Welcome to this unofficial Benson guide.
Welcome to this unofficial Benson guide.
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Comedy
Created on October 24, 1997
Updated: May 1, 2000; September 23, 2000
Guide compiled by: Jorge R. Galindo (Colombia)
e-mail: jorei.geo@yahoo.com
Acknowledgments to Tom Walsh
Information taken from locis.loc.gov.
I have added the missing episode titles.
Additional information from my own viewing and log books.
Please feel free to add or correct any information
to this episode guide.
Not for sale in any way. May be posted to
any 'free' site.
Series Copyright: Witt-Thomas-Harris Productions - Columbia
Pictures TV
| CREDITS | CAST | PREMISE | BROADCAST HISTORY | EPISODES |
| SEASON 1 | SEASON 2 | SEASON 3 | SEASON 4 | SEASON 5 |
| SEASON 6 | SEASON 7 | USEFUL LINKS | DISCLAIMER |
Created by: Susan Harris
music: George Aliceson Tipton
video: Richard Hissong;
videotape editor: Gary Anderson.
Language: English
Country: USA
Production Company: A Witt-Thomas-Harris production
No. of episodes: 158
Robert Guillaume.....Benson DuBois
James Noble..........Governor Gene Gatlin
Inga Swenson.........Gretchen Kraus
Rene Auberjonois.....Clayton Endicott (1980-1986)
Missy Gold...........Katie Gatling
Caroline McWilliams..Marcie Hill
Ethan Phillips.......Pete (1980-1986)
Jerry Seinfeld.....Frankie (1980-1981)
Didi Conn.... Denise Stevens Downey (1981-1985)
Billie Bird als Mrs. Cassidy (1984-1986)
Donna LaBrie...Sen. Diane Hartford (1985-1986)
In this spinoff from SOAP, Benson the butler
was sent by
Jessica Tate to help her widowed cousin, Gov. Gene Gatlin.
Benson found himself moved from one loony bin to another.
The governor was a bumbling politician; Katie his precocious
daughter; Kraus, the formidable Swedish housekeeper, and
Marcy his secretary.
Sep 1979-Jul 1980, ABC Thu 8:30-9:00
Aug 1980 -Mar 1986, ABC Fri 8:00-8:30
The episodes are given in production order,
including their
original air dates.
Produced by Don Richetta (also for pilot), Tom Reeder
1. BENSON (PILOT)
Directed by Jay Sandrich.
Written by Susan Harris
13Sep79
The butler Benson is borrowed by his employer for a week at the
governor
Gatling. He must not only get along with all employees, moreover,
he mediates in the disputes between Gatling and his daughter
Katie.
2. DON'T QUOTE ME
Directed by Peter Baldwin.
Written by Tom Reeder
22Nov79
Distrust prevails in Governor Gatling's house. A condescending
remark over a senator has gone public. Apparently, there is
a leak in the house of the politician. The guilty party must
be found before something else be revealed.
3. THE LAYOFF
Directed by Peter Baldwin.
Written by Bob Colleary
25Oct79
The governor fights publicly for a rigid cost cutting policy. So
he must
also practice it within his own four walls. A part of the
personnel should
be fired. The ungrateful task is given to Benson who finally has
to
take the painful election.
4. TRUST ME
Directed by Peter Baldwin.
Although she has been confined to stay home,
Katie succeeds with a trick,
in attending a controversial rock-concert. Benson now leaves
nothing
untried, to find her. Should the governor come home earlier than
his
daughter, Benson had to apply for a new employment.
5. BENSON IN LOVE
Directed by Peter Baldwin.
Written by Bob Colleary
4Oct79
Benson gets to know the attractive Francine in the waiting room
of the
governor. It is love at first glance. After he has invited her
to dinner, he feels that he adores this new senator.
6. THE PRESIDENT'S DOUBLE
Directed by Jay Sandrich.
Written by Tom Reeder
13Sep79
The African president Ukassi is led with Governor Gatling to a
Dinner.
When Ukassi undergoes an assassination attempt and his wounds
worsen,
Benson must stand in as the president. Now the assassins have
their
sights on him.
7. ONE STRIKE, YOU'RE OUT
Directed by Jay Sandrich.
Written by Warren S. Murry
29Dec79
The domestic personnel is unsatisfied: they demand more money.
Benson
promises everyone a raise, however the governor refuses. The
servants
go on strike and threaten with turmoil. Then Benson concocts a
plan.
