recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Lifesaver

**"Lifesaver"** is the twenty-second episode of the second season, and forty-sixth episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*. The episode serves as a season finale for season 2 of the sitcom and was directed by John Rich.

The episode originally aired on May 22nd, 1981.

## Synopsis

Benson saves Gretchen's life by performing the Heimlich Maneuver on her, but begins to worry when her appreciation starts to go too far.

## Trivia

* This episode made headlines in the LA Times in 1986 after it was responsible for saving a 6 year old's life from choking. The boy who saved her life cited the scene were Pete performs the Heimlich Maneuver on Benson in the kitchen.
* Showrunner, Rob Dames, makes an appearance as a waiter.

## Cultural References

* Benson mentions skipping school to see Zorro films.

## Quotes

* **Pete:** C'mon, you're a hero, enjoy it! I've always wanted to be a hero, but I've never got the chance.
* **Benson:** Next time Kraus chokes, I'll buzz you.
* **Pete:** The closest I ever came was Jeanine's cat. It fell in a swimming pool, I pulled it out, and then I realized I'd have to give it mouth to mouth, so I threw it back in.
* **Benson:** You threw it back in?
* **Pete:** Yeah, he was just faking! Jumped right out again! And he's still alive. Mean sucker!

* **Clayton:** Sir, I've never been ever to hit it off with children.
* **Benson:** You're batting average ain't that high with adults.

* **Marcy:** Aw, I bet he's gonna be a huge hit with the kids.
* **Benson:** Yeah, right up there with flu shots.

* **Pete:** Hey, Benson, where are you and Kraus going tonight?
* **Marcy:** She's taking him out to dinner.
* **Pete:** God, I love women's lib. They take you out, they pay for everything. You gonna use her card?
* **Marcy:** Pete, there's a great deal more to women's liberation then that.
* **Pete:** Yeah, maybe from your point of view.

* **Waiter:** Sorry we took so long. We had to send out for more schweine lippen.
* **Benson:** But you did get 'em?
* **Waiter:** Yeah.
* **Benson:** What exactly is this concoction?
* **Kraus:** Schweine lippen? That's pig's lips. It's a sort of sausage! Pig's lips wurst.
* **Benson:** It certainly couldn't get any wurst.
* **Kraus:** I think I just lost my appetite.
* **Benson:** Must've been something you said.

## External Links

1. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-08-06-mn-1639-story.html
Embarrassing Moments

**"Embarrassing Moments"** is the sixteenth episode of the fifth season, and one hundred and sixth episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by Bill Foster, the episode originally aired on January 20th, 1984.

## Synopsis

Benson is named Cityview Magazine's "Bachelor of the Month," but the obsessive female response threatens his romance with the photographer.

Meanwhile, Kraus writes a book titled, "*The Kraus Principle*".

## Trivia

* The episode was partly written by TV writer, Scott Rubenstein, who wrote on various other 80's sitcoms such as *Night Court*, *Diff'rent Strokes,* and *It's Gary Shandling's Show.* He would later on become best known, however, for story editing and writing on *Star Trek: The Next Generation*, marking another connection in a list of connections between *Star Trek* and *Benson*.
* The photographer, Kerry Brooks, is played by Tracy Reed, who previously played Benson's "one that got away" in the Season 4 episode, "Boy's Night Out".

## Quotes

* **Benson:** Let me ask you something. Are you married?
* **Kerry:** No.
* **Benson:** Neither am I.
* **Kerry:** I know. We rarely use a married man as Bachelor of the Month.

* **Benson:** You know, I do have to tell you something funny that happened as a result of the article. Heh, you'll get a big kick out of this.
* **Kerry:** What? \*laughs\*
* **Benson:** Yeah. When I got to work this morning, there were 30 or 40 phone messages from women. \*laughs\*
* **Kerry:** ...Really?
* **Benson:** Oh, yeah. Uh, they were just fun messages, you know.
* **Kerry:** Messages. With their phone numbers?
* **Benson:** I burned them all.

* **Kraus:** Holy smokarooneos! This one shows you a picture. Look at that.
* **Denise:** Oh my goodness!
* **Benson:** What is that she's on? A pool table?
* **Governor:** Hi, everybody. What's going on?
* **Benson:** This being Bachelor of the Month has brought some interesting results.
* **Governor:** How do you mean "interesting"?
* **Benson:** Check this out.
* **Governor:** My grandfather had a pool table just like that.

## Promos

KOTV - Benson -syndicated- Episodic Promo (1986)
Making Change

**"Making Change"** is the sixteenth episode of the sixth season, and one hundred and twenty-eighth episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by Rob Dames, the episode originally aired on January 25th, 1985.

## Synopsis

Told through flashbacks, the staff recalls the influential figures in their lives.

## Trivia

* The episode panned out to be the highest rated episode of the season, earning a Nielsen rating of 20.6.
* This episode marks the first, and only, appearance of the Governor's ex-wife, and Katie's mother, Olivia Barnett.
* Aunt Jo was played by Royce Wallace, who also played Rose Coleman in the parent series, *Soap*.
* Taking place in 1962, Aunt Jo mentions a woman named Elizabeth, recommending that Benson should go out with her. In the Season 3 episode, "Rainbow's End", Benson reunites with an old flame of his, named Elizabeth meaning it could've potentially been the same woman.

## Cultural References

* Benson refers to Clayton as Zippy the Pinhead.
* Kraus mentions John D. Rockefeller.

## Quotes

* **Anthony:** Pardon me, but I couldn't help but notice your foot wear.
* **Kraus:** What are you? Some kind of foot freak?

* **Clayton:** Just because I do things a little differently is no justification for picking on me.
* **Benson:** Well, we're not picking on you cause you're different. We're picking on you because we don't like you.

