Labor Pains

**"Labor Pains"** is the tenth episode of the fifth season, and one hundredth episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by Gary Brown, the episode originally aired on November 25th, 1983.

## Synopsis

Following a stressful contract negotiation with the passionately stubborn, Stump Walker (played by John C. Becher), Benson is asked to baby sit his neighbor's baby daughter. When The Governor recalls for an emergency meeting with Stump due to a highway strike in a lengthy blizzard, Benson shifts his baby sitting duties to the Mansion.

## Trivia

* This episode marks the 100th episode aired of the series.
* Stump Walker is played by John C. Becher, who previously portrayed ex-governor, Mulligan, in the Season 3 episode, "Sweet Irish Rose". Becher would be best known for his role in *Gremlins* a year after the airing of this episode.
* Tony was played by John Wesley, who would later be known for portraying Mr. Jim in the 90's sitcom, *Martin*.
* Tony's baby, Tracy, was played Malika Haqq. Malika would later be featured in the hit films *Sky High* and *ATL* in the 2000's. In the 2010's she would portray Shay in the film, *Definitely Divorcing.* She would also give birth to a son with rapper O.T. Genasis, best known for his hit singles, "Coco" and "Cut It".

## Cultural References

* Kraus mentions actors John Travolta and Sly Stallone.
* Benson mentions American psychologist and TV personality, Dr. Joyce Brothers.
* The patriotic tune, "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" is used as a running gag in the episode to keep Tracy from crying.
* Benson calls Clayton the Abominable Snowman when he enters his apartment.
* Benson mentions the *Star Wars* species, Ewok.
* Benson mentions the Chatty Cathy talking doll.

## Accolades

* Robert Guillaume would win Best Performance by an Actor in a Comedy Series or Special at the 1984 NAACP Image Awards for this episode.

## Quotes

* **Clayton:** Come on, Benson. First you give in to the highway maintenance workers, next you'll give in to the toll collectors, then it'll be the parks personnel. Face it, you caved in. You let them walk all over you. You should have "welcome" tattooed across your chest.
* **Kraus:** \*walks in\* If your dumb meeting is over, I'd like to pick up the garbage.
* **Benson:** Clayton, your ride's here.

* **Tony:** Say, I didn't know there was a game on tonight?
* **Benson:** This is last night's game. I had to work, so I taped it.
* **Tony:** I can never look at a game once I know who one.
* **Benson:** Me neither, but I don't know who won this.
* **Tony:** Baltimore by 17.

* **Tony:** If I'm bothering you, just say the word.
* **Benson:** What would that word be?

* **Tony:** You know something, man, You last of the good guys.
* **Benson:** Being a good guy really stinks.

* **Benson:** Snowstorm? The guy didn't say nothing about that on the weather last night. Hold on. \*opens door\* Jerk was wrong again.

* **Stump:** You guys in management kill me. You always stick it to the working man!
* **Benson:** Don't tell me about the working man, I've been there.
* **Stump:** You may have been there once, but you ain't there now. Once you put that suit and tie on, you became one of them.
* **Benson:** You know, now I know why they call you Stump. You're cut off below the brain.

* **Benson:** Alright, let's compromise. I will agree to reopen negotiations if you will just put your men back out on the streets.
* **Stump:** In other words, you want me to trust you.
* **Benson:** I give you my word I'll deal in good faith.
* **Stump:** \*Chuckles\* You're good DuBois. Real good. But trust you? I'd rather floss my teeth with a chainsaw!
* **Benson:** I know where I can get one.

* **Kraus:** When I cried as a baby, my papa gave me schnapps.
* **Denise:** Did it work?
* **Kraus:** I don't remember. My entire childhood is a blur.

* **Benson:** Doc's been up there 20 minutes with the baby. I sure hope it's nothing serious.
* **Stump:** Ah it ain't. It's probably just an ear infection.
* **Benson:** Who are you? The Gerber answer man?