8. WAR STORIES
Directed by Jay Sandrich.
Written by Michael Weinberger
29Nov79
Benson is delighted to see again Eddie his old fellow soldier. He
uses the
favor of the hour and introduces him to the single Marcy. Soon
Marcy's heart only beats for Eddie. However, Benson's old
brother-in-arms
is a married man.
9. CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Directed by Jay Sandrich.
Small Katie is furious that Governor Gatling has so little time
for
her. At least to see her performance of the school-theater where
he
should have attended. Finally Katie has practiced for her role as
witch
for weeks.
10. SNOWBOUND
Directed by Jay Sandrich.
Written by Susan Harris & Stu Silver
1Nov79
Governor Gatling would like to take time out. Therefore he
persuades
Benson, Taylor, Marcy, Gretchen and his daughter Katie to a
vacation in a
snow-cottage. During the night the vacationers are snowed in.
They
stand cut off off completely from the civilization .
11. JESSICA
Directed by Jay Sandrich
Written by Bob Colleary & Tom Reeder
8Nov79
Jessica Tate visits her cousin, the governor, and becomes
embroiled in a scandal. She immediately falls in love
with his guest, the French baron D'Arvenaux. A political scandal
ensues.
12. GHOST STORY
Directed by Tony Mordente
Written by Rick McCurdy & Jeff Levin
1Nov79
Strange things happen in the house of Governor Gatling. The
sullen
housekeeper Gretchen Kraus suspects that it's haunted. It turns
out
that a former governor was murdered insidiously in the house.
13. TAYLOR'S BID
Directed by John Bowab
Written by Rick McCurdy and Jeff Levin
13Dec79
Taylor quits his position as advisor to Governor Gatling. He
applies for
a public office. With it, the governor is practically helpless.
Without
Taylor, he can manage his political businesses no longer.
14. JUST FRIENDS
Directed by John Bowab
Written by Bob Colleary
3Jan80
Governor Gatling is persuading the entrepreneur Howard Walker, to
settle
his new factory in his constituency. Benson threatens to thwart
this
involuntarily because Walker's attractive wife, Carol, was a
former
affair of Benson's.
15. CHAIN OF COMMAND
Directed by Asaad Kelada
Written by Tom Reeder
10Jan80
An illness confines the governor to the bed. His more ambitiously
young
replacement Ed takes advantage of his appointment. His goal is to
be
given the post of his superior permanently. However Ed ignores
the
cunning Benson has detected his intention.
16. BUGGING THE GOVERNOR
Directed by Asaad Kelada
Written by Bernard Dilbert
24Jan80
Benson concocts a wild scheme to trap the person who
bugged the mansion. The otherwise quiet Taylor reveals that he
has
had a lover by the name of Betty Green. Benson determines that he
has
broken keen Mrs. Taylor's heart. Furthermore, she has also
installed an
army of microphones in the house of the governor.
17. KRAUS AFFAIR
Directed by Tony Mordente
story by Mitch Markowitz
teleplay by Rick McCurdy & Jeff Levin
31Jan80
When Kraus falls for the butcher, Benson is enlisted to help
booster her self-confidence.
18. CHECKMATE
Directed by Tony Mordente.
Story by Mark Barkan and Louis Coppola
teleplay by Bob Colleary and Tom Reeder
2Feb80
A compassionate Benson helps a homesick 11-year-old Soviet
chess genius.
19 COLD STORAGE
Directed by John Bowab.
Written by Jim Tisdale.
Guest star: Greg Finley.
28Feb80
Just before a big banquet with important state-guests, Benson
inadvertently locks up himself with his intimate enemy Gretchen
into the refrigerator of the house. Of course they can't avoid
their private war
to continue
20 OLD MAN GATLIN a.k.a. "Old man
Gatling"
Directed by John Bowab
Written by Rick McCurdy & Jeff Levin.
Guest star: David Huddleston.
The governor's irascible father visits the mansion, creating
havoc among the staff and guests.
6Mar80
21. POWER PLAY
Directed by John Tracy.
Written by Rick McCurdy & Jeff Levin.
Guest stars: Steve Peterman, Art Metrano,
Ken Lerner & Tom Tully.
20Mar80
A mysterious conservationist known as El Gato sends dead fish and
sludge
to the mansion.
22. TAKIN' IT TO THE STREETS
Directed by Tony Mordente.
Written by Wally Dalton & Shelley Zellman.