* **Aunt Jo:** Things are changing.
* **Benson:** Too damn slow for me.
Captain Bates

**Captain Bates** (played by Art Metrano) was a security officer at the Governor's Mansion in the first season of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

## About Bates and Relationships

Captain Bates is generally depicted as a nosey gossiping officer. It was stated by Marcy that anything Bates is tied to ends up in the newspaper.

Bates also followed the staff around outside the mansion, to everyone's dismay, when he assumed there was an inside job.

## Quotes

* "You know, I'll be lucky if I can keep this one off the front page!"
Getting Even

**"Getting Even"** is the sixteenth episode of the third season, and sixty second episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by John Rich, the episode originally aired on March 12th, 1982.

## Synopsis

After a wealthy investor, C.C McFadden (played by Timothy Stack), sexually harasses Denise, McFadden's father, and the staff, plan an elaborate trick to guilt him to confessing.

## Trivia

* Benson mentions the address 1365 Dreamy Drawer Drive, Ancient Oakes Estate Cos Cob, Connecticut 06807, meaning that the show would take place in Connecticut like its parent series. Despite this however, the setting being Connecticut wouldn't add up to the other geographical mentions throughout the series.

## Cultural References

* The episode itself focuses on sexual harassment in the workplace; in this particular instance, in politics.
* Benson mentions sports broadcaster, Howard Cosell.
* Pete imitates the character Stanley Kowalski from the play *A Streetcar Named Desire,* when shouting "Denise!", in the same manner Stanley shouted "Stella!".
	+ Pete also imitates Marlon Brando, as he famously portrayed the character of Stanley in the initial Broadway performance.
* Kraus and Denise guess that Pete was imitating actors, Sylvester Stallone and John Travolta, while the Governor guesses that it was Rod Steiger.
	+ Benson jokes that it was Marlon Brando doing an impression of the Cookie Monster, due to his scruff voice.

## Quotes

* **Clayton:** Well it's a sad commentary, but these things do happen, Denise, I wouldn't take it seriously.
* **Kraus:** You'd take it seriously if McFadden had been pawing at you all night.

* **Governor:** Do you remember the time we took Gary Emilio's roadster apart, and reassembled it in the Dean's office?
* **Mac McFadden:** \*laughs\* Oh that was great! I haven't thought of Gary Emilio in years. I wonder what happened to him?
* **Governor:** He's dead. It was funny then.

* **Clayton:** Come along, Katie. Wouldn't you like Uncle Clayton to tuck you in?
* **Katie:** Oh, brother.

* **Benson as "Inspector":** I noticed the blue Cadillac in the parking lot, and its tires were caked with an odd, reddish mud, a mud which can only be found locally at Echo Lake.
* **Pete:** Echo Lake?
* **C.C McFadden:** Echo Lake?
* **Clayton:** Echo Lake?

* **Pete as "Bruno Stevens":** If you, uh, did anything to Denise I'm gonna rip your lungs out! \*snorts\*
* **Clayton:** Oh, please.
* **Benson as "Inspector":** Mr. Stevens, calm down. Way down baby.
Max Logan

**'Media' Max Logan** (played by Harrison Page) is the owner of Radio Station WOTA on the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

## About Max

Max Logan is the owner of Radio Station WOTA, City View Magazine, and Prensa Libre

### Relationships

Max would promote budget director, Benson DuBois's campaign for Lt. Governor through a slew of radio advertisements, helping raise the funds for the movement. The two would keep in touch following the association.

Max would later be involved in a romantic link with Benson's younger sister, Elaine, much to DuBois' displeasure.

## Trivia

* Benson would previously be elected "Bachelor of the Month" in 1984 by City View Magazine.
The Election

**"The Election"** is the fifth episode of the sixth season, and one hundred and seventeenth episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by Gary Brown, the episode originally aired on October 26th, 1984.

## Synopsis

When Benson's campaign starts to gain traction, he faces a debate with his opponent, Leonard Tyler.

## Trivia

* This episode features the Season 3-5 opening sequence instead of the Season 6 variation like the previous episodes of the Season.
* This episode marks the first appearance of Harrison Page as Max Logan.

## Goofs

* The end credits are from the episode "The Inheritance", causing a mix-up of guest appearances and incorrect credits.

## Cultural References

* Benson mentions giving a speech at Burlington Department store.
* Katie mentions a Michael Jackson concert coming to Capitol City.

## Quotes

* **Clayton:** You are not going to drop out of this campaign.
* **Benson:** I didn't say I was dropping out. I may drop out, I may not.
* **Clayton:** Well, I'd wish you'd make up your mind. You're beginning to sound like a politician.

* **Benson:** To you, politics is nothing more than a matter of tactics and techniques. I don't see any real commitment to solutions. Your only commitment seems to be seeking re-election.
* **Tyler:** You could be called a one commitment candidate too.
* **Benson:** In what way, Senator?
* **Tyler:** It's very obvious, Mr. DuBois, that you are the black candidate.
* **Benson:** It's also equally obvious, Senator Tyler, that you are the bald candidate. But I wouldn't for one minute assume that your entire constituency consists entirely of bald people, although that's possible.
Marian Mercer

Akron, Ohio, U.S.

**Marian Ethel Mercer** (November 26, 1935 – April 27, 2011) was an American actress and singer.

Known for her role on the *Witt/Thomas sitcom*, *It's a Living,* Mercer would make two guest appearances on the ABC sitcom, *Benson*. One in Season 2 as Trudi and another in Season 6 as Ursla Van Dyne.

