Benson mentions the 1974 resignation of US President Richard Nixon.
* Katie mentions McDonalds and the famous '*I'd Like To Buy the World a Coke'* ad.
* The riddle mentions the Greek God, Hyperion.

## Quotes

* **Frankie:** Why did Washington throw a dollar across the Potomac? His horse was too big!
* **Benson:** \*shrugs\*
* **Frankie:** You don't like Washington? I'll do a Lincoln!
* **Benson:** Do a Nixon and get out.

* **Benson:** For the last hundred and forty years nobody's lived in this house but politicians. I'm surprised we even still got the silverware.

* **Marcy:** I noticed this mound on the front lawn, and just out of idle curiosity, I started digging.
* **Benson:** With your bare hands?
* **Marcy:** Yes.
* **Kraus:** Did you find anything?
* **Marcy:** Yes.
* **Clayton:** Well what was it?
* **Marcy:** A shoe box with a dead squirrel in it.
* **Benson:** Wait'll Katie finds out you dug up Corky.

* **Benson:** Wait a minute! Wait a minute! Calm down everybody. Now we got that Historical Society coming here for dinner tonight. Now the treasure hunt is off until after the banquet.
* **Governor:** Benson's right. Marcy, you haven't even typed up my speech for tonight.
* **Marcy:** That's because Pete and Clayton haven't written it yet, sir.
* **Governor:** That is no excuse, Marcy.

* **Pete:** I wish I told my ex-wife about this. I'd like her to share the disappointment.
Marcy's Wedding

"**Marcy's Wedding**" is the thirteenth episode of the second season, and thirty-seventh episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by John Rich, the episode originally aired on February 20th, 1981.

## Synopsis

When Marcy plans her wedding at the mansion, Benson is responsible for the wedding arrangements. Marcy's mother, however, intrudes and disrupts all of the plans with her own opinions.

## Trivia

* This episode marks the last appearance of Ted Danson as Dan Slater.

## Quotes

* **Louise Hill:** Oh, Marcy's father is still trying to prove his idiotic theory that the Fiji Islands were once a part of Santa Barbara.
* **Benson:** Who'd believe something like that?
* **Louise Hill:** He got a government grant.

* **Clayton:** Peter, a short joke from you is redundant.
* **Pete:** What does that mean?
* **Clayton:** You are a short joke.
Power Play

**"Power Play"** is the twenty-first episode of the first season, and twenty-first episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by John Tracy, the episode originally aired on March 20th, 1980.

## Synopsis

When a masked environmentalist, El Gato (played by Steven Peterman), invades the Governor's Mansion in protest of state waste, Benson, and security, strain to stop the culprit.

Meanwhile, Marcy starts to fall in love with the likeminded environmentalist, becoming eager to discover his identity.

## Trivia

* This episode marks the last episode to feature Captain Bates.
* El Gato was played by Steven Peterman, who would later go on to produce the sitcoms, *Suddenly Susan, Murphy Brown,* and *Hannah Montana*.
* This episode reveals that the state has a Natosha River.

## Cultural References

* When Benson moves the reporters out of the living room, he mentions that services will be held by Reverend Pike.
* When Bates asks Benson where he learned how to do a U-Turn on a bridge, Benson replies stating that he's had a lot of practice driving through Georgia. This is a reference to the heavy amount of racism and KKK activity generally associated with the southern part of the US, in this case, in the 1950's and 60's.
* Marcy mentions *Zorro*.

## Quotes

* **Taylor:** Well, Benson, let's hear your explanation.
* **Benson:** About what?
* **Taylor:** You're in charge of this house. How did El Gato get in here?
* **Benson:** I haven't the foggiest. I'm still wondering how you got in here.

* **Captain Bates:** Did you guys know that El Gato means the cat?
* **Benson:** Yeah, you know what bozo means?

* **Captain Bates:** You're the one with the ecology sticker on the back of you car. Which you drove home last night at 6:45, and left again at 8:15 to go to a movie, with some guy.
* **Marcy:** You've been following me? You have no right to invade my privacy! Oh, that really stinks.
* **Captain Bates:** So did the movie.