Guest stars: Kene Holliday, Joy Garrett, Les Lannom.
27Mar80
Benson and the governor make a late-night visit to a seedy bar
to talk to constituents.
7 THE ARMY WANTS YOU
Directed by Tony Mordente.
Written by Paul J. Raley
18May80
Benson, a veteran, is puzzled when he is told to report to the
Army for "evaluation".
8 MARCY'S VACATION
Directed by Don Barnhart.
Written by Kathy Speer and Terry Grossman
8May80
Marcy worries that her replacement may do a better job than she
does.
Produced by Bob Colleary, Tom Whedon
production Harry Waterson
9 NO. 25, THICK AS THIEVES
Directed by John Rich
Written by ?
31Oct80
Benson and Kraus are taken hostage during a market stickup, and
keeps
all his diplomacy to keep her from goading the gunmen into
shooting them.
26. BENSON IN THE HOSPITAL
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Rich Reinhart.
Guest star: James Callahan
7Nov80
Comical bewilderment grips the executive mansion after Benson is
hospitalized - and he proves to be the most hilarious patient
ever -
with a mysterious malady that has all the doctors stumped.
27. FOOLS' GOLD
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Bob Colleary & Tom Whedon.
14Nov80
Benson discovers a secret compartment in the woodwork, and an old
letter
infects Governor Gatling and his staff with gold fever.
28, MASQUERADE
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Rick McCurdy & Jeff Levin
Guest star: Julio Medina
21Nov80
Benson dresses up as a soldier and finds himself hilarious
trouble at a
wild costume party at the executive mansion - an affair
complicated by
the presence of a priceless gold statue and a plot by foreign
revolutionaries.
29. FIRST LADY
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman.
28Nov80
Guest star: Barbara Babcock as Lily
Murphy's Law is operating full time when Benson tries to organize
a
reception for an important industrialist and Katie is jealous of
her
father's hostess, pretty Lily (Barbara Babcock)
30. CITIZEN KRAUS
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Bud Slocomb & Len Riley
12Dec80
Guest star: Ray Stewart
Kraus attends night classes to obtain her American citizenship.
Benson agrees to a short truce in his feud with Gretchen Kraus,
the cook, in order to help her achieve her dream of American
citizenship.
31. BENSON'S GROUPIE
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Bob Colleary.
Guest star: Beverly Todd
19Dec80
A summer romance turns into a nightmare for Benson when the lady
follows
him home and threatens to disrupt a religious conference at the
Governor's mansion.
32. IN HIGH PLACES
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Bob Fraser & Rob Dames.
Guest star: Myron Natwick
9Jan81
The pilot on the Governor's chartered plane becomes ill - and
there's no co-pilot.
33. OLD SCHOOL TIES
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
Guest star: Dorothy Green as Libby
16Jan81
The governor's disarming sister Libby thinks that Katie should be
sent to boarding school.
The staff is heartbroken when the governor sends Katie to
a boarding school.
34. THE APARTMENT
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
Guest star: Fay Hauser as Rhoda
23Jan81
Benson rents an apartment to be alone, but everyone manages to
find him.
35. BIG BUDDY
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Bob Colleary, Tom Whedon
Guest stars: Shawar Ross, Paul Regina
6Feb81
The press secretary's scheme involves a reluctant Benson in a
"Big Buddy" program.
36. FIRESIDE CHAT
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Tom Whedon
Guest star: Ted Danson as Dan, Hilton Smack as Stage Manager
13Feb81
When the Governor goes on the air live, a lover's quarrel erupts
in the
studio and even Benson gets into the act when the cameras roll.
Marcy falls madly for the producer of the Governor's
fireside-chat
telecast.
37. MARCY'S WEDDING
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Bob Colleary
Guest star: Ted Danson as Dan, Allyn Ann McLerie
12Feb81
Marcy's mother shows a talent for disrupting Benson's
wedding plans.
38. RIVALS
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
27Feb81
Kraus's childhood rival arrives from Germany to pay her a visit.
39. NO SAD SONGS
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
Guest star: Beah Richards
6Mar81
When Benson's mother comes to visit, the Governor and his staff
do their
best to make her feel welcome, but no one expects the tragedy
which follows.
40. CLAYTON, GO HOME
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Tom Whedon, Bob Colleary
Guest star: Ed Peck
13Mar81
Clayton moves into the mansion after receiving death threats.