## Career

Mercer was a regular on television, appearing in *The Dom DeLuise Show*, *The Wacky World of Jonathan Winters*, *The Sandy Duncan Show*, *A Touch of Grace* (starring Shirley Booth), *The Andy Williams Show*, and the sitcom *It's a Living*,[2] in which she played piquant restaurant hostess Nancy Beebe Miller. (Mercer was one of four members of the cast who lasted through the series' network and syndicated runs; the others were Gail Edwards, Paul Kreppel, and Barrie Youngfellow). She had recurring roles on *Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman*; its sequel, *Forever Fernwood*; *St. Elsewhere*; and *Empty Nest*.

She made guest appearances on such shows as *Love, American Style*; *Archie Bunker's Place*; *Mama's Family*; *Benson*; *The Golden Girls*; *Murder, She Wrote*; *Touched by an Angel*; and *Suddenly Susan*, among many others. She had featured roles in the television movies *The Cracker Factory* (1979), which starred Natalie Wood, and *Murder in Three Acts* (1986), starring Peter Ustinov and Tony Curtis. Her big screen credits include *John and Mary* (1969); *Oh, God! Book II* (1980); and *9 to 5* (1980), where she played Missy Hart, the sweet-natured wife of misanthropic corporate executive Franklin Hart (Dabney Coleman).

Marian had been reunited with two former co-stars of *Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman* (in which she played Wanda Rittenhouse Jeeter) in two separate projects. She was reunited first with Dabney Coleman (he had played Merle Jeeter) in the movie *9 to 5*; and then with Louise Lasser (who played Mary Hartman) on *It's a Living*.

## Death

Mercer was a resident of the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, California where she resided until her death on April 27, 2011 from Alzheimer's disease in Newbury Park, California at the age of 75.

## External Links

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marian\_Mercer
2. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0580285/?ref\_=tt\_cl\_t\_8
Kraus's Deadly Mistake

"**Kraus's Deadly Mistake**" is the eleventh episode of the third season, and fifty-seventh episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson.*

Directed by John Rich, the episode originally aired February 5th, 1982.

## Synopsis

Kraus tries to live life to the absolute fullest after she gets the idea that she only has six months to live.

Meanwhile, Clayton is having difficulty with the costs of a railroad bill, and Pete entrusts Benson as his budget manager.

## Trivia

* This episode marks the second, and last appearance, of James Callahan as Dr. Phillips.

## Cultural References

* Katie mentions musician, Mozart and former child actress, Kristy McNichols. Ironically, Kristy would later star in the fellow Witt/Harris/Thomas sitcom, *Empty Nest.*
* Benson makes reference to the fictional setting of the ABC sitcom, *Taxi*, when he asks for the phone number for the *Sunshine Cab Company. Taxi* would end its run on ABC three months following the airing of this episode, and would run for one more Season on NBC from September 30, 1982, to June 15, 1983.

## Quotes

* **Kraus:** Out of the way everybody. I've got hot buns.
* **Benson:** Sitting on the stove again, huh Kraus?

* **Pete:** I'll never be any good with money, boy I'm depressed.
* **Benson:** Do something about it.
* **Pete:** You're right, I think I'll go buy myself a present!

* **Benson:** I'm going to the doctor for my annual physical.
* **Kraus:** Yeah, Clayton. When are you going for yours?
* **Clayton:** Oh, not until my personal physician returns from the Bahamas.
* **Kraus:** Oh, is he there on vacation?
* **Clayton:** No, he's evading taxes.

* **Nurse:** Mr. DuBois, the doctor will be with you in a minute.
* **Benson:** No hurry. I'm reading this fascinating article on 101 things to do with a pinecone. This is interesting. Number 95 is illegal in six states.

* **Kraus:** You want to go up on the roof and watch the sunrise?
* **Benson:** No, I don't wanna go anywhere except to bed.
* **Kraus:** Oh. \*giggles\* You men are all alike.
Just Friends

**"Just Friends"** is the fourteenth episode of the first season, and fourteenth episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by John Bowab, the episode originally aired on January 3rd, 1980.

## Synopsis

The Governor tries to convince a business mogul, Howard Walker (played by Roscoe Lee Brown), to move a share of Walker Components into the state, but when Benson meets his wife, Mrs. Walker, she turns out to be an old flame of his, with the relationship interfering with the industrial move.

Meanwhile, Katie is working on a school project, but Marcy and Kraus get carried away helping her construct it.

## Trivia

* Roscoe Lee Brown ironically played Saunders on *Soap,* the butler that would take the place of Benson when he left the Tate's household.
* Mrs. Walker was played by Denise Nicholas, who was best known as Liz McIntyre on the sitcom drama, *Room 222* in the early 70's. She would later portray Harriet DeLong Gillespie on the police drama series *In the Heat of the Night* throughout the 90's.
* This would be the first episode of the series to premiere in the 80's, where the show would spend most of, and the rest of, it's lifespan.

## Quotes

* **Marcy:** I've got some green felt at home, so maybe I could make some ground cover and some trees. Maybe we'll even put a canoe in the lake.
* **Benson:** Don't make it look too good. The Government will take it away from the Indians.

* **Marcy:** You know from everything you told me I figured she had everything.
* **Benson:** Everything except Howard.
* **Marcy:** Unfortunately that's the price a wife pays sometimes when the husband becomes rich and powerful. You know, this never would've happened to her if she'd married you.

* **Taylor:** Just as we we're trying to nail a deal with Mr. Walker, you were nailing Mr. Walker's wife.

* **Benson:** Some things get better with age.
* **Governor:** Like cheese.

* **Mrs. Walker:** Coffee, anyone?
* **Governor:** Ah, yes. Thank you.
* **Mrs. Walker:** Danish, Governor?
* **Governor:** No, actually, I'm a mix.
Old Man Gatlin'

**"Old Man Gatlin'"** is the twentieth episode of the first season, and twentieth episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by John Bowab, the episode originally aired on March 6th, 1980.

