Three on a Mismatch

Ken Russ

John Doley

Clay Graham

Teleplay:

John Doley

Clay Graham

**"Three on a Mismatch"** is the twentieth episode of the seventh season, and one hundred and fifty-sixth episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by Rob Dames, the episode originally aired on March 29th, 1986.

## Synopsis

When The Governor plans a double date with Benson, he answers an ad that turns out turns out to be an ex flame of Benson's, Elizabeth Burnett (played by Jayne Kennedy), and becomes jealous when the two reminisce.

## Trivia

* This was the last episode produced of the series according to official production codes.
* The episode makes callbacks to the Season 6 episode, "Let's Get Physical".

## Cultural References

* Instrumental versions of the songs "Jump (For My Love)" by the Pointer Sisters and "New Attitude" by Patti LaBelle are played during the club scenes.
* The Governor refers to Benson as Ginger Rogers when he starts dancing with Elizabeth. Kraus then refers to Benson as Fred Astaire.
* Benson mentions the Twilight Zone franchise.
* Katie states that her father, The Governor, has started dressing like a cross between actor Don Johnson and the character, Ward Cleaver from the sitcom, *Leave It to Beaver.* Don Johnson is best known for the main role on the hit crime drama shows, *Miami Vice* and *Nash Bridges*, but would likely be known by younger viewers as the father to actress, Dakota Johnson.
* Benson refers to Kraus as 'Disco Duck'; a reference to the number one hit single of the same name ten years prior to this episode.
* The Governor is depicted wearing, then, trendy clothing.

## Quotes

* **Governor:** I kind of been off the dating circuit for so long, I wouldn't know who to call.
* **Clayton:** You know, sir, I have a suggestion; Hi There.
* **Governor:** Hi, Clayton.
* **Benson:** See you met someone already.
* **Clayton:** No, Hi There is the name of a magazine that's a very popular way for a swinging singles to get dates.
* **Governor:** Oh, Clayton, that sounds so cheap, and tacky, and desperate.
* **Clayton:** ...Well it works for me.

* **Clayton:** Can I buy you drink?
* **Annette:** I have a drink
* **Clayton:** \*laughs\* My dear, the beverage you are imbibing would be more appropriate at the bowling alley.
* **Annette:** Get lost, gutter ball.
* **Clayton:** \*clears throat\* Now what would you say if I told you I was rich?
* **Annette:** What would you say if I told you I worked for the IRS?

* **Elizabeth:** Do you remember that little Greek restaurant that you were so fond of, Benson?
* **Benson:** Oh yeah, the one where we had such a lovely time?
* **Governor:** Well I had a lovely time, uh, being governor. I mean I've always enjoyed being governor. They're only 50 of us you know.

* **Governor:** Benson, I know the temptation of a beautiful woman can do strange things to a man.
* **Benson:** Well it certainly has you tip toeing through the Twilight Zone.
* **Governor:** Let me tell you something, Benson. There may be a little snow in the furnace, but there's still plenty of fire on the roof.
* **Benson:** Uh, what'd you say?
* **Governor:** You think my ship has sailed, don't you?
* **Benson:** No?
* **Governor:** You think the cow's out of the barn, don't you?
* **Benson:** No.
* **Governor:** You think I'm too old to go out with someone like her, don't you?
* **Benson:** No.
* **Governor:** Well think again.

* **Governor:** So, I'm just taking a breather from dancing and fighting off the females.
* **Benson:** Looks like you've succeeded.