The Inheritance

**"The Inheritance"** is the second episode of the sixth season, and one hundred and fourteenth episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by Gary Brown, the episode originally aired on September 28th, 1984.

## Synopsis

When Benson is named the owner of the Playbird empire, he gets into a lawsuit with the deceased owner's wife, Jessie Shaw (played by Gretchen Wyler). After the inheritance begins to interfere with the public's perception of Governor Gatling's views on women's rights however, Benson decides to hire a lawyer who's never won a case--Clayton Endicott.

## Trivia

* This episode marks the second, and last, appearance of Joel Brooks on the series.
* The hostess, Darlene, was played by Penny Baker. Baker was a model who was chosen as *Playboy's* Playmate of the Month eight months prior to the airing of this episode. Her photos were shot when she was 17 with her parent's permission. She also notably made an appearance in the 1986 drama film, The Men's Club. Her appearance in this episode marks her second, out of six, acting roles.
* The episode marks the third episode to take place in court.
* The episode marks the second appearance of Ned Harper as a judge, and the third appearance of Percy Rodriguez as Ned Harper overall.

## Cultural References

* The magazine, and brand, Playbird, is an unmistaken spoof of the magazine, and brand, Playboy. The fictionalized owner, Hugh Howard, is also a spoof of Playboy owner, Hugh Hefner.
* Benson refers to Clayton as Daffy Duck.
* Jessie Shaw sarcastically states that she's meeting Marlin Perkins for drinks when she's dressed up in feathers. This is a reference to Marlin being the host of the wildlife documentary program *Wild Kingdom*. Perkins would pass away nearly two years following the airing of this episode.
* Ned Harper mentions Judge Wapner; the first presiding judge of the ongoing reality court show *The People's Court.* Wapner was on the series from 1981 to 1993.

## Quotes

* **Darlene:** Welcome to the Playbird nest. I'm your hostess, Darlene. Will you two roosters be dining alone?
* **Clayton:** Oh ahem, let's just say that we'll be starting out alone. Ha-ha. \*nudges Benson\*
* **Benson:** \*elbows Clayton\* Just the two of us. Thank you.
* **Darlene:** Right this way.
* **Clayton:** \*Clucks like a rooster\*

* **Kraus:** Benson, I would like for you to take a look at me in a new light!
* **Benson:** Fine. How about the high beams of a speeding fuel truck?

* **Governor:** Why don't you just give it away?
* **Benson:** Terms of the will say I can't give it away unless I die.
* **Governor:** That could take months.

* **Clayton:** Ms. Shaw, you have also stated, uh, that Mr. Howard might be labeled an eccentric.
* **Ms. Shaw:** That's right.
* **Clayton:** Might you not also be labeled a gold digger?
* **Benson and Ms. Morrison:** I object!
* **Judge Harper:** DuBois, you cannot object!
* **Benson:** Why not? It's two against one.

* **Harper:** Do you two clowns have any idea what the odds were against turning up in my courtroom a second time?
* **Benson:** Ain't life a hoot?
* **Harper:** I told myself it could never happen again. That's why I decided not to retire.
* **Ms. Morrison:** And a wise decision, Your Honor.
* **Benson:** You don't have to kiss up, Morrison. He already hates us.