* **Taylor:** Well, Governor, I guess now we know who was giving El Gato his inside help. I had an idear it was you.
* **Benson:** Too bad, Taylor. It's your first idear in months and it's wrong.
Season 1 (1979 - 1980)

**Season 1** of the ABC sitcom, *Benson,* serves as an introduction to the series. The season is a opening to the new job of *Soap's* Benson at the Governor's Mansion and is a lead-in to the main characters Governor Gatling, Gretchen Kraus, Katie Gatling, Marcy Hill, and John Taylor.

The season premiered on September 13, 1979 on ABC.

## About Season 1

Season 1 serves an introduction to Governor Eugene X. Gatling and his staff, and takes place during the start of his first term in office. The season focuses on the conflicts between Benson and his colleagues, often based around the classism of Benson's former occupation as a butler.

He would fully resign from his servant position at the Tate's household in this season, in favor of being director of household affairs at the Governor's Mansion.

This would be the only season featuring the characters Taylor, Raul, and Captain Bates and would be the only season to use the threat of the dogs as a running gag. It is also the only season where Benson still uses catchphrases from his parent show.

Show creator, Susan Harris, would leave the series following this season, featuring writing credits on two episodes.

## Accolades

   Robert Guillaume and Inga Swenson would both each be nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy or Variety or Music Series at the 1980 Primetime Emmy Awards.

## Home Media

The first season was released on DVD by Sony on July 24th 2007.
It was later re-released by Mill Creek, along with season 2 in a combo pack, on September 2, 2014.

The season has since been made available on various streaming services.
Gibson Gatling

Jack Gatling (Son)

Harvey Gatling (Son)

Katie Gatling (Grand-Daughter)

**Gibson Gatling** (played by David Huddleston) was the father of Governor Eugene Gatling, and grandfather to Katie Gatling, on the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

## About Gibson

Gibson ran the Gatling Lumber Mill and was father to Eugene Gatling, Libby Gatling, Jack Gatling, and Harvey Gatling; eventually handing the Mill over to his son, Gene. Gibson would move to Colorado, residing there as early as 1980.

Between 1980 and 1981, Gibson would pass away, though it is never stated how.

## Trivia

* David Huddleston (born 1930) was actually more than 8 years younger than James Noble (born 1922) despite playing his father.
* It was stated by Gene that his father had an allergy to dogs. It was stated another point, however, that Gene had two dogs as a kid. This is all under the fact that Gene has also stated that not all of his stories are true.
* It was implied that his wife was still alive in the episode, "The President's Double", when Gene asks Katie if she wanted to visit her grandmother.
* According to his son, Gene, Gibson was a "good Christian."
* Gene states that Gibson favored his brother, Jack, over him.

## Quotes

* "I do as I damn well please."
* "You'll never get anywhere surrounded by these losers!"
In All the Wrong Places

**"In All the Wrong Places"** is the fifteenth episode of the fifth season, and one hundred and fifth episode of the ABC sitcom, *Benson.*

Directed by Gary Brown, the episode originally aired on January 13th, 1984.

## Synopsis

Katie’s school friend, Winston Lewis (played by Zero Hubbard), starts a campaign to get his widowed mother, Carol Lewis (played by Brenda Huggins) engaged to Benson.

Meanwhile, a deadly nightmare puts Kraus on edge around Clayton, Pete tries to convince his wife, Denise, to invest in a Motorcycle, and the Governor worries about Katie's romantic affiliations at her school dance.

## Trivia

* Winston is played by Zero Hubbard who would later portray Daryl on *Tribes* and Fabian Dewitt on *Hill Street Blues*. He is also the brother of *Diff'rent Strokes* actor, Todd Bridges.

## Cultural References

* Benson mentions a Nobel Peace Prize.
* Kraus mentions the 1960, Alfred Hitchcock film, *Psycho.*
* Kraus states that she once dreamed that Hawaii would become a state.
* The Governor mentions actor, Jack Palance.

## Quotes

* **Governor:** Admit it. Ms. Kraus seems strange.
* **Benson:** Admit it. I'll shout it from the rooftop.

* **Governor:** Benson, when you were 14, did you dance with girls?
* **Benson:** I did a lot more than just-- \*looks at Katie\* who can remember?

* **Kraus:** I think someone is trying to kill me.
* **Benson:** What?
* **Kraus:** It's my dream.
* **Benson:** It's my dream too, but it's not likely to happen.