## Synopsis

The Governor's father, Gibson Gatling (played by David Huddleston), makes a visit to The Mansion; much to the annoyance of the staff.

## Trivia

* James Noble (Governor Gatling) was actually older than David Huddleston in real life.

## Cultural References

* Benson sarcastically calls himself the Secretary of Agriculture from 1971 - 1976, Earl Butz.

## Quotes

* **Governor:** My father's Katie's grandfather.
* **Benson:** How unusual.

* **Gibson:** I can't believe it. My son the governor! I'm glad I moved out of the state.

* **Gibson:** My son told a joke last night, and you didn't laugh!
* **Benson:** Nobody laughed it wasn't funny.
* **Gibson:** Taylor laughed.
* **Benson:** Taylor gets payed more than I do.

* **Governor:** Let me tell you a story about my father. When I was in High School, I played end on the football team. \*laughs and puts head on the desk\*
* **Benson:** Was that the end of the story?

* **Governor:** Dad, I don't have the qualifications to be President.
* **Benson:** That never stopped anyone before.
Joel Brooks

**Joel Brooks** (born December 17, 1949) is an American actor. Joel would make two guest roles on the ABC sitcom, *Benson,* playing Mr. Krank in the Season 1 episode, "Bugging the Governor" and Walter Harrell in the Season 6 episode, "The Inheritance". Brooks also guest starred on the parent show, *Soap,* in Season 4, and on the fellow Witt/Thomas sitcom, *It's a Living.* He would play a main role on the short lived, Susan Harris sitcom, *Hail to the Chief* in 1985.

Brooks is most known for his roles in *Stir Crazy*, *My Sister Sam*, *Six Feet Under*, *The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green* and *Phil of the Future*. Brooks also had a recurring role as a psychologist in *Ally McBeal*.

## About Joel Brooks

Brooks was born in New York City, New York. Brooks had a successful career as a character actor in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1976, he won $10,000 on *Pyramid*; his celebrity partner was Lucie Arnaz. Twelve years later, in 1988, Arnaz and Brooks were both featured as the week's celebrities.

### Acting Career

Brooks appeared in an episode of *M\*A\*S\*H* as a wounded Italian soldier who fell in love with Margaret and refused to be shipped back to his unit because of his undying love for her. He appeared as a movie director in *The Dukes Of Hazzard* seventh-season episode "The Dukes in Hollywood". He appeared in an episode in the second season of *Night Court* as a representative of a cat food and accessories company that wished to reclaim their ostensibly stolen feline mascot. He also appeared in two episodes of *Three's Company* as Dr. Prescott, a psychologist Jack sees to build his self-confidence.

In 1980, he played Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor's lawyer in the movie *Stir Crazy*. He played gay Secret Service Agent Randy in the short run of *Hail To The Chief*. Brooks was featured in two episodes of *The Facts of Life* as Edna Garrett's son Raymond and reprised that role in the 2001 reunion film.

In the 1990s, his career continued in such hit shows as *Star Trek: Deep Space Nine*, where he played Falow in the episode "Move Along Home". In 1998, Brooks played Emperor Larry, the cousin of Sabrina Spellman on the television series *Sabrina, the Teenage Witch*.

#### 2000'S - Present

In 2008 he appeared in an episode of *The Big Bang Theory* as a Jewish professor from whom Sheldon seeks advice in the episode "The Jerusalem Duality".

In 2020, he appeared twice in the *Full House* revival series *Fuller House* on Netflix as an FBI Agent in the episode "Five Dates with Kimmy Gibbler" and Agent Cooper in the finale episode "Our Very Last Show, Again".

Brooks is currently involved in teaching an audition techniques class, Auditions LA. In 2014, he guest-starred on *The Young and the Restless* as the judge in the trial of Ian Ward v. Nikki Newman.

## External links

* Joel Brooks at IMDb
* Official website
Handwriting on the Wall

**"Handwriting on the Wall"** is the nineteenth episode of the second season, and forty-third episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

The episode was directed by John Rich and originally aired on April 10, 1981.

## Synopsis

After a controversial environmental bill makes its way to The Governor's desk, the administration begins to receive threats. Captain McDermott and the security begin an investigation as to the source of the letters; with the potential of it being an inside job.

## Goofs

* When the staff gets on the floor after believing they've detonated a bomb, the camera pans out enough to where the corner of another camera is visible to the right.

## Cultural References

* Clayton refers to Marcy as *Jane Fonda,* an actress and outspoken environmentalist, after she expresses her disdain for the environmentalist bill.
* Benson mentions *Muhammed Ali.*

## Quotes

* **Clayton:** Your concern is admirable sir, but its unwarranted. You have single handedly protected more land than any governor in the history of this state. It's nothing to lose sleep over.
* **Governor:** That's what I keep telling myself as I lie their awake.

* **Captain McDermott:** Now if this is about those demonstrators outside, my men are ready for them.
* **Marcy:** Sorry McDermott, put your firehose back in your holster.

* **Pete:** I haven't seen anything like that since Jeanine spray painted **Divorce Me** on the garage door.

* **Captain McDermott:** Sir, I feel my authority is being challenged.
* **Benson:** It's not being challenged, it's being laughed at.

* **Captain McDermott:** Green Crayon has been silenced for tonight.
* **Benson:** You're a credit to the flag, McDermott.

* **Benson:** \*reading threat on the door\* *Stay out the woods, or I'll beat you up good.*
* **Captain McDermott:** You know what we have here, Benson?
* **Benson:** Sounds like a poem from Muhammed Ali.
Calamity Kraus

**"Calamity Kraus"** is the eighteenth episode of the fourth season, and eighty-sixth episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson.*

Directed by Bill Foster, the episode originally aired on February 25th, 1983.