41. EASY KID STUFF
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
Guest star: Shawar Ross
20Mar81
As a surrogate father to his young friend Mike, Benson has mixed
feelings,
particularly after the boy falls out of a tree and breaks his
arm.
42, HANDWRITING ON THE WALL
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Rich Reinhart
10Apr81
Katie should write a school-essay over her family. So she recalls
all sorts of quaint episodes from the lives of Gretchen, Pete,
Marcy, her father, the governor and Benson.
43. ALL SHOOK UP
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
15May81
An earthquake brings the residence of the governor into the
unsteadiness.
Benson is hidden with the blasé Clayton in the cellar.
Governor Gatling instructs on rescue measures to his team.
Bensons and Clayton get along slowly.
44. THE GOVERNOR'S HOUSE CALL
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Bob Colleary, Tom Whedon
8May81
45. LIFESAVER
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
81
46. HOMEWORK
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
3Apr81
Produced by Bob Colleary
co-produced by Bob Dames & Bob Fraser
14 NO. 47 BENSON'S APPOINTMENT
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Norman Barasch, Bob Colleary
6Nov81
15 NO. 48 THE GRASS AIN'T GREENER
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
13Nov81
16 49. SIT-IN
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Rich Reinhart;
Guest star: Ivor Francis
27Nov81
In Benson's office a conductor holds a concert in protest. He
would
like to point out the musician's plight with the culture's
subsidies.
Furthermore Marcy has her last working day with Benson.
50. DOUBLE EXPOSURE
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
4Dec81
Benson must help an FBI agent uncover a bribe
scandal. But the affair complicates and the
Attorney office intervenes to accuse the corrupt politicians.
51. THE LOBBYIST
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Bob Fraser, Rob Dames, Chip Keyes & Doug Keyes
Benson's innocent approval of his lobbyist girlfriend's project
brings corruption charges.
11Dec81
52. KRAUS FALLS IN LOVE
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Korby Siamis
15Jan82
Kraus learns about love when she falls for a man who is
ineligible.
53. STRESS
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Bob Fraser, Rob Dames, Michael J. Weithorn
story editor: Rich Reinhart
18Dec81
The governor holds an encounter session with the staff.
54. STOCKS & OPTIONS
Directed by John Rich
When Benson accepts some stock from Pete as a debt payment,
others
follow suit.
55. RAINBOW'S END
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Russ Woody
story editor: Rich Reinhart
25Dec81
Benson has no idea that his old flame (Rosalind Cash) is now
confined
to a wheelchair. Clayton is about to celebrate his birthday.
56. ONCE IN A BLUE MOON
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Bob Fraser, Rob Dames
8Jan82
57. WILD IRISH ROSE
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
12Feb82
The former governor Mulligan pays his successor a visit. He
introduces his extremely attractive niece Rose to the astonished
present. Clayton is
pulled off his feet by her beauty. He immediately tries to
ingratiate
himself with her.
58. KRAUS'S DEADLY MISTAKE
a.k.a. "Kraus' deadly mistake"
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Rich Reinhart
story editor: Rich Reinhart
5Feb82
59. STREET GANGS
Directed by John Rich.
Written by David Langston
19Feb82
Benson encourages a street gang to bid on a government contract.
60. TEED OFF
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
2Apr82
61. CLAYTON'S CONDO
Directed by John Rich
62. KATIE'S ROMANCE
Directed by Linda Day
26Feb82
After accompanying Pete to a gymnastics meet, Katie fancies
herself
in love with him.
63. GETTING EVEN
Directed by John Rich.
12Mar82
When a wealthy investor seeks Denise's favors before bringing
business
to the state, Benson steps in.
64. IN THE RED
Directed by John Rich.
Written by Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
26Mar82
Pete and Benson are captured by guerrillas when they go to
an island.
65, PETE THE HERO
Directed by John Rich.
Story by Russ Woody
teleplay by Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
19Mar82
Benson's insurance company is uncooperative after Pete uses his
car
to stop a robbery.
66. THE PARTY'S OVER
Directed by John Rich.
The governor learns about dirty politics when his party won't
support his renomination.
30Apr82
67. THE LUMBER MILL
Directed by John Rich.
After visiting his lumber mill, the governor decides to run for
re-election as an independent.
7May82
68. BLACK TUESDAY
Directed by John Rich.
The governor's campaign comes to a hectic close, and the election
results show he has lost.
14May82
69. (unavailable)
Directed by ?
