Pilot

Pilot is the first episode of the first season, and overall first episode of Benson.

## Plot

The episode begins with Benson stepping out of a taxi that drops him off in front of the Governor's mansion. He shows his credentials to a guard, who body searches him, much to the dismay of Benson. The Guard lets him through the gate, and Benson looks impressed as he walks closer. He is subsequently sprayed by the sprinkler and chased down by two dobermans. He runs away, but goes back to the house where he is let in by another guard. he peaks hi head out the door, but sticks it back in quickly.

In the secretary's office, we see Benson rush in and hide behind a wall, where he whispers "Hi" to Marcy Hill, Gatling's secretary. She whispers back, and he says he was being pursued by a tall blonde, who Marcy identifies as Gretchen Kraus, the lead housekeeper. Kraus tracks down Benson and says that he is leaving muddy footprints all over the house. Benson states the obvious, and she ask for his shoes, to which he says they are too small for her. Kraus eventually leaves, and Benson complains about his morning to Marcy. She identifies him as Benson and he says he came to the Governor as a favor for Jessica Tate. He tries to leave, but Marcy pleads, saying the job is for only one week, and they desperately needs help. benson suggests firing Kraus, to which Marcy laughs. As she takes a call, she thanks Benson for coming to help.

Benson then enters the living room, which he say multiple times that he won't clean it. He asks himself what he is doing here, to which a girl in the room reading agrees. When Benson asks who she is, she introduces herself as Wilhelmina von Luft of Amsterdam, and Benson introduce himself as Willie Mayes. She then says she is Carl Molina, and Benson says he is Winston Churchill. The girl is Katie Gatling, daughter of Governor Gatling. Benson figures out she id the governor's daughter, and she says she doesn't want to be. When Benson asks why, she says he's a murderer, to which he asks if he is a Republican. She says that he is killing the beavers, and Benson is confused, but eventually understands. When Marcy tells Benson that the Governor's meeting is breaking up, she tries talking to Katie, but she says she won't talk to murderers. Marcy tries to reason, but Katie says that just like beavers, soon secretaries will be out. Marcy walks away slightly nervous, and Benson says she's a strong girl.

In the office of Governor Gatling, he seems to agree with his daughter that the beavers are so cute. His associate , John Taylor, says that they destroy Forrests and block the roads, to which Gatling says they don't mean to do it. John says that they needs the jobs, revenue and contributions. Gatling says that they are killing the beavers, to which John says they are just relocating them to Oregon, and they'll like it because of the trees. Gatling suggests building a preserve, but says he's not handy with tools. Gatling says they are loosing everything because of moving, including fish, trees and radio city music. He also says the state will have no beavers, and John says they don't vote. Gatling reluctantly agrees, saying he wished he was the governor of Idaho. Marcy brings in Benson and tries to introduces him, but Gatling mistakes him for Reverend Jesse Jackson, to which the smiles from both benson and Marcy slowly fade. Gatling tries to explain about the new jobs they will have with the industrial complex. John tries to stop him, but Gatling pushes it off. Marcy introduces Benson, to which he mistakes him for Reverend Benson Jackson. Benson's asks Marcy if this is the governor, and Gatling confirms that he is. Marcy says that Benson is from his cousin Jessica's family, and Gatling thinks they are related. Gatling remembers with some help from Marcy and apologizes, saying he forgot, to which Benson isn't too surprised. Gatling says that the move has been tough, especially with his wife dying from being eaten by horses, which Benson is in slight disbelief. Benson tries to leave, but Gatling beats him to it, and he and John leaves for a meeting. Benson tries to talk to John, but he says not to bother him or the governor.

## Cast

* Robert Guillaume as Benson DuBois
* James Noble as Governor Gatling
* Inga Swenson as Gretchen Kraus
* Caroline McWilliams as Marcy Hill
* Missy Gold as Katie Gatling
* David Hedison as John Taylor
* Norman Bartold as Mr. Nettleson