## Synopsis

The Sunshine Toaster Company makes plans to move out of state, causing worry amongst The Governor and staff on the loss of jobs and revenue. When the wealthy heiress, Judy Bob Gallagher (played by Inga Swenson), can't make it to the meeting to sway the board members however, the staff gets her doppelganger, Miss Kraus, to stand in for her.

## Trivia

* The scene with Denise discussing her dilemma with Pete to Benson is cut out of syndication edits due to time constraints.

## Cultural References

* Benson sarcastically ask "Is the President bowlegged?" in reference to the, then current President, Ronald Reagan.
* Kraus mentions Canadian impressionist, Rich Little.
* Pete states he has a friend who dressed as Tammy Wynette to a Halloween Party.

## Quotes

* **Clayton:** Sir, I didn't insult him.
* **Governor:** Oh, yes you did.
* **Clayton:** Well it wasn't meant as an insult.
* **Governor:** Benson, you're a narrow-minded, unreasonable, manipulator.
* **Benson:** Now wait a minute, what did I do?
* **Governor:** See, Benson thinks it's an insult.

* **Benson:** Governor, if you don't mind, I'm gonna take a couple of days off.
* **Governor:** Benson, what's the matter with you? Ever since lunch you've been acting strange.
* **Benson:** Did you watch Judy Bob? She can't keep her hands off me.
* **Clayton:** Well she's just being friendly.
* **Benson:** Friendly? When a woman touches your arm she's saying let's be friends. When she squeezes your knee?

* **Judy Bob:** Adios cupcake!
* **Pete:** Hey, cupcake.
* **Benson:** Shut up, Pete.
* **Lyndon (Judy Bob's Parrot):** Hello, cupcake.
* **Benson:** How would you like to be surrounded by potatoes?

* **Governor:** Well, gentleman, as you know, we are here to talk toasters!
* **Crandall:** Toasters, broasters, waffle irons; what we are talking is commerce!
* **Denise posing as Lyndon:** I don't get it!
Lean On Me (Film)

***Lean on Me*** is a 1989 American biographical drama film written by Michael Schiffer, directed by John G. Avildsen. It is based on the story of Joe Louis Clark, a real life inner city high school principal in Paterson, New Jersey, whose school is in danger of being placed into receivership of the New Jersey state government unless students improve their test scores on the New Jersey Minimum Basic Skills Test.

The film stars Morgan Freeman alongside actors, Robert Guillaume, Ethan Phillips, and Beverly Todd who all appeared on the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

## Synopsis

A New Jersey superintendent, Dr. Frank Napier (Robert Guillaume), watches helplessly as East Side High becomes the lowest-ranked school in the state. With nowhere else to turn, Dr. Napier enlists maverick ex-teacher Joe Clark (Morgan Freeman) to take over as principal of the declining school. Unfortunately for Clark, before he can focus on improving the student body's state exam scores, he has to somehow rid the school of its gang and narcotics problems.

## Cast

* Morgan Freeman as Joe Louis Clark
* Beverly Todd as Mrs. Joan Levias
* Alan North as Mayor Don Bottman (based on Frank X. Graves Jr.)[1]
* Robert Guillaume as Dr. Frank Napier
* Ethan Phillips as Mr. Rosenberg
* Lynne Thigpen as Leonna Barrett
* Robin Bartlett as Mrs. Elliott
* Michael Beach as Mr. Larry Darnell
* Sandra Reaves-Phillips as Mrs. Powers
* Tony Todd as William Wright, Dean of Security
* Sloane Shelton as Mrs. Hamilton
* Jermaine 'Huggy' Hopkins as Thomas Sams
* Karen Malina White – Kaneesha Carter

## External Links

* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lean\_on\_Me\_(film)
Tracy Reed

**Tracy Reed** is an American actress and former model. She would portray two roles on the ABC sitcom, *Benson*, from Seasons 4-5. Once as Benson's "one that got away" and another time as Kerry Brooks, a photographer.

## About Tracy

Reed was born in Fort Benning, Georgia. She is the daughter of David Reed, a retired Army major, and Anne Reed, a teacher. She was elected "Miss Teenage Los Angeles" as a teen. She majored in English at UCLA and planned to write children's books for a profession. While she was a student, a tryout led to her becoming a blackout gag player in the TV series *Love, American Style* (1969–70, 1972–74).

Reed co-starred in the 1970 TV series *Barefoot in the Park* and played Virginia Tyndall in the 1979 TV miniseries *Women in White*. Her most memorable film roles include *No Way Back* (1976), *Car Wash* (1976), *A Piece of the Action* (1977), *...All the Marbles* (1981) and *Running Scared* (1986).

In 1971, the California Press Photographers Association named Reed the Most Beautiful Face in Television.

## External Links

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracy\_Reed\_(American\_actress)
2. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0715731/?ref\_=tt\_cl\_t\_11
The Army Wants You

**"The Army Wants You"** is the twenty-third episode of the first season, and twenty-third episode overall. of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by Tony Mordente, the episode originally aired on May 1st, 1980.

## Synopsis

Benson learns that while he was in the Army he may have been a test subject as part of a top-secret experiment in germ warfare without his knowledge.

## Trivia

* The episode marks the first writing credit of Paul Raley, who would go on to become a producer on the hit 90's sitcom, *Grace Under Fire*.
* Though not explicitly state, the episode's plot is an allusion to the Tuskegee experiments which, from 1932 to 1972, studied the effects of untreated syphilis in black males. Participants were told they were in a study for which they would receive free medical care, were not informed they had the disease, and were intentionally left untreated for 40 years despite the fact that penicillin had become a standard treatment since 1947 in order to study the diseases effects over time. The study became an infamous example of unethical medical research when the 1979 Belmont Report published details of the study the year before this aired, and the incident led to the creation of new rules for conducting clinical research.
* Sergeant was played by Anthony Charnota, who would also end up playing Hood on the parent series, *Soap* a year later.