82
Produced by Bob Colleary
co-produced by Rob Dames & Bob Fraser
70. 71. DEATH IN A FUNNY POSITION
Directed by Bill Foster.
Written by Rob Dames & Bob Fraser
22Oct82
Guest stars: Linda Day George, Michael Constatine, Tab Hunter,
Ron Carey, Keene Curtis
A yacht cruise becomes a whodunit when the boat owner is found
stabbed to death.
Murders abound on a working vacation aboard a yacht, but Benson
saves the day.
72. QUEST FOR RETIRE
Directed by Bill Foster.
26Nov82 Charlie is the private gardener at the governor's
mansion. He is about to receive his
pension, but the stubborn old man wants to stay working, so he
asks assistance from Benson.
73. BENSON'S NEW HOME
Directed by Bill Foster.
3Dec82
Benson buys a property through a dubious real estate salesman.
The house has serious problems and Benson forces the salesman to
renovate it.
74 CRIMES OF THE HEARTH
Directed by Bill Foster.
10Dec82
75. THY BROTHER'S KEEPER
Directed by Tony Singletary
5Nov82
Benson's younger brother visits town at the same time a big
report
is due.
76. PEN PAL
Directed by Bill Foster.
12Nov82
The executive mansion is disrupted by the arrival of Kraus's pen
pal,
an ex-con, who expects a job.
77. TEACHER'S PEST
Directed by Bill Foster.
19Nov82
Benson teaches an economics course that a test-shy Kraus must
pass
to keep her job.
78. KATIE'S BOYFRIEND
Directed by Mark Warren.
21Jan83
In the midst of an economic crisis, the governor allows Katie to
go
on her first date.
79. LOVE IN A FUNNY PHASE
Written by Bob Fraser & ROb Dames
Directed by Linda Day.
Guest stars: Lynne Moody (Jennifer), Rick Fitts (Wesley)
31Mar83
Benson is upset when his girlfriend Jennifer decides to date
another
men.
80. BENSON'S ARMY REUNION
Directed by Bill Foster.
26Nov82
When Benson's army buddies gather for a reunion, unexpected hard
feelings surface.
80. (?) WHAT A REVOLTIN' DEVELOPMENT
Directed by Bill Foster.
Guest stars: Henry Darrow
29Oct82
81. THE HONEYMOONERS
Directed by Gary Brown.
7Jan83
When Benson stands in for the groom at Kraus's proxy wedding,
he ends up really married to her.
82. THE ROYAL PAINTING
Directed by Bill Foster.
28Jan83
A former street gang is hired to paint the mansion for a visit
by the Queen of England.
83. MARY AND HER LAMBS
Directed by Rob Dames.
17Dec82
It's Christmas and Benson finds a way to help an assistant
cook keep her foster children.
84. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS ON THE THIRD HOLE
Directed by Bill Foster.
14Jan83
Benson and the governor encounter a UFO while playing golf.
85 KRAUS SINGS THE BLUES
Directed by Bill Foster.
4Mar83
Benson reluctanly emcees a telethon and lets Kraus sing when
several
acts cancel out.
86. FAMILY TREE
Directed by Bill Foster.
18Feb83
Benson and Clayton are appalled to discover that they may be
related to each other.
87. A VIEW FROM THE ROOF
Directed by Bill Foster.
18Mar83
When Benson and the governor attempt to set up an antenna upon
the roof, the
ladder they used falls and leaves them trapped.
88. CALAMITY KRAUS
Directed by Bill Foster.
25Feb83
Kraus masquerades as a wealthy heiress to keep a manufacturing
plant
in the state.
89. HALF-COURT TRAP
Written by Bill Boulware
Directed by Bill Foster.
11Mar83
Benson discovers that his nephew, a basketball star, can barely
read or
write.
90. BOY'S NIGHT OUT
Directed by Bill Foster.
4Feb83
The men from the mansion gather at Benson's to watch television,
Play cards and swap stories.
The governor's upset when Benson vetoes a legislative bill that
he favored.
Produced by Rob Dames & Bob Fraser
co-produced by Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
91. BAND OF GOLD
Directed by Bill Foster.
Written by: Bill Boulware & Winfred Harvey
Guest stars: Noble Willigham as Judge Slocum
16Sep83
On the way to his wedding ceremony, Pete remembers he forgot to
put fuel
to the car.
92, THE GOVERNOR'S BRAIN IS MISSING
Directed by Bill Foster.
