List of Benson episodes#ep125
Series overview
| infoA = Rank
| infoB = Rating
| color1 = #FFD700
| link1 =
| episodes1 = 24
| start1 = {{Start date|1979|09|13}}
| end1 = {{End date|1980|05|08}}
| infoA1 = 23
| infoB1 = 20.6
| color2 = #006400
| link2 =
| episodes2 = 22
| start2 = {{Start date|1980|10|31}}
| end2 = {{End date|1981|05|22}}
| infoA2 = {{n/a}}
| infoB2 = {{n/a}}
| color3 = #000070
| link3 =
| episodes3 = 22
| start3 = {{Start date|1981|11|06}}
| end3 = {{End date|1982|05|14}}
| infoB3 = {{n/a}}
| color4 = #500050
| link4 =
| episodes4 = 22
| start4 = {{Start date|1982|10|22}}
| end4 = {{End date|1983|03|31}}
| infoB4 = {{n/a}}
| color5 = #B0171F
| link5 =
| episodes5 = 22
| start5 = {{Start date|1983|09|16}}
| end5 = {{End date|1984|05|04}}
| color6 = #000000
| link6 =
| episodes6 = 24
| start6 = {{Start date|1984|09|21}}
| end6 = {{End date|1985|04|05}}
| color7 = #FFA500
| link7 =
| episodes7 = 22
| start7 = {{Start date|1985|10|04}}
| end7 = {{End date|1986|04|19}}
}}
Broadcast history
| class="wikitable" | |
| Season | Time slot{{cite book |last1=Brooks |first1=Tim |last2=Marsh |first2=Earle |date=June 24, 2009 |title=The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946-Present |edition=Ninth |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w8KztFy6QYwC&dq=%22Benson+Situation+Comedy%22&pg=124 |publisher=Ballantine Books |location=New York |pages=124–125 |isbn=978-0-3074-8320-1 |access-date=January 19, 2022}} |
|---|---|
| 1 (1979–1980) | Thursdays at 8:30–9:00 pm ET on ABC |
| 2 (1980–1981) | Fridays at 8:00–8:30 pm ET on ABC |
| 3 (1981–1982) | Fridays at 8:00–8:30 pm ET on ABC |
| 4 (1982–1983) | Fridays at 8:00–8:30 pm ET on ABC (October 22, 1982 – March 25, 1983) Thursday at 8:00–8:30 pm ET on ABC (March 31, 1983 - April 27, 1983)) |
| 5 (1983–1984) | Fridays at 8:00–8:30 pm ET on ABC |
| 6 (1984–1985) | Fridays at 8:00–8:30 pm ET on ABC (September 21, 1984 – February 22, 1985) Fridays at 9:00–9:30 pm ET on ABC (March 15 – April 5, 1985) |
| 7 (1985–1986) | Fridays at 9:30–10:00 pm ET on ABC (October 4, 1985 – January 3, 1986) Saturdays at 8:30–9:30 pm ET on ABC (January 18 – April 19, 1986) |
Episodes
= Season 1 (1979–80) =
{{Episode table
|background=#FFD700
|overall=2
|season=2
|title=20
|writer=19
|director=15
|airdate=15
|episodes=
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=1
|EpisodeNumber2=1
|Title=Pilot
|DirectedBy=Jay Sandrich
|WrittenBy=Susan Harris
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1979|09|13}}
|ShortSummary=Benson DuBois, butler to Jessica Tate (from Soap), becomes temporary "director of household affairs" for her cousin, Governor Gene Gatling. Benson negotiates a compromise between supporters of bridge construction and beaver preservation. His success lands him a trial offer to be the governor's permanent aide. David Hedison guest stars.
|LineColor=FFD700
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=2
|EpisodeNumber2=2
|Title=Trust Me
|DirectedBy=Peter Baldwin
|WrittenBy={{WritingCredits
| t = Tom Reeder
| ex1 = Lee Maddux
| tlabel = {{abbr|T|Teleplay by}}
| ex1label = {{abbr|S/T|Story and teleplay by}}
}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1979|09|20}}
|ShortSummary=Katie sneaks away to a rock concert over her father's objections, and Benson, who'd been assigned to enforce the prohibition, prepares to resign his position. René Enríquez guest stars.
|LineColor=FFD700
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=3
|EpisodeNumber2=3
|Title=The President's Double
|DirectedBy=Jay Sandrich
|WrittenBy=Tom Reeder
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1979|09|27}}
|ShortSummary=When the life of a visiting African president is threatened by radicals from his own country, Benson is persuaded to impersonate him at a state dinner.
|LineColor=FFD700
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=4
|EpisodeNumber2=4
|Title=Benson in Love
|DirectedBy=Peter Baldwin
|WrittenBy=Bob Colleary
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1979|10|04}}
|ShortSummary=Benson meets the attractive Francine Wade (Beverly Todd) in the waiting room of the mansion and asks her out, not knowing she is a state senator.
|LineColor=FFD700
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=5
|EpisodeNumber2=5
|Title=Conflict of Interest
|DirectedBy=Jay Sandrich
|WrittenBy=Paul Wayne
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1979|10|18}}
|ShortSummary=The Governor faces a conflict between his duties as a father and his duties as a governor: an important invitation to Washington by the President comes up the same night that Gatling had promised Katie he would attend her school play.
|LineColor=FFD700
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=6
|EpisodeNumber2=6
|Title=The Layoff
|DirectedBy=Peter Baldwin
|WrittenBy=Bob Colleary
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1979|10|25}}
|ShortSummary=After Governor Gatling embarks on a budget-cutting campaign, Benson must decide which staff members to lay off. Katie resents Benson when he selects the sweet, elderly pastry chef who brightens up everyone's day. Meg Wylie guest stars.
|LineColor=FFD700
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=7
|EpisodeNumber2=7
|Title=Snowbound
|DirectedBy=Jay Sandrich
|WrittenBy=Susan Harris and Stu Silver
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1979|11|01}}
|ShortSummary=Governor Gatling wants the staff to join him on his retreat to a mountain cabin, and Benson agrees to come when he learns that Kraus can not attend. Then Kraus comes after all, and, to make matters worse, the staff gets snowed in.
|LineColor=FFD700
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=8
|EpisodeNumber2=8
|Title=Jessica
|DirectedBy=Jay Sandrich
|WrittenBy=Bob Colleary and Tom Reeder
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1979|11|08}}
|ShortSummary=Jessica Tate (Katherine Helmond) visits and begins dating the elderly French Baron d'Arvenaux. When the baron dies in Jessica's hotel room and Jessica calls on Benson for help, drastic action is needed to avert a potential scandal.
|LineColor=FFD700
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=9
|EpisodeNumber2=9
|Title=Don't Quote Me
|DirectedBy=Peter Baldwin
|WrittenBy=Tom Reeder
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1979|11|22}}
|ShortSummary=A scandalous remark by the Governor about a state senator is printed, endangering the governor's administration and causing everyone on the staff to suspect each other of being the leak. When Katie is determined to be the culprit, she gets a spanking.