## Cultural References

* Benson references the Anacin's 'fast' slogan.
* Benson refers to the experiment as a "giant can of Raid", a bug killing spray.

## Quotes

* **Benson:** Governor, these medicine bottles are full.
* **Governor:** Oh I should hope so from what the pharmacy charged me.
* **Benson:** No I mean you haven't taken any.
* **Governor:** Benson, I cant stand the taste of that stuff. I'm not gonna take it.
* **Benson:** Hey, I didn't invent it, prescribe it, and I'm not your mother. So if you don't wanna get better, don't take it.
* **Governor:** My mother should've put it that way.

* **Benson:** Sergeant, what about this letter?
* **Sergeant:** Go to room 208 and take your clothes off.
* **Benson:** Why? Is there a party?

* **Major:** Sergeant, it's 0900. Are you sure they're gonna have an inspection?
* **Sergeant:** I called all over the post, sir, and everyone's denying it. So it must be true.

* **General:** Now, listen here, son-
* **Benson:** No, you listen, Dad! It's bad enough you guys don't know what you're doing but you don't give a damn who you're doing it to. Now that's insane. And wrong. Doesn't that matter anymore?
Thick as Thieves

"**Thick as Thieves**" is the first episode of the second season, and twenty-fifth episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

The episode marks the first appearances of Pete (played by Ethan Phillips), Clayton (played by Rene Auberjonois), and Captain McDermott (played by Ed Peck) and was directed by John Rich. The episode originally aired on October 31st, 1980.

## Synopsis

Benson and Kraus are taken hostage during a convenience store stickup.

Meanwhile, The Governor is met with a complicated dilemma when he has to direct the orders on rescuing his two staff members.

## Cultural References

* Benson calls Kraus '*Big Ben*' when she yells at Benson for making noise late at night.
* Captain McDermott states that the country "has gone to hell since John Wayne died" in reference to the, then, recent death of John Wayne.

## Trivia

* This marks the first episode written by longtime showrunners, Bob Fraser and Rob Dames.
* This is the first episode to be directed by John Rich.
* This episode marks the first usage of the second title card.
* Ed Peck's first appearance is uncredited.

## Quotes

* **Governor:** What will you have, Clayton?
* **Clayton:** Very lean roast beef on white bread with the crusts trimmed, Boston lettuce, beef steak tomatoes, and Grey Poupon Mustard.
* **Benson:** Why don't I just get you a gift certificate?

* **Pete:** I don't know why I ever got married.
* **Clayton:** You needed a date for the prom.

* **Willard (Robber):** Hey look Kurt, a safe.
* **Stan (Clerk):** Don't touch that dial it's- \*alarm rings\* hooked up to the alarm. Now the cops are on their way.
* **Kurt (Robber):** How long?
* **Stan:** 20 minutes, the stations next door.

* **Captain McDermott:** Look Ms. Hill, I happen to be a professional. We may have to lose some of your help, but when you're dealing with people like-
* **Marcy:** What are you talking about, you pompous moron? They're our friends!
* **McDermott:** Sweetheart please, this is a man's job.
* **Marcy:** Oh, you're gonna send out for somebody?
Double Exposure

**"Double Exposure"** is the fourth episode of the third season, and fiftieth episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by John Rich, the episode originally aired on December 4th, 1981.

## Synopsis

While away in Washington D.C. on official business, Benson encounters difficulty keeping a bribery scheme exposure a secret.

## Trivia

* This episode marks Didi Conn's first appearance as a regular cast member.
	+ Also marking the first appearance of Denise Stevens as a main character.

## Cultural References

* Benson mentions American automobile executive, Lee Iacocca.
* Though never mentioned directly, the Governor and Benson mention, and speak to, Ronald Reagan, the President of the US at the time of this episode's airing and throughout most of the series' run.
* Clayton states that Pete thinks he's discovered a magical scent by wearing Old Spice deodorant and Aqua Velva simultaneously. He also states that Pete sings the *Pirates of the Caribbean, Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life For Me)*.
* Benson sings '*Some Enchanted Evening*' to test the microphone.

## Quotes

* **Benson:** I already have a picture of Clayton. He gave it to me last Christmas.
* **Governor:** Oh yeah. In his yachting outfit.
* **Benson:** Yeah. I kept it framed.
* **Pete:** Is that what he gave everyone? You know, I never opened mine. I just switched name tags and gave it to my accountant. I guess that explains why I'm being audited this year.

* **Katie:** Now I'll see Washington before I become cynical about government and bureaucracy

* **Clayton:** Benson, you are impossible. Do you realize what you've just done in here?
* **Benson:** My job.
* **Clayton:** Oh, making me look like a fool is your job?
* **Benson:** Oh no, no, no, no, no. Being budget director is my job. Making you look like a fool, is my pleasure.

* **Agent Smythe**: My name is Smythe, with an E.
* **Denise:** Wouldn't that be Smeth?

* **Smythe:** Benson, we're set up to film you taking the bribe.
* **Benson:** In the closet.
* **Smythe:** You don't understand. I need that wall.
* **Benson:** I'll have it mailed to you in the morning.

* **Smythe:** I think Foster might make contact at any time now.
* **Benson:** Good. Until he does, I'll go back to my disguise as mild-mannered budget director.

* **Foster:** I like a man with a sense of humor.
* **Benson:** I like a man with a large bank account.
A Real Gone Daddy

**"A Real Gone Daddy"** is the thirteenth episode of the fifth season, and one hundred and third episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by Ellen Falcon, the episode originally aired on December 23rd, 1983.

