Scenario

"**Scenario**" is the twentieth episode of the sixth season, and the one hundred and thirty second episode overall, of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*. The episode is notorious for tackling the subject of nuclear war at the time and originally aired on February 22nd, 1985.

The episode was directed by Rob Dames.

## Synopsis

The staff simulates nuclear-attack emergency measures, but the computer plays out a scenario that is almost hopeless for anyone to survive.

## Background

The episode was first pitched by Bob and Rob for Season 3 of *Benson,* but ABC turned down the idea. According to Dames, ABC was working on the televised war film, '*The Day After*' at the time and didn't want another program regarding nuclear war. The episode would eventually air during Season 6 after the script had been rewritten three times.

## Trivia

* The episode is one of the more famous episodes of the series' seven year run; often noted for it's heavy subject matter.
* This episode marks *Benson* as the first network drama series to depict usage of the internet.

* Technically what was depicted was ARPANET, a precursor to the internet that was used by the US Government at the time of this episode's airing.
* It's revealed in this episode that the state has a Springfield, a Mountain Valley, a Bay City, Carrollsville, a Woodbury, a Dandton, and a Capital City.

## Cultural References

* The premise of the episode itself, is an explicit commentary on the possibilities and fears of nuclear war; particularly during the 1980's.
* When Kraus states that the computer will choose out of forty-two hundred different scenarios, Benson jokes that the computer should be in Hollywood writing *Dynasty*.
* Benson mentions the Watts Riots of 1965 when asked what would life be like after a nuclear war.
* When the computer plays out a scenario that 'player 2 has signs of radiation sickness' Katie, who's player 2, says "Oh no, Floppy fever!" in reference to Floppy disks which were used at the time.

## Quotes

* **Governor:** \*talking to the radio\* Oh, oh, I'm sorry. I have talked so long that now you have only two minutes to get to your bunkers, but Godspeed. Oh, and one more thing; be careful out there. \*Turns off mic\* Too long huh?
* **Benson:** Well personally I thought the story about your Uncle Cleatus at Custer's Last Stand was an unnecessary side trip.
* **Governor:** I didn't ask for a critique, I asked about length.
* **Benson:** Too long.
* **Governor:** Thank you.
* **Benson:** By one Uncle Cleatus story.

* **Clayton:** How can you think of your stomach in the midst of a nuclear attack?
* **Benson***:* Because it's not a real nuclear attack! If it were a real attack, I'd be thinking of another part of my anatomy and kissing it goodbye.
* **Governor:** That's a rather pessimistic attitude, Benson. It is possible to survive a nuclear attack you know.
* **Benson:** Well, if you happen to be a rat or a cockroach.
* **Clayton:** Well I intend to survive!
* **Benson:** Like I said, rats and cockroaches.

* **Benson:** Governor, it's just a exercise.
* **Governor:** Oh, but what if it wasn't?
* **Mrs. Cassidy:** Well if you ask me this kind of thing is never gonna happen.
* **Kraus:** Why do you say that?
* **Mrs. Cassidy:** It makes me feel better.

## External Links

* https://www.nytimes.com/1985/02/18/arts/benson-takes-on-the-subject-of-nuclear-war.html