|LineColor=FFD700
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=10
|EpisodeNumber2=10
|Title=War Stories
|DirectedBy=Jay Sandrich
|WrittenBy=Michael Weinberger
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1979|11|29}}
|ShortSummary=Benson introduces an old army buddy (Mark Goddard) to single Marcy, not knowing the man is married.
|LineColor=FFD700
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=11
|EpisodeNumber2=11
|Title=Ghost Story
|DirectedBy=Tony Mordente
|WrittenBy=Rick McCurdy and Jeff Levin
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1979|12|06}}
|ShortSummary=The mansion is haunted by a nineteenth-century governor who was murdered (perhaps by his successor).
|LineColor=FFD700
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=12
|EpisodeNumber2=12
|Title=Taylor's Bid
|DirectedBy=John Bowab
|WrittenBy=Rick McCurdy and Jeff Levin
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1979|12|13}}
|ShortSummary=Taylor decides to resign his position as adviser in order to run for public office.
|LineColor=FFD700
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=13
|EpisodeNumber2=13
|Title=One Strike, You're Out
|DirectedBy=Jay Sandrich
|WrittenBy=Warren S. Murray
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1979|12|27}}
|ShortSummary=The domestic workers at the mansion go on strike, threatening a high-level dinner.
|LineColor=FFD700
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=14
|EpisodeNumber2=14
|Title=Just Friends
|DirectedBy=John Bowab
|WrittenBy=Bob Colleary
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1980|01|03}}
|ShortSummary=Governor Gatling works to persuade entrepreneur Howard Walker to settle his new factory in his state, causing discomfort for Benson, who once romanced the man's wife. Roscoe Lee Browne and Denise Nicholas guest star.
|LineColor=FFD700
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=15
|EpisodeNumber2=15
|Title=Chain of Command
|DirectedBy=Asaad Kelada
|WrittenBy=Tom Reeder
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1980|01|10}}
|ShortSummary=During the governor's illness, the slimy lieutenant governor (David Ruprecht), hoping to take Gatling's place permanently, advances a bill that Gatling opposes. Benson must come to the rescue.
|LineColor=FFD700
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=16
|EpisodeNumber2=16
|Title=Bugging the Governor
|DirectedBy=Asaad Kelada
|WrittenBy=Bernard Dilbert
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1980|01|24}}
|ShortSummary=Someone is bugging the mansion. Joel Brooks guest stars.
|LineColor=FFD700
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=17
|EpisodeNumber2=17
|Title=Kraus Affair
|DirectedBy=Tony Mordente
|WrittenBy={{WritingCredits
| s = Mitch Markowitz
| t = Rick McCurdy and Jeff Levin
| slabel = {{abbr|S|Story by}}
| tlabel = {{abbr|T|Teleplay by}}
| order=t
}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1980|01|31}}
|ShortSummary=Kraus falls for the butcher, but she lacks the self-confidence to ask him out.
|LineColor=FFD700
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=18
|EpisodeNumber2=18
|Title=Checkmate
|DirectedBy=Tony Mordente
|WrittenBy={{WritingCredits
| s = Mark Barkan and Louis Coppola
| t = Bob Colleary and Tom Reeder
| slabel = {{abbr|S|Story by}}
| tlabel = {{abbr|T|Teleplay by}}
| order=t
}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1980|02|07}}
|ShortSummary=As part of a chess tour, eleven-year-old Soviet chess prodigy Alexei (Meeno Peluce), is brought to the mansion for a multiplayer tournament. During a scuffle, homesick Alexei sneaks away from the tournament, and hides in Katie's room. He implores Katie to say nothing to anyone, and she brings him various food she sneaks out of Kraus' kitchen. When the Soviets can't find him, they threaten war if the boy is not returned.
|LineColor=FFD700
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=19
|EpisodeNumber2=19
|Title=Cold Storage
|DirectedBy=John Bowab
|WrittenBy=Jim Tisdale
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1980|02|28}}
|ShortSummary=Benson and Kraus get locked in the basement together.
|LineColor=FFD700
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=20
|EpisodeNumber2=20
|Title=Old Man Gatlin'
|DirectedBy=John Bowab
|WrittenBy=Rick McCurdy and Jeff Levin
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1980|03|06}}
|ShortSummary=The Governor's loudmouthed father (David Huddleston) comes to visit and wreaks havoc among the staff.
|LineColor=FFD700
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=21
|EpisodeNumber2=21
|Title=Power Play
|DirectedBy=John Tracy
|WrittenBy=Rick McCurdy and Jeff Levin
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1980|03|20}}
|ShortSummary=A load of dead fish and sludge is delivered to the mansion by El Gato (Steven Peterman), a conservationist.
|LineColor=FFD700
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=22
|EpisodeNumber2=22
|Title=Takin' It to the Streets
|DirectedBy=Tony Mordente
|WrittenBy=Shelley Zellman & Wally Dalton
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1980|03|27}}
|ShortSummary=Wanting to know how the "little people" really feel, Governor Gatling makes an incognito visit to a grungy local bar, along with a reluctant Benson, to mix with the constituents. Joy Garrett and Kene Holliday guest star.
|LineColor=FFD700
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=23
|EpisodeNumber2=23
|Title=The Army Wants You
|DirectedBy=Tony Mordente
|WrittenBy=Paul Raley
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1980|05|01}}
|ShortSummary=With almost everybody else in the mansion down with the flu, Benson learns that while in the Army he may have been part of an experiment in germ warfare without his knowledge. Jack Dodson guest stars.
|LineColor=FFD700
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=24
|EpisodeNumber2=24
|Title=Marcy's Vacation
|DirectedBy=Don Barnhart
|WrittenBy=Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1980|05|08}}
|ShortSummary=Going on vacation, Marcy worries that her replacement may do a better job than she and retain the position permanently.
Note: Final appearance of Lewis J. Stadlen.
|LineColor=FFD700
}}
}}
= Season 2 (1980–81) =
{{Episode table
|background=#006400
|overall=2
|season=2
|title=20
|writer=19
|director=15
|airdate=15
|episodes=
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=25
|EpisodeNumber2=1
|Title=Thick as Thieves
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1980|10|31}}
|ShortSummary=Benson and Kraus are held hostage during a market robbery. Clyde Kusatsu guest stars.
Note: First appearances of Ethan Phillips and René Auberjonois
|LineColor=006400
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=26
|EpisodeNumber2=2
|Title=Benson in the Hospital
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Rich Reinhart
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1980|11|07}}
|ShortSummary=Benson has a strange malady that has all the doctors puzzled.
|LineColor=006400
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=27
|EpisodeNumber2=3
|Title=Fool's Gold
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Tom Whedon and Bob Colleary
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1980|11|14}}
|ShortSummary=Benson's discovery of an old letter suggesting hidden treasure somewhere in the mansion leads to gold fever among the governor's staff.