## Synopsis

When Benson is chosen to receives an honorary degree at Pete’s alma mater, the festivities take a strange turn after nostalgia, and fear of fatherhood, transform Pete into a coffeehouse poet.

## Trivia

* The episode marks the first writing credit by Daryl G. Nickens, who would later go on to write for the fellow ABC sitcom, *Webster*, which aired right before *Benson* on Thursday nights. He's likely best known, however, for writing the screenplay to the 1991 film, *House Party 2.*
* Despite Pete and Denise's baby being predicted as a girl, the baby later comes out as a son in the episode "We Deliver".
* Pete plays the saxophone in the bar. Ethan Phillips himself, played tenor saxophone in the Alan Wasserman Jazz Band.

## Cultural References

* Kraus and Katie mention John Wayne and the films, *Stagecoach,* and *The Quiet Man*.
* The Governor sings "*Take Me Out to the Ball Game"* and "*O Canada"* in his sleep. He also states that it was American actress and singer, Rosemary Clooney singing it in his dream.
* The Bible, specifically the Old Testament, is mentioned.

## Quotes

* **Benson:** A girl, huh? That's terrific.
* **Clayton:** Ah, Congratulations, Peter.
* **Governor:** A girl. You know, when Katie was born, she was a girl.

* **Clayton:** Denise is going to Florida and I am not? I am the chief of staff.
* **Governor:** Denise is Pete's wife and she's pregnant.
* **Benson:** Top that.

* **Denise:** Why don't we go back to the room and watch some TV, huh?
* **Pete:** Yeah, I'll be right there. Just gonna go downstairs and get a pack of cigarettes.
* **Denise:** You don't smoke.
* **Pete:** Well, I'll get a pack of gum. I chew don't I?

* **Clayton:** I have strawberry slushy all over my tape deck.
* **Kraus:** That wouldn't have happened if you hadn't grabbed my knee.
* **Clayton:** I was reaching for a napkin to wipe your greasy fingerprints off my windshields.
* **Kraus:** Well, I was trying to get that fly.
* **Clayton:** Why? Didn't you have enough to eat?

* **Governor:** Excuse me, we're looking for a man.
* **Freebo:** You want the bar next door.
* **Benson:** No, no, no, no, no, we're looking for a friend.
* **Freebo:** Aren't we all?

* **Pete:** Denise, I'm scared. A family, a kid, it's a big responsibility. I've never been a father before. I don't know if I can handle it.
* **Denise:** Well, you think you're the only one who's scared. I've never been a mother before.
* **Pete:** You're scared too?
* **Denise:** Sure.
* **Pete:** What the hell are we gonna do?
It Ain't Sheik

Rob Dames

Story:

Ralph Phillips

**"It Ain't Sheik"** is the seventh episode of the fifth season, and ninety seventh episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by Bill Foster, the episode originally aired on November 4th, 1983.

## Synopsis

When a visiting Sheik, Sheik Mameed (played by Luis Avalos), plans a multi-million dollar headquarter complex, the Governor appoints Benson to persuade the Sheik to revamp the idea. The Sheik's pertinacious attitude, however, begins to work up Benson's last nerve.

Meanwhile, after Gretchen gets dumped by her fiancé, Arnold Lumditter, she plots revenge by latching on to any man she can; choosing the visiting Sheik Mameed. But when the Sheik becomes infatuated with her, Kraus becomes infuriated.

## Trivia

* The episode marks the second, and last appearance, of Luis Avalos.
* This episode marks the first time Clayton would shave his mustache. This implies that Rene was wearing a prop mustache by this point in the show's run.

## Cultural References

* Benson mentions the Orlando theme park, Seaworld.
* The Sheik mentions Kansas State University.

## Quotes

* **Governor:** Ah, good, Benson, I'm turning the sheik over to you.
* **Benson:** Why?
* **Governor:** Because he doesn't like Clayton.
* **Benson:** Well, who does?

* **Governor:** If there's anything you need chief, just ask Benson.
* **Sheik Mameed:** What could I possibly need? I have three billion dollars.
* **Benson:** Perhaps you'd like to adopt a black budget director.

* **Kraus:** Welcome to the land of opportunity.
* **Sheik:** I beg your pardon?
* **Kraus:** Um, where have you been all my life?
* **Sheik:** In the desert.

* **Benson:** Kraus, you know, there are moments where you are simply magnificent.
* **Kraus:** \*laughs\* Thank you very much, Benson.
* **Benson:** Yeah. Moments over.

* **Governor:** Hey Katie. How was school today?
* **Katie:** Ok.
* **Governor:** Learn anything interesting?
* **Katie:** Not really. We're starting sex education.
* **Governor:** I really should circulate. We'll talk later. In five or six years.
Mike Hopkins

**Michael Hopkins** (played by Shavar Ross) is a kid with separated parents and was a recurring character in Season 2 of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

## About Mike

Michael was put into the *Big Buddy* program by his mother after his father, Frank, re-married to a woman named Thelma. Mike was put under Benson DuBois for the program following a charity fundraiser by the Governor.

Under Benson's care, Mike got caught shop lifting at a Lanes Department Store with the Governor's daughter, Katie Gatling, in a successful attempt to get his father's attention.

Months later, Mike's mother left him with his father and his wife and kids while she went to California to visit a sick uncle of hers. After having a hard time with Frank and Thelma's kids, he ran away from home and went back to the mansion to stay with Benson. Benson agreed to watch over Mike while Frank went to Houston for a job interview.

While playing outside the mansion, Mike broke his arm falling from a tree.
The Honeymooners

**"The Honeymooners"** is the twelfth episode of the fourth season, and eightieth episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by Gary Brown, the episode originally aired on January 7th, 1983.