Guest stars: Earl Boen (Admiral Kocholnik), Phillip R. Allen
(Collins)
16Dec83
G.I. operatives replace governor Gatling with a double.
93, GOD, I NEED THIS JOB
Directed by Bill Foster.
Guest star: Katherine Helmond as Jessica
30Sep83
Benson is seeing Jessica's ghost. Benson seems to have gone off
the
Deep end when Jessica Tate visits from beyond.
94. HUMAN ELEMENT
Directed by Gary Brown.
Written by: Barry Fanaro, Mort Nathan
>Greg Berger as Jimmy's voice
23Sep83
A robot is brought into the mansion causing discomfort among the
staff.
95. DOWN THE DRAIN
Directed by Bill Foster.
28Oct83
Plumbing problems at Benson's flat leads to him calling in
the irascible workman used by Kraus at the Governor's mansion.
96. WHO'S ARNOLD?
Directed by Bill Foster.
7Oct83
97. UNLISTED LOVE
Directed by Gary Brown.
2Dec83
Benson inadvertedly plays Cupid when the governor meets a
woman he had a crush on in high school.
98. IT AIN'T SHEIK
Directed by Bill Foster.
Story by Ralph Phillips;
teleplay by Bob Fraser & Rob Dames.
4Nov83
Benson gets the unwelcome task of convincing a sheik to
alter his personal blueprints for a multi-million-dollar
headquarter complex and his passionate advances toward Kraus.
99. FULL COURT PRESS
Directed by Katherine Helmond.
Written by Bill Boulware.
21Oct83 Katie is assigned to write a report about Benson for her
school. Clayton has a quarrel
with Benson.
100. LABOR PAINS
Directed by Gary Brown.
25Nov83
Benson gets along with his neighbor's baby. He learns that the
child's father is trapped in
snowstorm.
101, YOU CAN'T GIVE IT AWAY
Directed by Rob Dames.
11Nov83
Benson wins the State lottery.
102, KATIE'S COOKIES
Directed by Bill Foster.
18Nov83
Benson is involved in Katie's cookie business at the same time
he's to testify against the mob.
103, IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES
Directed by Gary Brown.
13Jan84
The governor and Benson are surprised to discover that Pete has
reverted
to his youth.
104, A REAL GONE DADDY
Directed by Ellen Craset Falcon.
23Dec83
A school chum of Katie's, Winston, starts a campaign to get
Benson to
marry his widowed mother.
105, TAKE MY LIFE, PLEASE
Directed by Gary Brown.
Written by Barry Fanaro & Mort Nathan
27Jan84
When the president demands a security check of all the
Governor's employees, Benson is labeled a spy.
106, TOO POOPED TO PIP
Directed by Gary Brown and Mark Warren.
6Jan84
Benson tries to get Gladys Knight and the Pips to perform at a
telethon
107, EMBARRASSING MOMENTS
Directed by Bill Foster.
Written by: Debra Frank & Scott Rubinstein
Guest stars: Tracy Reed, Joyce Little
16Jan84
Benson is chosen as "Bachelor of the Month"
108, THE ENDICOTT DYNASTY
Directed by Bill Foster.
w: Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
Guest stars: Stephen Elliot, Billie Bird
2Mar84
Clayton believes he will be appointed C.E.O. at his father's
company.
109, BEAUTY AND THE BEEF
Directed by Bill Foster.
Written by Winfred Harvey
Guest star: John Gladstone
3Feb84
When Benson judges a beauty pageant, Clayton and the governor try
to sway the vote.
110, WE DELIVER
Directed by Bill Foster.
Written by Bill Boulware
Guest stars: Anne Haney, Courtney Burr
24Feb84
Benson, Gatlin and Denise get stuck in an elevator just when
she is about to give birth.
111, LET'S PLAY DOCTOR
Directed by Gary Brown.
Guest star: Danny Thomas
4May84
Benson's choice for the governor's Humanitarian Award (Thomas)
wants no part of the honor.
Benson discovers that the crusty old medic has no medical
license.
112, THE LITTLE HOTEL THAT COULD
Directed by Katherine Helmond.
Written by Robin Pennington
Guest stars: William Bogert, Robert Symmonds, Ken Foree
9Mar84
Kraus and Benson attempt to save a historical hotel from
demolition.
Produced by Rob Dames & Bob Fraser
co-produced by Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
Produced by Rob Dames & Bob Fraser ;
co-producer, Gary Brown
113, THE SCANDAL
Directed by Gary Brown.