Note: Jerry Seinfeld makes the first of his three appearances on Benson.
|LineColor=006400
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=28
|EpisodeNumber2=4
|Title=Masquerade
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Rick McCurdy and Jeff Levin
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1980|11|21}}
|ShortSummary=A group of revolutionaries seeks to steal a statue from the mansion.
|LineColor=006400
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=29
|EpisodeNumber2=5
|Title=First Lady
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1980|11|28}}
|ShortSummary=Katie is jealous when her father gives special attention to a very important hostess whom he calls Pretty Lily, and Benson must deal with a broken air conditioning system. Barbara Babcock and Warren Munson guest star.
|LineColor=006400
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=30
|EpisodeNumber2=6
|Title=Citizen Kraus
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Bud Slocomb & Len Riley
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1980|12|12}}
|ShortSummary=Gretchen wants to become an American citizen, but, despite a lot of studying, she fails the test due to nervousness.
Note: Second of three appearances by Jerry Seinfeld.
|LineColor=006400
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=31
|EpisodeNumber2=7
|Title=Benson's Groupie
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Bob Colleary
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1980|12|19}}
|ShortSummary=Benson's spoiled and self-centered vacation romance follows him home refusing to take no for an answer at the same time important religious leaders are visiting the mansion.
Note: Last of three appearances by Jerry Seinfeld.
|LineColor=006400
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=32
|EpisodeNumber2=8
|Title=In High Places
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1981|01|09}}
|ShortSummary=The pilot of the Governor's charter plane suffers a heart attack and there is no co-pilot, so the Governor has to fly the plane himself.
|LineColor=006400
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=33
|EpisodeNumber2=9
|Title=Old School Ties
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1981|01|16}}
|ShortSummary=Libby, the Governor's sister, thinks that Katie should be sent to a boarding school. The staff is crushed when the Governor takes his sister's advice.
|LineColor=006400
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=34
|EpisodeNumber2=10
|Title=The Apartment
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1981|01|23}}
|ShortSummary=Wanting some privacy, Benson rents an apartment, but despite his efforts everybody manages to intrude.
|LineColor=006400
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=35
|EpisodeNumber2=11
|Title=Big Buddy
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Tom Whedon and Bob Colleary
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1981|02|06}}
|ShortSummary=Press secretary Pete hatches a new scheme to give the Governor good publicity and involves Benson in a "Big Buddy" program.
|LineColor=006400
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=36
|EpisodeNumber2=12
|Title=Fireside Chat
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Tom Whedon
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1981|02|13}}
|ShortSummary=The Governor is scheduled to be on television for a "fireside chat", but a lover's quarrel between Marcy and Dan (the telecast's producer) bleeds through and ruins the telecast.
|LineColor=006400
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=37
|EpisodeNumber2=13
|Title=Marcy's Wedding
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Bob Colleary
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1981|02|20}}
|ShortSummary=Marcy is marrying Dan (Ted Danson) and Benson is responsible for the wedding plans. But Marcy's mother intrudes and disrupts all the arrangements.
|LineColor=006400
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=38
|EpisodeNumber2=14
|Title=Rivals
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1981|02|27}}
|ShortSummary=Kraus's childhood rival visits from Germany, expecting to find her married to the governor.
|LineColor=006400
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=39
|EpisodeNumber2=15
|Title=No Sad Songs
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1981|03|06}}
|ShortSummary=Benson's mother (Beah Richards) comes for a visit and charms everybody, but an unexpected event sadly cuts her stay short.
|LineColor=006400
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=40
|EpisodeNumber2=16
|Title=Clayton, Go Home
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Tom Whedon and Bob Colleary
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1981|03|13}}
|ShortSummary=When Clayton plans to testify against an airline that tried to bribe him, he starts receiving mysterious death threats, so he tries to escape by moving into the mansion.
|LineColor=006400
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=41
|EpisodeNumber2=17
|Title=Easy Kid Stuff
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1981|03|20}}
|ShortSummary=After a boy falls out of a tree and breaks his arm, Benson has conflicting feelings about becoming the boy's father figure.
|LineColor=006400
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=42
|EpisodeNumber2=18
|Title=Homework
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1981|04|03}}
|ShortSummary=Katie is supposed to write a school paper on her family. She writes about her father the Governor, Marcy, Clayton, Pete, Kraus, and Benson.
|LineColor=006400
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=43
|EpisodeNumber2=19
|Title=Handwriting on the Wall
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Rich Reinhart
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1981|04|10}}
|ShortSummary=A controversial environmental bill brings the governor strange threats. Benson begins an investigation as to the source of the letters, but the culprit may be someone in the mansion.
|LineColor=006400
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=44
|EpisodeNumber2=20
|Title=The Governor's House Call
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Tom Whedon and Bob Colleary
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1981|05|08}}
|ShortSummary=The Governor, Benson and Clayton are trapped in a bordello with a muckraking columnist.
|LineColor=006400
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=45
|EpisodeNumber2=21
|Title=All Shook Up
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1981|05|15}}
|ShortSummary=An earthquake occurs and the Governor and staff work to rescue Benson and Clayton, who are stuck in the cellar.
|LineColor=006400
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=46
|EpisodeNumber2=22
|Title=Lifesaver
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Rich Reinhart
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1981|05|22}}
|ShortSummary=Benson saves Kraus's life but wonders if he did the right thing when her appreciation goes way too far.
|LineColor=006400
}}
}}
= Season 3 (1981–82) =
{{Episode table
|background=#000070
|overall=2
|season=2
|title=20
|writer=19
|director=15
|airdate=15
|episodes=
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=47
|EpisodeNumber2=1
|Title=Benson's Appointment
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Norman Barasch and Bob Colleary
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1981|11|06}}
|ShortSummary=When the state budget director unexpectedly dies, the Governor wants to appoint Benson to the job, but a State Senator is determined to block the confirmation. Dana Elcar guest stars.
|LineColor=000070
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=48
|EpisodeNumber2=2
|Title=The Grass Ain't Greener
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1981|11|13}}
|ShortSummary=Benson goes undercover to investigate conditions in a prison. Don Calfa, Bill Duke, and Brion James guest star.
|LineColor=000070
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=49
|EpisodeNumber2=3
|Title=Sit-In
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Rich Reinhart
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1981|11|27}}
|ShortSummary=It's Marcy's last day working with Benson before she moves away, and in Benson's office a conductor (Ivor Francis) holds a concert in protest of the musicians' plight while Benson is holding interviews for a new secretary. Didi Conn guest stars as Denise Johnson.