* **Carol:** Winston, you and I are going to have a little chat later on. Excuse me, Benson. I'm gonna get dinner.
* **Winston:** Well Benson, what do you think?
* **Benson:** I think when you and your mom have that chat you better put a book in your pants.

* **Pete:** Why should I take it back?
* **Denise:** Because the way you drive, you'll splatter yourself all over the highway.
* **Benson:** She has a point, Pete.
* **Pete:** I see. Well, you think I'm incompetent. You think I'm a wimp, a jerk.
* **Denise:** No, I don't think that.
* **Pete:** Yeah? Well think again.
* **Benson:** He has a point, Denise.

* **Kraus:** I'm afraid to fall asleep.
* **Governor:** Why?
* **Kraus:** I dream.
Homework

**"Homework"** is the eighteenth episode of the second season, and forty-second episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by John Rich, the episode originally aired on April 3rd, 1981.

## Synopsis

Katie's school assignment is to write a paper about her family. In addition to her father, Gene suggests she include Benson, Kraus, Marcy, Clayton, and Pete.

## Background

The episode is a skit-show/clip-show showcasing each character's personality. All of the scenes, excluding Katie's last paragraph about Benson, are specifically made for this episode and aren't taken from any from older showings.

## Trivia

* This is the only episode of the series to be a clip show. The episode was also aired notably earlier in the show's seven year lifespan.

## Cultural References

* Kraus mentions that she doesn't want to miss *The Sound of Music.*
* Pete mentions *Johnny Appleseed.*
* Katie mentions *Chris Evert Lloyd.*

## Quotes

* **Benson:** Sounds complicated, get somebody else.
* **Clayton:** I would love to, unfortunately you're the only black man I know.
* **Benson:** What, her thing is black guys?
* **Clayton:** Of course.
* **Benson:** What do you mean of course? Is she black?
* **Clayton:** Well now that you mention it, I think she is.
* **Benson:** You think she is?
* **Clayton:** Well she's not actually black, she's uh, she's more uh...
* **Benson:** Black-ish?

* **Kraus:** I thought you were my friend?
* **Benson:** I've never given you any reason to think that.

* **Pete:** \*on the phone\* Just tell her you couldn't reach me.
* **Pete:** So it's a lie, you're a lawyer aren't you?
Ned Harper

**Edmund 'Ned' Douglas J. Harper** (played by Percy Rodriguez) is a judge, and party chairman, from Seasons 3-7 of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

## About Ned

### As a Chairman

Ned became a party chairman in the 1960's. Harper, and the party, weren't fond of Governor Gatling and offered him an ambassadorship following his first term in 1982, in favor of candidate, Bud Resnick. Gatling would later turn down the ambassadorship and run for Governor as an independent.

### Judicial Career

Ned Harper also held a judicial career as a state judge.

### Relationships

Ned was vocally not fond of Gatling administration staff workers, Benson DuBois and Clayton Endicott. The three would wound up clashing with each other on more than one occasion during legal troubles.

## Appearances

* "The Party's Over"
* "Full Court Press"
* "The Inheritance"
* "Benson the Hero"

## Quotes

* "It never ceases to amaze me that people who won't even fix their own toaster feel qualified to stand before the bard of justice."
* "Foster, get my pills, please!"
* "I do know everyman has his price."
* "Where are my pills!?"
Band of Gold

**"Band of Gold"** is the first episode of the fifth season, and ninety-first episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson.*

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

## Synopsis

Denise and Pete have their dream wedding in a forest. Everything goes as planned, until it's time to leave the forest.

Meanwhile at the Mansion, when the bride and groom fail to show up at the after party, The Governor and Clayton pass the time by opening up the wedding gifts.

## Trivia

* This marks the first episode aired to be written by Winifred Hervey.

## Cultural References

* The judge mentions Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
* Benson mentions Big Bird
* Katie references Disney Land.
* The song Benson sings while Pete and Denise begin to argue is *Michael, Row the Boat Ashore,* an African American spiritual. The song was re-recorded by The Highwaymen in 1960, reaching number one on the charts.

## Quotes

* **Pete:** Benson, I am the wind.
* **Benson:** Pete, you don't even qualify as a light breeze.

* **Denise:** Peter, I offer you my affection my devotion my friendship and my love.
* **Kraus:** That's beautiful.
* **Denise:** I also pledge my arms to hold you and my shoulders to comfort you and my ears to listen you .
* **Benson:** \*to Kraus\* I hope you notice she's keeping the best parts to herself.

