Benson

The absent-minded Governor Gatling whose stories bored everyone to tears, even though I found them entertaining. Sweet, naïve, humble and caring. His character was completely unbelievable… A truly honest politician who only wants what’s best for everyone? Who are the writers of this show trying to kid? There is no such politician!

(Died shortly after suffering a stroke at the age of 94 - 2016) 

Then there was the egotistical and pompous Clayton who was always competing against Benson. Everyone but the Governor seemed to hate him and Benson mercilessly mocked him every episode, but when it came down to it, Clayton was loyal to them all, despite trying to evict Benson from his apartment in one episode earlier on. I guess they grew on each other as time went by.

(Died of Lung cancer at the age of 79 in 2019) 

Then of course there was Gretchen Kraus, the house keeper. A crotchety German woman who was often the brunt of Benson’s jokes, who would often be in the other room when Benson made a snide comment and would call out “I heeearrrr you!”  Even though she and Benson were often at loggerheads, it was clear that the two of them cared a lot about each other and that even Bensons worst jibes were not really serious. Once again it seems to be a matter of them warming to each other as time progressed.

Then or course there was the bumbling and clueless Smith, who Benson only seemed to tolerate most of the time. And the governor’s secretaries; Marcy (unlucky in love) and Denise (mathematical genius). 

And of course, the governor’s daughter Katie who although she wore some god-awful dresses at times, had good taste in music.

Last but not least, was Benson himself, played by Robert Guillaume, (RIP) the rightful star of the show. What classic expressions he used to put on his face. What great witty putdowns he had in his arsenal. He was definitely the type of guy you wanted on your side in an insult slinging contest. Definitely not someone you’d want to go up against, for sure.

It was quality comedy back in the 80s, although lacks a lot of the irony that makes a comedy great these days. Some of the story lines also became quite silly in the last season or two, but it was well worth watching and gave us a memorable final episode which I have to say was quite cool. To me, Benson is very underrated considering that it went for many seasons. Perhaps it has not aged well?

By the way, those two actors who went on to Star Trek? Ethan Phillips (Smith) went on to play Neelix in Star Trek Voyager while Rene Auberjonis (Clayton) went on to play Odo in Star Trek Deep Space Nine.