Note: Final appearance of Marcy (Caroline McWilliams)
|LineColor=000070
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=50
|EpisodeNumber2=4
|Title=Double Exposure
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1981|12|04}}
|ShortSummary=While he, the Governor, Clayton and Pete are in Washington D.C. on official business, Benson helps an FBI agent uncover a bribery scheme. Didi Conn's first appearance as a regular cast member.
|LineColor=000070
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=51
|EpisodeNumber2=5
|Title=The Lobbyist
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy={{WritingCredits
| s = Doug Keyes & Chip Keyes
| t = Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
| slabel = {{abbr|S|Story by}}
| tlabel = {{abbr|T|Teleplay by}}
| order=t
}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1981|12|11}}
|ShortSummary=Benson's lobbyist girlfriend approaches Benson with a project he approves, but the project brings charges of corruption against Benson.
|LineColor=000070
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=52
|EpisodeNumber2=6
|Title=Stress
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Michael J. Weithorn and Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1981|12|18}}
|ShortSummary=After a day when everyone gets mad at Benson, the Governor holds an encounter session with the staff.
|LineColor=000070
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=53
|EpisodeNumber2=7
|Title=Rainbow's End
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Russ Woody
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1981|12|25}}
|ShortSummary=Benson learns that his old flame (Rosalind Cash) is confined to a wheelchair; Clayton is trying to celebrate his birthday.
|LineColor=000070
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=54
|EpisodeNumber2=8
|Title=Once in a Blue Moon
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1982|01|08}}
|ShortSummary=Clayton is assaulted and Benson approves tighter security at his expense.
|LineColor=000070
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=55
|EpisodeNumber2=9
|Title=Kraus Falls in Love
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Korby Siamis
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1982|01|15}}
|ShortSummary=Kraus starts dating a married man, who lies to her.
|LineColor=000070
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=56
|EpisodeNumber2=10
|Title=Stocks & Options
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1982|01|22}}
|ShortSummary=Trouble ensues after Benson accepts some stock from Pete as a debt payment.
|LineColor=000070
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=57
|EpisodeNumber2=11
|Title=Kraus's Deadly Mistake
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Rich Reinhart
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1982|02|05}}
|ShortSummary=Kraus tries to live life to the absolute fullest after she gets the idea that she only has six months to live.
|LineColor=000070
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=58
|EpisodeNumber2=12
|Title=Sweet Irish Rose
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1982|02|12}}
|ShortSummary=Former Governor Mulligan pays his successor a visit, bringing his attractive niece, whom the Governor and Clayton both fall in love with.
|LineColor=000070
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=59
|EpisodeNumber2=13
|Title=Street Gangs
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=David Langston Smyrl
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1982|02|19}}
|ShortSummary=Benson tries to help a street gang stay out of trouble by suggesting they bid for a job with the city.
|LineColor=000070
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=60
|EpisodeNumber2=14
|Title=Katie's Romance
|DirectedBy=Linda Day
|WrittenBy=David Langston Smyrl
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1982|02|26}}
|ShortSummary=Katie starts to have romantic feelings for Pete after he accompanies her to a gymnastics meet.
|LineColor=000070
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=61
|EpisodeNumber2=15
|Title=Clayton's Condo
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Rich Reinhart
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1982|03|05}}
|ShortSummary=Benson finds out that Clayton owns his apartment building and Clayton will do anything to avoid repairs.
|LineColor=000070
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=62
|EpisodeNumber2=16
|Title=Getting Even
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Ralph Phillips
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1982|03|12}}
|ShortSummary=A wealthy investor pressures Denise for sexual favors.
|LineColor=000070
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=63
|EpisodeNumber2=17
|Title=Pete the Hero
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy={{WritingCredits
| s = Russ Woody
| t = Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
| slabel = {{abbr|S|Story by}}
| tlabel = {{abbr|T|Teleplay by}}
| order=t
}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1982|03|19}}
|ShortSummary=Pete damages a car he borrowed from Benson to stop a robbery.
|LineColor=000070
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=64
|EpisodeNumber2=18
|Title=In the Red
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1982|03|26}}
|ShortSummary=Benson has his tax records stolen just days before his audit with the IRS. Scatman Crothers guest stars.
|LineColor=000070
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=65
|EpisodeNumber2=19
|Title=Teed Off
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1982|04|02}}
|ShortSummary=Benson, the Governor, Clayton, and Pete are at each other's throats after playing a round of golf together.
|LineColor=000070
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=66
|EpisodeNumber2=20
|Title=The Party's Over
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Rich Reinhart
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1982|04|30}}
|ShortSummary=The Governor learns a lot about dirty politics when his party won't support his renomination. Percy Rodriguez guest stars.
First episode of a 3-parter.
|LineColor=000070
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=67
|EpisodeNumber2=21
|Title=The Lumber Mill
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1982|05|07}}
|ShortSummary=After visiting his old lumber mill, the Governor decides to run for re-election as an independent.
Second episode of a 3-parter.
|LineColor=000070
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=68
|EpisodeNumber2=22
|Title=Black Tuesday
|DirectedBy=John Rich
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1982|05|14}}
|ShortSummary=The Governor's campaign comes to a hectic close: he appears to have lost.
Concluding episode of a 3-parter.
|LineColor=000070
}}
}}
= Season 4 (1982–83) =
{{Episode table
|background=#500050
|overall=2
|season=2
|title=20
|writer=19
|director=15
|airdate=15
|episodes=
{{Episode list
|NumParts= 2
|EpisodeNumber_1=69
|EpisodeNumber_2=70
|EpisodeNumber2_1=1
|EpisodeNumber2_2=2
|Title=Death in a Funny Position
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1982|10|22}}
|ShortSummary=A yacht cruise becomes a murder mystery when the owner of the boat is stabbed to death. More murders are committed on the yacht, but Benson manages to catch the killer and save the day. Ron Carey, Michael Constantine, Lynda Day George, Tab Hunter, and Keene Curtis guest star.
|LineColor=500050
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=71
|EpisodeNumber2=3
|Title=What a Revoltin' Development
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1982|10|29}}
|ShortSummary=While attending a conference in Latin America, Benson and Pete are kidnapped by revolutionaries.
|LineColor=500050
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=72
|EpisodeNumber2=4
|Title=Thy Brother's Keeper
|DirectedBy=Tony Singletary
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1982|11|05}}
|ShortSummary=Benson's younger brother (Tim Reid) visits him at the same time an important report is due.
|LineColor=500050
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=73
|EpisodeNumber2=5
|Title=Quest for Retire
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Ralph Phillips
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1982|11|12}}
|ShortSummary=Charlie, the mansion's gardener, seeks Benson's help to avoid mandatory retirement. Danny Thomas guest stars.
|LineColor=500050
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=74
|EpisodeNumber2=6
|Title=Teacher's Pest
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Richard Vaczy and Don Hart
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1982|11|19}}
|ShortSummary=Kraus must pass an economics test to keep her job. When she finds out that Benson is going to be her teacher, she thinks that it's hopeless.
|LineColor=500050
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=75
|EpisodeNumber2=7
|Title=Benson's Army Reunion
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Ralph Phillips
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1982|11|26}}
|ShortSummary=Benson holds an army reunion. Envy surfaces when Kim, a Korean kid the group befriended during the war, turns out to have become a multi-millionaire.
|LineColor=500050
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=76
|EpisodeNumber2=8
|Title=Benson's New Home
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Bob Colleary
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1982|12|03}}
|ShortSummary=Benson buys a house from a shady salesman and tries to get him to renovate it. Barney Martin guest stars.
|LineColor=500050
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=77
|EpisodeNumber2=9
|Title=Crimes of the Hearth
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1982|12|10}}
|ShortSummary=When Benson's condo is burglarized, he finds out that it won't be easy to catch the crooks. George Murdock guest stars.
|LineColor=500050
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=78
|EpisodeNumber2=10
|Title=Mary and Her Lambs
|DirectedBy=Rob Dames
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1982|12|17}}
|ShortSummary=It's Christmastime and Benson helps an assistant cook keep her foster children.
|LineColor=500050
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=79
|EpisodeNumber2=11
|Title=Pen Pal
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1982|12|31}}
|ShortSummary=Kraus's pen pal, an ex-convict, visits her, hoping for a job.
|LineColor=500050
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=80
|EpisodeNumber2=12
|Title=The Honeymooners
|DirectedBy=Gary Brown
|WrittenBy=Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1983|01|07}}
|ShortSummary=Kraus is about to get married. But when the groom can't make it, Benson stands in as a proxy but ends up really married to her.
|LineColor=500050
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=81
|EpisodeNumber2=13
|Title=Close Encounters on the Third Hole
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1983|01|14}}
|ShortSummary=While Benson and the Governor are playing golf, a UFO shows up.
|LineColor=500050
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=82
|EpisodeNumber2=14
|Title=Katie's Boyfriend
|DirectedBy=Mark Warren
|WrittenBy=Bob Colleary
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1983|01|21}}
|ShortSummary=The Governor allows Katie to go on her first date.
|LineColor=500050
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=83
|EpisodeNumber2=15
|Title=The Royal Painting
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Joan Brooker & Nancy Eddo
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1983|01|28}}
|ShortSummary=A former street gang is hired to paint the mansion in preparation for a visit from the Queen of England.
|LineColor=500050
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=84
|EpisodeNumber2=16
|Title=Boys Night Out
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1983|02|04}}
|ShortSummary=The men come to Benson's house to swap stories, play cards, and watch Tv.
|LineColor=500050
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=85
|EpisodeNumber2=17
|Title=Family Tree
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1983|02|18}}
|ShortSummary=Benson and Clayton learn that they might be related to each other.
|LineColor=500050
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=86
|EpisodeNumber2=18
|Title=Calamity Kraus
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1983|02|25}}
|ShortSummary=Kraus pretends to be a wealthy heiress to keep a manufacturing plant in the state.
|LineColor=500050
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=87
|EpisodeNumber2=19
|Title=Kraus Sings the Blues
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Barry Fanaro & Mort Nathan
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1983|03|04}}
|ShortSummary=Benson hosts a telethon; when other acts cancel, he lets Kraus sing.
|LineColor=500050
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=88
|EpisodeNumber2=20
|Title=Half-Court Trap
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Bill Boulware
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1983|03|11}}
|ShortSummary=Benson learns that his nephew, a basketball star, can hardly read or write.
|LineColor=500050
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=89
|EpisodeNumber2=21
|Title=A View from the Roof
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Barry Fanaro & Mort Nathan
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1983|03|18}}
|ShortSummary=Benson and the Governor try putting an antenna on the roof, but the ladder falls and the two get trapped up there along with Kraus.
|LineColor=500050
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=90
|EpisodeNumber2=22
|Title=Love in a Funny Phase
|DirectedBy=Linda Day
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1983|03|31}}
|ShortSummary=Benson's girlfriend announces she'll date other men.
|LineColor=500050
}}
}}
= Season 5 (1983–84) =
{{Episode table
|background=#B0171F
|overall=2
|season=2
|title=20
|writer=19
|director=15
|airdate=15
|episodes=
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=91
|EpisodeNumber2=1
|Title=Band of Gold
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Winifred Hervey and Bill Boulware
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1983|09|16}}
|ShortSummary=In the fifth-season opener, Denise and Pete are about to get married in the woods and Benson & Kraus become stranded
|LineColor=B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=92
|EpisodeNumber2=2
|Title=Human Element
|DirectedBy=Gary Brown
|WrittenBy=Barry Fanaro & Mort Nathan
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1983|09|23}}
|ShortSummary=A robot is brought into the mansion, causing discomfort among the staff.
|LineColor=B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=93
|EpisodeNumber2=3
|Title=God, I Need This Job
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1983|09|30}}
|ShortSummary=Everyone thinks that Benson is out of his mind when he sees, hears, and talks to the spirit of Jessica Tate (Katherine Helmond).
This episode gives some brief closure to the several cliffhangers that featured in the final episode of Soap, which aired just over two years previously.
|LineColor=B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=94
|EpisodeNumber2=4
|Title=Who's Arnold?
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Winifred Hervey
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1983|10|07}}
|ShortSummary=Benson poses as Kraus's husband when her mother visits from Germany. Deborah Pratt guest stars.
|LineColor=B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=95
|EpisodeNumber2=5
|Title=Full Court Press
|DirectedBy=Katherine Helmond
|WrittenBy=Bill Boulware
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1983|10|21}}
|ShortSummary=Katie is assigned to write a report about what goes on in the mansion, resulting in Clayton's lawsuit against Benson for defamation.
|LineColor=B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=96
|EpisodeNumber2=6
|Title=Down the Drain
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Barry Fanaro & Mort Nathan
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1983|10|28}}
|ShortSummary=Plumbing problems at Benson's flat cause him to call a crotchety old workman to fix his sink. But something unexpected happens to the plumber.
|LineColor=B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=97
|EpisodeNumber2=7
|Title=It Ain't Sheik
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy={{WritingCredits
| s = Ralph Phillips
| t = Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
| slabel = {{abbr|S|Story by}}
| tlabel = {{abbr|T|Teleplay by}}
| order=t
}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1983|11|04}}
|ShortSummary=Benson gets the annoying assignments of persuading a sheik to alter his plans for a multi-million dollar headquarter complex, and of stopping the sheik's passionate advances toward Kraus. Bob Fraser guest stars.
|LineColor=B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=98
|EpisodeNumber2=8
|Title=You Can't Give It Away
|DirectedBy=Rob Dames
|WrittenBy=Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1983|11|11}}
|ShortSummary=Benson wins the state lottery.
|LineColor=B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=99
|EpisodeNumber2=9
|Title=Katie's Cookies
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Barry Fanaro & Mort Nathan
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1983|11|18}}
|ShortSummary=Benson helps Katie win a cookie contest while he's supposed to be testifying against the mob. William Smith guest stars.
|LineColor=B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=100
|EpisodeNumber2=10
|Title=Labor Pains
|DirectedBy=Gary Brown
|WrittenBy=Bill Boulware
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1983|11|25}}
|ShortSummary=While Benson's neighbor is trapped in a snowstorm, Benson must take care of his baby.
|LineColor=B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=101
|EpisodeNumber2=11
|Title=Unlisted Love
|DirectedBy=Gary Brown
|WrittenBy=Winifred Hervey
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1983|12|02}}
|ShortSummary=The Governor meets again the woman (Arlene Golonka) he had a crush on in high school.
|LineColor=B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=102
|EpisodeNumber2=12
|Title=The Governor's Brain Is Missing
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1983|12|16}}
|ShortSummary=Army operatives replace Governor Gatling with a double.