* **Benson:** Find any matches?
* **Kraus:** No, but I found something just as good. A magnifying glass!
* **Benson:** What do you hope to do with that? Look for little matches?
* **Kraus:** No, Dummkopf! You catch the sun's rays with it and all of sudden, poof, you've got a fire!
* **Benson:** Poof, your brain went out! There's no sun at night!

* **Pete:** That's it! I'm sure you don't want to spend the evening with a lazy insensitive guy who throws a ball like a girl.
* **Denise:** Where are you going?
* **Pete:** I'm gonna sleep in the car with Benson!
* **Benson:** I wonder how far I could get in the dark?

* **Pete:** I wanna talk to Denise.
* **Kraus:** She's indisposed.
* **Benson:** She's in da tent.

* **Pete:** She thinks I'm incompetent. She thinks I'm a jerk. Well I'm not a jerk! And I'll prove it to you too! \*runs off into the forest\*
* **Kraus:** What is he doing?
* **Benson:** Well, he's going off into the woods in the middle of the night to prove he's not a jerk.
Zeke Webster

**Zeke Webster** was Kraus' pen pal in the Season 4 episode, "Pen Pal" on the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

## About

Zeke Webster was arrested in 1975. While serving his time in prison, he grew a liking and talent for cooking for the other inmates. He eventually became pen pals with the housekeeper for the state's Governor's Mansion, Gretchen Kraus, who offered him a job at the mansion. He spent 7 years in the state penitentiary, being released on parole in 1984.

He was given a position as maintenance at the mansion. Shortly after being released he was at risk of violation of his parole by staying at a hotel that was keeping other felons. He temporarily stayed at the condo of Benson DuBois, the state's budget director, to avoid this.

At the IRCA, International Restaurant Critic's Association, Zeke presented a batch of his chili to the food critics. Monsieur Arnaud, the president of IRCA, was overwhelmed with his cooking abilities, proclaiming it 'the work of a master.'

Zeke would earn a position in the Restaurant business in Paris.
Masquerade

**"Masquerade"** is the fourth episode of the second season, and the twenty-eighth episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

It was directed by John Rich and originally aired on November 21st, 1980.

## Synopsis

When the Governor holds a reception at The Mansion to raise money for a hospital in Bacoa, a third world country, a group of revolutionaries sneak in with a plot to steal the country's sacred '*Golden Monkey'.*

Meanwhile, Clayton puts out a memo telling the entire staff to attend in costume under a mandate, but the costumes of the staff intertwine with the disguises of the revolutionaries.

## Trivia

* This marks the last episode to be written by Rick McCurdy and Jeff Levin.

## Cultural References

* Marcy mentions American media host, David Hartman.
* Pete mentions the magazines, *Time* and *People.*
* Kraus comes dressed as *Heidi.*

## Quotes

* **Kraus:** I would never act out my fantasies in public. I would never act out my fantasies in private.
* **Marcy:** Never?
* **Benson:** Don't push her, just thank her.

* **Clayton:** I plan to wear something suitable to my character.
* **Benson:** Who you gonna get to be the front end?

* **Kraus:** You don't look so hot. I never saw a black pirate before.
* **Benson:** That's because they're all below deck playing basketball.

* **Benson:** Governor, I'm just telling you what the man told me. His exact words were, *'Sometimes it is necessary to kill for the revolution'.*
* **Governor:** Revolution?, Oh, Clayton, have we fallen that far in the polls?
Takin' it to the Streets

**"Takin' it to the Streets"** is the twenty-second episode of the first season, and twenty-second episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by Tony Mordente, the episode originally aired on March 27th, 1980.

## Synopsis

Wanting to know how the people really feel, Governor Gatling makes an incognito visit to a grungy local bar, along with a reluctant Benson, to mix with the constituents.

## Trivia

* The Governor reveals that there was a Governor Dexter in the state years prior.
* Jake was played by Kene Holiday, who not only appeared in the parent series, *Soap*, but also appears later on on *Benson* in the Season 6 episode "The Reunion" as Benson's brother, Earl. He's perhaps, best known for his role as Tyler Hudson on the Andy Griffith drama series, *Matlock* in the late 80's. He also provided the voice of the saxophone player on the video game, Grand Theft Auto IV.
* When the phone rings, Benson asks "You want me to get that?", with The Governor replying, "If you wouldn't mind." This is a reference to Benson's signature interaction with his former boss, and Gene's cousin, Jessica Tate on the parent series, *Soap*.