Written by Barry Fanaro & Mort Nathan.
21Sep84
Benson goes undercover to find out if the lieutenant governor is
taking bribes from a construction company.
114, THE CAMPAIGN
Directed by Gary Brown.
Written by Bill Boulware.
GUEST STARS: Dick Sargent, Anne Gerety, Anthony Henderson.
19Oct84
After Benson decides to run for lieutenant governor, he faces a
decision about iring a fund raiser.
115, THE ELECTION
Directed by Gary Brown.
Written by Winifred Hervey.
Guest stars: Harrison Page, Bob Fraser, Philip Baker Hall et al.
26Oct84
When Benson's campaign money runs out, his prospects look bleak
until
a benefactor arrives.
116, TAKE THIS JOB AND LOVE IT
Directed by Bill Foster.
Written by Barry Fanaro & Mort Nathan.
18Jan85
Benson gets caught up in a sea of red tape when he takes on the
city
mayor who plans to outlaw breakdancing in public places.
117, HELLO, WE MUST BE GOING
Directed by Gary Brown.
Written by Bill Boulware.
16Nov84
Benson's plan to have Kraus become his executive assistant are
fouled up when a nebbish with political clout is hired instead.
118, MADE IN HONG KONG : pt. 1
Directed by Bill Foster.
Written by Bob Fraser & Rob Dames.
2Nov84
Benson, Gov. Gatling and Kraus jet off to Hong Kong where they
become in international espionage when a fashion tycoon and her
henchmen kidnap Clayton.
119, MADE IN HONG KONG : pt. 2
Directed by Bill Foster.
Written by Bob Fraser & Rob Dames.
9Nov84
Benson is pursued by the police while trying to rescue the
Governor,
Kraus and Clayton from the Van Dyne mansion.
120, THE INHERITANCE
Directed by Gary Brown.
Written by Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman.
Guest stars: Percy Rodriguez, Gretchen Wyler, Joel Brooks
28Sep84
Benson is shocked to learn that he is the sole heir to the
Playbird magazine empire.
121, DOUBLE DATE
Directed by Gilbert Moses.
Teleplay by Bob Fraser, Rob Dames & Ron Birnbach;
story by Ron Birnbach.
23Nov84
Benson arranges a date for Clayton, but she's repulsed by his
crude manners and romantic ploys.
122, LET'S GET PHYSICAL
Directed by Bill Foster.
Written by Robin Pennington.
Guest stars: Jayne Kennedy
12Oct84
Benson's pleasure turn to panic when the beautiful doctor who
conducted
his annual physical wants to meet him later to discuss the
results.
123, MID-LIFE COWBOY a.k.a. "Mid-life
crisis"
Directed by Gary Brown.
Written by Cheri Eichen & Bill Steinkellner.
15Feb85
A burned-out Governor decides to play cowboy at a dude ranch.
124, MAKE WAR, NOT LOVE
Directed by Katherine Helmond.
Written by Barry Fanaro & Mort Nathan.
14Dec84
125, TAKING IT TO THE MAX
Directed by Rob Dames.
Written by Winifred Hervey.
30Nov84
Benson is taken aback by his sister's rejection of his advice to
exercise caution with a new boyfriend.
126, ON THE ROAD
Directed by Bill Foster.
11Jan85
Benson is trying to find if Kraus commited a fault. Finally he's
fed up with her fault, but she runs
aways and returns to acting. Benson becomes Kraus' chauffer.
127, THE REUNION
Directed by Gilbert Moses.
Written by Winifred Hervey.
7Dec84
When a squabble develops at Benson's family reunion, he's
expected to
act as peacemaker.
128, HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
Directed by Bill Foster.
Written by R. J. Colleary.
21Dec84
129, JUNG AT HEART
Directed by Bob Fraser.
Written by Barry Fanaro & Mort Nathan.
5Apr85
130, SCENARIO
Directed by Rob Dames.
Written by Bob Fraser & Rob Dames.
22Feb85
131, THE BOOKBURNER
Directed by Gary Brown.
Written by R. J. Colleary.
29Mar85
Benson's tie-breaking vote on a school bill leads to a conflict
with
a powerful senator and a book-burning incident.
132, THE OVAL OFFICE
Directed by Bill Foster.
Written by Bob Fraser & Rob Dames.
8Feb85
Benson and Gatling are summoned to the White House when Benson's
criticism
of federal budget cuts reaches the president's desk.