## Synopsis

Gretchen's fiancé, Arnold, can't be present for their wedding, so the staff has Benson stand in for a proxy event. Following a carless mistake however, Benson and Kraus wind up legally married to one another.

## Trivia

* Katie makes a callback to the Season 2 episode, "Marcy's Wedding" when she states that she was a bride's maid before.
* The syndicated edit of the episode uses a transitional tune before the commercial break; contrary to the official taping.
* This episode marks the first usage of the '*give me that*' running gag in the series where one snatches an important paper uttering the phrase.
* Judge Watson was played by actress Carolyn Coates, the real-life wife of James Noble.

## Cultural References

* The episode title of the episode, and part of the episode itself, is most likely a nod to the groundbreaking 50's sitcom, *The Honeymooners.*
* Benson mentions actor Tom Selleck.
* Benson mentions the 1982 Sci-Fi film, *E.T.*
* Judge Watson asks if the divorce between Benson and Kraus was a racial issue in reference to stigmas surrounding interracial marriage.

## Accolades

* The episode was nominated for an Emmy at the 1983 Primetime Emmy Awards.

## Quotes

* **Kraus:** I have some good news and some bad news.
* **Governor:** What is it Ms. Kraus?
* **Kraus:** The good news is, in one month, Gretchen Kraus will disappear forever! And the bad news is-
* **Benson:** Forget the bad news. Let's celebrate.

* **Governor:** Okay, now Benson, do you have the revenue figures?
* **Benson:** No I have the employment figures.
* **Governor:** But I need the revenue figures.
* **Benson:** Then why did you ask for the employment figures?
* **Governor:** Oh, because I didn't realize that the employment figures wouldn't make any sense until I saw the revenue figures. I put the horse before the cart.
* **Benson:** As far as I know that's where the horse belongs.

* **Governor:** The judge won't be coming in today
* **Kraus:** He better have a darn good excuse.
* **Governor:** He died.

* **Clayton:** The document states that she keeps the property she had before the marriage. You keep the property you had before the marriage.
* **Benson:** What about the children?
* **Kraus:** One more wise-crack like that and you can forget about children.

* **Judge Watson:** I'll be as delicate as I can. Is this a racial problem?
* **Benson:** In a way. I always dreamed I'd marry someone from the human race.

* **Kraus:** I'm so sick of this, Benson. You insult my cooking. You insult my looks. You insult the way I dress.
* **Benson:** What are you complaining about? Did I miss something?
* **Kraus:** That's it. I don't need this annulment. I'm about to become a widower!
* **Judge Watson:** \*shoots pistol through ceiling\*
* **Security:** \*runs in room\*
* **Judge Watson:** It's alright. Domestic squabble. Oh, but you might go upstairs and check on Judge Aliceson.
On the Road

**"On the Road"** is the fourteenth episode of the sixth season, and one hundred and twenty-sixth episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Directed by Bill Foster, the episode originally aired on January 11th, 1985.

## Synopsis

When Kraus and an uptight Benson are stranded at a truck stop, a fed up Kraus decides to quit her job and work as a waitress.

Meanwhile, Katie has an experience asking the staff at the mansion about Benson for a school news report.

## Trivia

* The episode features a more interactive studio audience than usual for tapings of the series.
* It's revealed in this episode that the state has a Hillcrest county.
* The Dwarf Benson fails to name is Bashful.

## Cultural References

* The Governor challenges Benson to name the Seven Dwarfs from the *Snow White* fairytale. More famously adapted into the famous Disney film and franchise.
	+ Benson tongue in cheekily mentions the name "Bootney" when initially listing off the Seven Dwarfs. Bootney could be a reference to comedian and actor, Jimmie Walker's character, *Bootney Farnsworth*, from the 1975 comedy film, *Let's Do It Again*.
* Benson refers to Bo as the "Euell Gibbons of the grease pits" when Bo states that he can't skip breakfast. Euell Gibbons was a healthy food advocate and outdoorsman known for his publishing successes. He would pass away December 29th, 1975.
* Clayton refers to Katie as American journalist, Barbara Walters, when she asks for an uncensored answer.

## Quotes

* **Benson:** \*listing the Dwarfs\* Dopey, Sleepy, Sneezy, Grumpy, Doc, Happy...Who's the seventh one? Lawanda
* **Governor:** \*laughs\* Lawanda? There wasn't any Lawanda.
* **Benson:** Sure there was. Who do you think it was that made Dopey sleepy, Sneezy grumpy, and Doc happy?

* **Benson:** Uh, Bo, look, I hate to rush you, but I gotta get out of here. Could you fix my car right away?
* **Bo:** Can't skip breakfast. It's the most important meal of the day.
* **Benson:** Well, who are you, the Euell Gibbons of the grease pits?

* **Kraus:** See? They appreciate me.
* **Benson:** They don't know you.

* **Benson:** Kraus, the car is gonna be ready soon. You leaving with me or not?
* **Kraus:** What's the point? I'll just make your life miserable.
* **Benson:** I know that, but I don't mind.
Stille Nacht

**"Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht"** (English: "**Silent Night**") is a popular Christmas carol, composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics by Joseph Mohr in the small town of Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. The song was declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2011 and has been recorded by many singers across many music genres.

The song would be performed by Inga Swenson, as Gretchen Kraus, on the ABC sitcom, *Benson*, for the Christmas themed Season 4 episode, "Mary and Her Lambs".

## Lyrics

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,

Alles schläft; einsam wacht

Nur das traute hochheilige Paar.

Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!

Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,

Hirten erst kundgemacht

Durch der Engel Halleluja,

Tönt es laut von fern und nah:

Christ, der Retter ist da!

Christ, der Retter ist da!

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,

Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht

Lieb' aus deinem göttlichen Mund,

Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund'.
Christ, in deiner Geburt!

Christ, in deiner Geburt!