## Cultural References

* The episode makes reference to American social, and economic, issues such as inflation and minimum wages.
* The bartender sarcastically refers to himself as the former U.S. Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger.
* Sylvia is referred to as 'the Queen of England'.
	+ Sylvia was also unmistakably a prostitute, though never mentioned explicitly, along with 'the Queen of England' phrase being a nod to roleplaying fantasy.

## Quotes

* **Governor:** The trouble is, I can't get anybody top talk to me. Either they don't believe it's really me, or they tell me what they think I wanna hear instead of what they're feeling.
* **Benson:** Well, if somebody called you up on the phone and said "I'm the governor" would you believe them?
* **Governor:** Of course not. I'm the governor.

* **Kraus:** You know what frightens me?
* **Benson:** A mirror.

* **Taylor:** If you're looking for a broad range of opinions, I suggest you go to the polls.
* **Governor:** But what about the Czechs, the Swedes? They all have something to say.

* **Taylor:** Well, that's what makes this country great. Everybody has the right to express an opinion, no matter how little they know.
* **Benson:** Yeah, and you get paid for it.

* **Governor:** Would you mind if I asked you about inflation?
* **Jake:** Would you mind if I ripped out your spleen?

* **Governor:** Would you mind If I asked you a question?
* **Sylvia:** Why not? I've heard them all.
* **Governor:** What do you think about wage and price controls?
* **Benson:** Now she's heard them all.
Caroline McWilliams

Seattle, Washington, U.S.

**Caroline Margaret McWilliams** (April 4, 1945 – February 11, 2010) was an American actress best known for her portrayal of Marcy Hill in the television series *Benson*. McWilliams had also appeared in nine episodes of its parent-series *Soap*, as Sally.

She was a regular on the CBS soap *Guiding Light* (as Janet Norris) for several years and appeared in a short-term role (as Tracy DeWitt) on the NBC soap *Another World*. She also had a recurring role on *Beverly Hills, 90210* playing the mother of Jamie Walters' character, Ray Pruit.

## Personal life

McWilliams was born in Seattle and grew up in Rhode Island. She graduated in 1966 with a bachelor's degree from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. She was married in 1982 to Michael Keaton, with whom she had a son, Sean, born in 1983. She and Keaton divorced in 1990.

## Career

McWilliams's television appearances spanned every decade from the 1960s through the 2000s. She was a regular player on *Guiding Light* as Janet Mason Norris from 1969 until 1975. She portrayed a prostitute who helped an immigrant stay in the country by marrying him for money on *Barney Miller* in 1977. She was a semi-regular on *Soap* during the second season in 1978. She then appeared on *Benson* (as a different character) when that series premiered in 1979. She remained on *Benson* until 1981: the storyline stated that her character was departing to move away with her husband (her fiancé-turned-husband on the show having been played by Ted Danson).

On stage, she appeared in the musical *Boccaccio*, *Cat on a Hot Tin Roof*, *The Rothschilds* and productions with the American Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Conn. and the New York Shakespeare Festival.[1]

After this, she made a number of appearances in television comedies and dramas,[2] including *Kojak*; *Quincy, M.E.*; *The Incredible Hulk*; *Project U.F.O.*; *Hill Street Blues*; *Night Court*; *St. Elsewhere*; *Cagney & Lacey*; *Sisters* (two episodes); *Home Improvement*; *Murphy Brown* and *Judging Amy* (three episodes). In 1989, she portrayed the ghostly wife, Clair Pritchard, in the short-lived comedy series *Nearly Departed*. She also appeared in numerous made-for-television movies, including *The Death of Ocean View Park* (1979), *Rage!* (1980), *The Gift of Life* (1982), *Cass Malloy* (1982) and *Sworn to Silence* (1987).

McWilliams appeared in two major motion pictures:

* *White Water Summer* (1987) – as Virginia Block
* *Mermaids* (1990) – as Carrie

## Illness and death

Caroline McWilliams died from multiple myeloma at her home in Los Angeles, California on February 11, 2010, aged 64.[1]

## External links

* Caroline McWilliams at IMDb
* Caroline McWilliams: Wikipedia