|LineColor=B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=103
|EpisodeNumber2=13
|Title=A Real Gone Daddy
|DirectedBy=Ellen Falcon
|WrittenBy=Daryl G. Nickens
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1983|12|23}}
|ShortSummary=Benson receives an honorary degree at Pete's alma mater, but the festivities take a strange turn when nostalgia transforms Pete into the coffeehouse beatnik poet he used to be. Vincent Schiavelli guest stars.
|LineColor=B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=104
|EpisodeNumber2=14
|Title=Too Pooped to Pip
|DirectedBy=Gary Brown & Mark Warren
|WrittenBy=Winifred Hervey
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1984|01|06}}
|ShortSummary=Benson tries hard to get Gladys Knight and the Pips to perform at a telethon.
|LineColor=B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=105
|EpisodeNumber2=15
|Title=In All the Wrong Places
|DirectedBy=Gary Brown
|WrittenBy=Bill Boulware
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1984|01|13}}
|ShortSummary=Katie's school chum, Winston, starts a campaign to get his widowed mother and Benson to the altar. |LineColor=B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=106
|EpisodeNumber2=16
|Title=Embarrassing Moments
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Debra Frank & Scott Rubenstein
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1984|01|20}}
|ShortSummary=Benson is named Citywide Magazine's "Bachelor of the Month," but the female response threatens his romance with the photographer.
|LineColor=B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=107
|EpisodeNumber2=17
|Title=Take My Life, Please
|DirectedBy=Gary Brown
|WrittenBy=Barry Fanaro & Mort Nathan
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1984|01|27}}
|ShortSummary=When the visiting President orders a security check of all the employees at the mansion, Benson is labeled a spy.
|LineColor=B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=108
|EpisodeNumber2=18
|Title=Beauty and the Beef
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Winifred Hervey
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1984|02|03}}
|ShortSummary=When Benson judges a beauty pageant, Clayton and Governor Gatling try to sway the vote in their directions.
|LineColor=B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=109
|EpisodeNumber2=19
|Title=We Deliver
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Bill Boulware
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1984|02|24}}
|ShortSummary=While Denise is about to give birth, Denise, Benson, and the Governor get stuck in an elevator.
|LineColor=B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=110
|EpisodeNumber2=20
|Title=The Endicott Dynasty
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1984|03|02}}
|ShortSummary=Clayton gets upset when his father (Stephen Elliott) chooses Benson to run his business empire upon his death.
Note: Billie Bird appears as Clayton's Mom, the next year she would join the cast as the Governor's cook.
|LineColor=B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=111
|EpisodeNumber2=21
|Title=The Little Hotel That Could
|DirectedBy=Katherine Helmond
|WrittenBy=Robin Pennington
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1984|03|09}}
|ShortSummary=Kraus nags Benson into joining her to save an old hotel from being torn down.
|LineColor=B0171F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=112
|EpisodeNumber2=22
|Title=Let's Play Doctor
|DirectedBy=Gary Brown
|WrittenBy=Barry Fanaro & Mort Nathan
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1984|05|04}}
|ShortSummary=Benson learns that a crusty old doctor, up for the governor's Humanitarian Award, does not have a medical license.
|LineColor=B0171F
}}
}}
= Season 6 (1984–85) =
{{Episode table
|background=#000000
|overall=2
|season=2
|title=20
|writer=19
|director=15
|airdate=15
|episodes=
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=113
|EpisodeNumber2=1
|Title=The Scandal
|DirectedBy=Gary Brown
|WrittenBy=Barry Fanaro & Mort Nathan
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1984|09|21}}
|ShortSummary=While going undercover, Benson learns that the lieutenant governor is accepting bribes from a construction company. Susan Ruttan guest stars.
|LineColor=000000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=114
|EpisodeNumber2=2
|Title=The Inheritance
|DirectedBy=Gary Brown
|WrittenBy=Kathy Speer & Terry Grossman
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1984|09|28}}
|ShortSummary=Benson finds it hard to believe that he is the sole heir to the Playbird magazine empire. Penny Baker and Joel Brooks guest star.
Note: This episode was filmed much later in production order. Billie Bird appears in the opening titles, but she will not join the series for another six episodes. Ethan Phillips and Didi Conn (who left the show partway through the season) do not appear, and are not billed.
|LineColor=000000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=115
|EpisodeNumber2=3
|Title=Let's Get Physical
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Robin Pennington
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1984|10|12}}
|ShortSummary=Benson's pleasure turns to panic when the attractive doctor who conducted his physical wants to meet with him to discuss the results.
Note: This episode was filmed much later in production order. Billie Bird appears in the opening titles, but she will not join the series for another five episodes. Ethan Phillips and Didi Conn (who left the show partway through the season) do not appear, and are not billed.
Guest Stars: Jayne Kennedy as Dr. Elizabeth Burnett, Belita Moreno as Nurse Mary and Daryl Keith Roach.
|LineColor=000000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=116
|EpisodeNumber2=4
|Title=The Campaign
|DirectedBy=Gary Brown
|WrittenBy=Bill Boulware
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1984|10|19}}
|ShortSummary=After Benson decides to run for lieutenant governor, he learns that a major supporter expects to be repaid with political favors. Dick Sargent guest stars. Part one of two.
|LineColor=000000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=117
|EpisodeNumber2=5
|Title=The Election
|DirectedBy=Gary Brown
|WrittenBy=Winifred Hervey
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1984|10|26}}
|ShortSummary=Benson's campaign runs out of money. When Senator Tyler wants a debate, even though Claytor and Governor Gatling don't like it, Benson accepts the offer. Part two of two.
|LineColor=000000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=118
|EpisodeNumber2=6
|Title=Made in Hong Kong: Part 1
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1984|11|02}}
|ShortSummary=Benson, the Governor, Clayton, and Kraus go off to Hong Kong, where Clayton is mistaken for a famous designer and kidnapped by a fashion tycoon and her henchmen. Marian Mercer guest stars.
Note: Filmed on location in Hong Kong. This episode was filmed later in production order. Billie Bird appears in the opening titles, but she will not join the series for another two episodes. Ethan Phillips and Didi Conn (who left the show partway through the season) do not appear, and are not billed.
|LineColor=000000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=119
|EpisodeNumber2=7
|Title=Made in Hong Kong: Part 2
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1984|11|09}}
|ShortSummary=Benson, with help from the police, is pursued while trying to rescue the captured Governor and Kraus, who earlier attempted to rescue Clayton from Lady Van Dyne.
Note: Filmed on location in Hong Kong. This episode was filmed later in production order. Billie Bird appears in the opening titles, but she will not join the series until the next episode. Ethan Phillips and Didi Conn (who left the show partway through the season) do not appear, and are not billed.
|LineColor=000000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=120
|EpisodeNumber2=8
|Title=Hello, We Must Be Going
|DirectedBy=Gary Brown
|WrittenBy=Bill Boulware
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1984|11|16}}
|ShortSummary=Benson plans to name Kraus his assistant, but things go awry when someone with political clout is hired instead. Denise accepts her dream job with NASA in Texas and asks Benson to help her convince her husband Pete to move to Texas with her.
Note: Final regular appearance of Didi Conn and Ethan Phillips; they will make one more appearance later in the season. Billie Bird had previously appeared as Clayton's mom in episode 5.20 makes her first appearance as the Governor's new cook without any introduction.
|LineColor=000000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=121
|EpisodeNumber2=9
|Title=Double Date
|DirectedBy=Gilbert Moses
|WrittenBy={{WritingCredits
| t = Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
| ex1 = Ron Birnbach
| tlabel = {{abbr|T|Teleplay by}}
| ex1label = {{abbr|S/T|Story and teleplay by}}
}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1984|11|23}}
|ShortSummary=Benson fixes Clayton up with a date.
Guest Stars: Gail Edwards and Annazette Chase.
|LineColor=000000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=122
|EpisodeNumber2=10
|Title=Taking It to the Max
|DirectedBy=Rob Dames
|WrittenBy=Winifred Hervey
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1984|11|30}}
|ShortSummary=Benson is shocked when his sister (Vernee Watson-Johnson) ignores his advice to be cautious with her ex-boyfriend.
|LineColor=000000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=123
|EpisodeNumber2=11
|Title=The Reunion
|DirectedBy=Gilbert Moses
|WrittenBy=Winifred Hervey
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1984|12|07}}
|ShortSummary=Benson visits with his brother and uncle, whom he hasn't seen in years. Julius Harris and Kene Holliday, Helen Martin, Alva L. Petway, James A. Williams and Vernee Watson-Johnson.
|LineColor=000000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=124
|EpisodeNumber2=12
|Title=Make War, Not Love
|DirectedBy=Katherine Helmond
|WrittenBy=Barry Fanaro & Mort Nathan
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1984|12|14}}
|ShortSummary=Benson's attendance at a trade conference sets off two nations' declaration of war.
Guest Stars: Julie Payne as Eunice, Terry Alexander as Mr. Adams and Peter Elbling as President Fredrick Voorhies.
|LineColor=000000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=125
|EpisodeNumber2=13
|Title=Home for Christmas
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Bob Colleary
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1984|12|21}}
|ShortSummary=While unconscious after tripping and falling, Benson dreams about Christmas with his mother.
|LineColor=000000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=126
|EpisodeNumber2=14
|Title=On the Road
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Bill Boulware
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1985|01|11}}
|ShortSummary=When their car breaks down on a country road, Benson & Kraus spend the night at a truck stop where Kraus fends off the advances of a burly truck driver. Mills Watson, John Matuszak and Arthur Taxier guest stars.
|LineColor=000000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=127
|EpisodeNumber2=15
|Title=Take This Job and Love It
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Barry Fanaro & Mort Nathan
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1985|01|18}}
|ShortSummary=Benson takes on a mayor who plans to outlaw breakdancing in public places.
Note: This episode was filmed much earlier in the season when Ethan Phillips and Didi Conn were still cast members. This episode is set immediately after Benson's election as lieutenant governor in October, and is presented as a flashback to explain the appearances of Denise and Pete. Final appearances of Pete (Ethan Phillips) and Denise (Didi Conn).
|LineColor=000000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=128
|EpisodeNumber2=16
|Title=Making Change
|DirectedBy=Rob Dames
|WrittenBy=Winifred Hervey
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1985|01|25}}
|ShortSummary=Benson, the Governor, Kraus, and Clayton talk about people from their pasts who influenced their lives.
|LineColor=000000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=129
|EpisodeNumber2=17
|Title=Solid Gold
|DirectedBy=Gary Brown
|WrittenBy=Bill Boulware
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1985|02|01}}
|ShortSummary=On a trip to Las Vegas, Katie and the Governor do some bonding, Clayton does some gambling, and Benson and Kraus take part in a lounge act. Marty Allen, Pete Barbutti, Ruta Lee, Smothers Brothers, and Bobby Vinton guest star.
|LineColor=000000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=130
|EpisodeNumber2=18
|Title=The Oval Office
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1985|02|08}}
|ShortSummary=Called in by President Reagan because of a remark Benson made, Benson and the Governor get trapped in the Oval Office.
|LineColor=000000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=131
|EpisodeNumber2=19
|Title=Mid-life Cowboy
|AltTitle=Mid-life Crisis
|DirectedBy=Gary Brown
|WrittenBy=Cherie Eichen & Bill Steinkellner
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1985|02|15}}
|ShortSummary=An exhausted Governor Gatling decides to unwind by playing cowboy at a dude ranch. Max Wright guest stars.
|LineColor=000000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=132
|EpisodeNumber2=20
|Title=Scenario
|DirectedBy=Rob Dames
|WrittenBy=Rob Dames & Bob Fraser
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1985|02|22}}
|ShortSummary=The staff attempts to run the state government from a bomb shelter during a nuclear attack war exercise.
|LineColor=000000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=133
|EpisodeNumber2=21
|Title=Dubois: Portrait of a Politician
|DirectedBy=Rob Dames
|WrittenBy=Rob Dames & Bob Fraser
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1985|03|15}}
|ShortSummary=While the Governor is away on business, Benson, as acting governor, vetoes a bill that the Governor had agreed to sign.
Guest Stars: Alex Kubik as Joseph Two Horses and Bob Fraser as Senator Tyler.
|LineColor=000000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=134
|EpisodeNumber2=22
|Title=Katie's Cousin
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Bob Colleary
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1985|03|22}}
|ShortSummary=Katie's cousin Laura (Missy Gold's real-life sister Tracey Gold) persuades Katie to lie to her father about sleeping at a friend's house. Benson sees Katie out at a bar instead.
|LineColor=000000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=135
|EpisodeNumber2=23
|Title=The Bookburner
|DirectedBy=Gary Brown
|WrittenBy=Bob Colleary
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1985|03|29}}
|ShortSummary=Benson's tie-breaking vote on a school bill leads to a major conflict with a powerful senator and to a book-burning.
|LineColor=000000
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=136
|EpisodeNumber2=24
|Title=Jung at Heart
|DirectedBy=Bob Fraser
|WrittenBy=Barry Fanaro & Mort Nathan
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1985|04|05}}
|ShortSummary=When Clayton is passed over for Man of the Year in favor of Benson, his mind plays him a trick: he believes he has become Benson.
|LineColor=000000
}}
}}
= Season 7 (1985–86) =
{{Episode table
|background=#FFA500
|overall=2
|season=2
|title=20
|writer=19
|director=15
|airdate=15
|episodes=
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=137
|EpisodeNumber2=1
|Title=Benson the Hero
|DirectedBy=Rob Dames
|WrittenBy=Bob Colleary
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1985|10|04}}
|ShortSummary=Benson foils an armed robbery. So the robber's attorney hits him with a civil suit.
|LineColor=FFA500
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=138
|EpisodeNumber2=2
|Title=Love and Politics
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Clay Graham & John Donley
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1985|10|11}}
|ShortSummary=Benson revisits his romantic relationship with Senator Hartford, but a bill Clayton supports complicates matters.
Guest Stars: Donna LaBrie as Sen. Diane Hartford, Michelle Callahan as Hostess and Rosie Malek-Yonan as Assistant.
|LineColor=FFA500
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=139
|EpisodeNumber2=3
|Title=Uncle Jack
|DirectedBy=Gary Brown
|WrittenBy=Robin Pennington
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1985|10|18}}
|ShortSummary=Benson tries to bring the Governor and his brother Jack together after a 25-year estrangement.
Guest Stars: Sandy McPeak as Jack Gatling, Donald Gibb as Big Luther and Nicholas Worth as Big Rudy.
|LineColor=FFA500
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=140
|EpisodeNumber2=4
|Title=The Stranger
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Tom Biener & Ron Landry
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1985|10|25}}
|ShortSummary=A mysterious stranger lurks around the Governor's mansion on Halloween night. William Marshall and Tom Biener guest star.
|LineColor=FFA500
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=141
|EpisodeNumber2=5
|Title=We Spy
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Jurgen Wolff
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1985|11|08}}
|ShortSummary=While Benson and Kraus go to East Germany on official business, the two are accused of being spies. Christopher Neame guest stars.
|LineColor=FFA500
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=142
|EpisodeNumber2=6
|Title=$1,000,000 an Hour
|DirectedBy=Gary Brown
|WrittenBy=Elena Yates & Ken Eulo
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1985|11|15}}
|ShortSummary=Benson and Clayton must spend an $8-million surplus before the next fiscal year begins—in mere hours. Martin E. Brooks guest stars.
|LineColor=FFA500
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=143
|EpisodeNumber2=7
|Title=Flight of the Dodo: Part 1
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1985|11|29}}
|ShortSummary=On their way to play golf, Benson, the Governor, and Clayton run into danger with Clayton as their helicopter pilot.
|LineColor=FFA500
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=144
|EpisodeNumber2=8
|Title=Flight of the Dodo: Part 2
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1985|12|06}}
|ShortSummary=After crash-landing the helicopter in the desert, Benson, the Governor, and Clayton struggle to survive.
|LineColor=FFA500
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=145
|EpisodeNumber2=9
|Title=Two Boys and Their Dog
|DirectedBy=Rob Dames
|WrittenBy=Don Hart
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1985|12|13}}
|ShortSummary=One of Clayton's wacky investment schemes involves a wiener dog.
|LineColor=FFA500
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=146
|EpisodeNumber2=10
|Title=Last Man on Earth
|DirectedBy=Gary Brown
|WrittenBy=Tom Biener & Ron Landry
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1986|01|03}}
|ShortSummary=After talk about Halley's comet, Kraus dreams that she and Benson are the only ones left on earth. NOTE: Robert Guillaume's daughter Melissa appears in the dream sequence as Mary. Benson's daughter with Kraus.
|LineColor=FFA500
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=147
|EpisodeNumber2=11
|Title=Secret Love
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Tom Biener & Ron Landry
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1986|01|18}}
|ShortSummary=Clayton's living arrangements create a problem for his confirmation to be the state's budget director. Jack Dodson guest stars.
|LineColor=FFA500
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=148
|EpisodeNumber2=12
|Title=Summer of Discontent
|DirectedBy=Whitney J. LeBlanc
|WrittenBy=Clay Graham & John Donley
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1986|01|25}}
|ShortSummary=Benson's happy-go-lucky nephew arrives to spend the summer with his uncle. Keenen Ivory Wayans guest stars.
|LineColor=FFA500
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=149
|EpisodeNumber2=13
|Title=Parade Rest
|DirectedBy=Rob Dames
|WrittenBy=Bob Colleary
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1986|02|01}}
|ShortSummary=A veteran is hired to retile the bathroom, but disappears.
|LineColor=FFA500
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=150
|EpisodeNumber2=14
|Title=Reel Murder: Part 1
|DirectedBy=Bob Fraser
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1986|02|08}}
|ShortSummary=Actor George Kennedy's plan to film a movie in the Governor's mansion turns into a murder mystery. Joanna Barnes and Robert Picardo guest star. NOTE: Robert Guillaume's son Kevin appears as Watson Street.
|LineColor=FFA500
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=151
|EpisodeNumber2=15
|Title=Reel Murder: Part 2
|DirectedBy=Bob Fraser
|WrittenBy=Bob Fraser & Rob Dames
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1986|02|15}}
|ShortSummary=With everyone's lives in danger and not much time left, they try to crack the case.
|LineColor=FFA500
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=152
|EpisodeNumber2=16
|Title=The Hat and the Ring
|DirectedBy=Lee Shallat
|WrittenBy=Clay Graham & John Donley
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1986|02|22}}
|ShortSummary=Benson is convinced that the question Senator Diane Hartford has for him is "the" question.
|LineColor=FFA500
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=153
|EpisodeNumber2=17
|Title=The Bucks Stop Here
|DirectedBy=Bill Foster
|WrittenBy=Don Hart
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1986|03|01}}
|ShortSummary=Clayton has his sights set on running the family fortune, until he meets his father's young, pretty fiancee.
|LineColor=FFA500
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=154
|EpisodeNumber2=18
|Title=Pardon Me
|DirectedBy=Rob Dames
|WrittenBy=Bob Colleary
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1986|03|15}}
|ShortSummary=Benson persuades the governor to pardon a man wrongly imprisoned for 25 years, but he'd rather stay in prison.
|LineColor=FFA500
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=155
|EpisodeNumber2=19
|Title=Hi, Society
|DirectedBy=Gary Brown
|WrittenBy=Bob Colleary
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1986|03|22}}
|ShortSummary=A conservation expert may help Benson and the Governor pass an important bill. But when Kraus hears of the strategy, she leaks it to a friend, who turns out to be a gossip.
|LineColor=FFA500
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=156
|EpisodeNumber2=20
|Title=Three on a Mismatch
|DirectedBy=Rob Dames
|WrittenBy={{WritingCredits
| s = Bill Overton & Ken Russ
| ex1 = Clay Graham & John Donley
| slabel = {{abbr|S|Story by}}
| ex1label = {{abbr|S/T|Story and teleplay by}}
}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1986|03|29}}
|ShortSummary=The Governor answers a personals ad which results in him dating Benson's old girlfriend.
|LineColor=FFA500
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=157
|EpisodeNumber2=21
|Title=Friends and Enemies
|DirectedBy=Hilton L. Smack
|WrittenBy=Tom Biener & Ron Landry
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1986|04|12}}
|ShortSummary=With Governor Gatling's latest term about to end, the assumption is that he can't run again. Then he learns that he can run again and does, competing with his old friend Benson for the job.
|LineColor=FFA500
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=158
|EpisodeNumber2=22
|Title=And the Winner Is...
|DirectedBy=Gary Brown
|WrittenBy=Tom Biener & Ron Landry
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1986|04|19}}
|ShortSummary=People await to learn the winner of the election.
|LineColor=FFA500
}}
}}
References
External links
- {{IMDb episodes|0078569|Benson}}
- {{epguides|Benson|Benson}}