133, SOLID GOLD
Directed by Gary Brown.
Written by Bill Boulware.
1Feb85
Benson, the Governor, Kraus and Clayton recall people whose
influence
led them to their present positions.
134, MAKING CHANGE
Directed by Rob Dames.
Written by Winifred Hervey.
25Jan85
135, KATIE'S COUSIN
Directed by Bill Foster.
Written by R. J. Colleary.
22Mar85
Benson & Clayton discover Katie and her cousin in a bar with
two
college men.
136, THE PORTRAIT .k.a "DuBois--portrait
of a politician"
Directed by Rob Dames.
Written by Bob Fraser & Rob Dames.
15Mar85
Produced by Rob Dames & Bob Fraser
co-produced by Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
Produced by Rob Dames & Bob Fraser
co-produced by Ron Landry & Tom Biener
137, $1,000,000 AN HOUR
Directed by Gary Brown.
Written by Ken Eulo & Elena Yates Eulo.
15Nov85
138, LOVE AND POLITICS
Directed by Bill Foster.
Written by John Donley & Clay Graham.
DPUB: 11Oct85
139, WE SPY
Directed by Bill Foster.
Written by Jurgen Wolff.
8Nov85
While on a business trip in east Germany, Kraus and Benson are
accused of being spies.
140, UNCLE JACK
Directed by Gary Brown.
Written by Robin Pennington.
18Oct85
Benson tries to mend old wounds between the governor and his
brother
Jack, who hasn't been seen for 25 years.
141, TWO BOYS AND THEIR DOG
Directed by Rob Dames.
Written by Don Hart.
13Dec85
142, BENSON THE HERO
Directed by Rob Dames.
Written by R. J. Colleary.
4Oct85
The Governor and Clayton suffer political embarrassment when
someone
discovers an unexpected surplus in the State budget.
143, THE STRANGER
Directed by Bill Foster.
Written by Tom Blener & Ron Landry.
25Oct85
A mysterious stranger roams the governor's mansion on Halloween.
144, SUMMER OF DISCONTENT
Directed by Whitney J. LeBlanc.
Written by John Donley & Clay Graham.
25Jan86
Benson and the governor seek advice from a conservationist in
helping
them pass some environmental legislation.
145, FLIGHT OF THE DODO, [pt.] I
Directed by Bill Foster.
Written by Bob Fraser & Rob Dames.
29Nov85
Benson ignores warnings from Kraus and Mrs. Cassidy.
146, FLIGHT OF THE DODO, Pt. 2.
Directed by Bill Foster.
Written by Bob Fraser
147, HI, SOCIETY
Directed by Gary Brown.
Written by R. J. Colleary.
22Mar86
148, SECRET LOVE
Directed by Bill Foster.
Written by Ron Landry & Tom Biener.
18Jan86
149, PARADE REST
Directed by Rob Dames.
Written by R. J. Colleary.
1Feb86
150, REEL MURDER : pt. 1
Directed by Bob Fraser.
Written by Bob Fraser & Rob Dames.
8Feb86
151, REEL MURDER : pt. 2
Directed by Bob Fraser.
Written by Bob Fraser & Rob Dames.
15Feb86
152, LAST MAN ON EARTH
Directed by Gary Brown.
Written by Ron Landry & Tom Biener.
25Jan86
After talking about Halley's Comet, Kraus dreams that she and
Benson are
alone on Earth.
153, THE BUCKS STOP HERE
Directed by Bill Foster.
Written by Don Hart.
1Mar86
154, THE HAT AND THE RING
Directed by Lee Shallat.
Written by John Donley & Clay Graham.
22Mar86
155, FRIENDS AND ENEMIES
Directed by Hilton L. Smack.
Written by Ron Landry & Tom Biener.
12Apr86
156, AND THE WINNER IS ...
Directed by Gary Brown.
Written by Ron Landry & Tom Biener.
19Apr86
157, PARDON ME
Directed by Rob Dames.
Written by R. J. Colleary.
8Mar86
Benson persuades the governor to pardon a man wrongly imprisoned
for
25 years.
158, THREE ON A MISMATCH
Directed by Rob Dames.
Teleplay by John Donley & Clay Graham;
story by Bill Overton, Ken Russ,
John Donley, Clay Graham.
29Mar86
The governor answers an ad from a magazine's personal columnn.
Martin Beitz, a German fan of Benson, created
an episode guide in German
based on the first epg I uploaded. If you want to visit his site it is
located at: