The BEST episodes of Benson season 1
Every episode of Benson season 1, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Benson season 1!
Butler Benson DuBois is the smartest (and possibly only sane) member of widowed Gov. Eugene Gatling's household staff. Benson always manages to keep his head, no matter what the staffers or the governor's family members throw at him. He begins his post on loan from his employer, Jessica Tate on the show "Soap," but soon wins a permanent place in the governor's staff and heart. His cool head and keen intellect are a perfect complement for the constant craziness that surrounds Gov. Gatling and his entourage.
#1 - One Strike, You're Out
Season 1 - Episode 13 - Aired 12/27/1979
With the mansion's domestic workers on strike, the staff must take on all of the household duties.
#2 - Just Friends
Season 1 - Episode 14 - Aired 1/3/1980
The governor woos a powerful businessman whose wife is Benson's old flame.
#3 - The President's Double
Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 9/27/1979
When a visiting African president is incapacitated, Benson steps into the role and is targeted by assassins.
#4 - Kraus Affair
Season 1 - Episode 17 - Aired 1/31/1980
Kraus has a crush on the butcher and needs help from Benson and Marcy to reel him in.
#5 - Checkmate
Season 1 - Episode 18 - Aired 2/7/1980
A young Soviet chess prodigy hides in Katie's room and nearly causes an international incident.
#6 - Change (Pilot)
Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/13/1979
Benson comes to work for Governor Gatling and helps find a way for a bridge to be built without killing beavers.
#7 - Trust Me
Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 9/20/1979
Katie sneaks off to a rock concert while under Benson's watch.
#8 - Conflict of Interest
Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/18/1979
Governor Gatling is torn between attending Katie's school play and accepting an important political invitation.
#9 - Chain of Command
Season 1 - Episode 15 - Aired 1/10/1980
With the governor ill, the irritating lieutenant governor makes a play for power that the staff tries to thwart.
#10 - Ghost Story
Season 1 - Episode 11 - Aired 12/6/1979
Thinking the mansion is haunted, the staff holds a seance.
#11 - Snowbound
Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/1/1979
Heavy snowfall leaves the staff stuck in a cottage in the woods.
#12 - The Army Wants You
Season 1 - Episode 23 - Aired 5/1/1980
Benson learns that his military unit was the subject of germ warfare testing.
#13 - Bugging the Governor
Season 1 - Episode 16 - Aired 1/24/1980
When hidden microphones are found in the mansion, the staff plots to find the perpetrators.
#14 - Benson in Love
Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/4/1979
Benson falls for an attractive senator he meets in the mansion.
#15 - Jessica
Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 11/8/1979
When the visiting Jessica Tate's elderly companion suddenly dies, Benson must help move the corpse to avoid a political scandal.
#16 - Cold Storage
Season 1 - Episode 19 - Aired 2/28/1980
Benson and Kraus become trapped in a freezing storage room.
#17 - Takin' It to the Streets
Season 1 - Episode 22 - Aired 3/27/1980
To connect with constituents, Governor Gatling and Benson visit a mangy bar.
#18 - The Layoff
Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 10/25/1979
To cut spending, Benson must lay off a sweet old woman, which upsets Katie.
#19 - Old Man Gatlin'
Season 1 - Episode 20 - Aired 3/6/1980
When the governor's loudmouth father visits, it's up to Benson to keep him in check during an important speech.
#20 - Marcy's Vacation
Season 1 - Episode 24 - Aired 5/8/1980
When Marcy plans her vacation, she worries her replacement may take her job.
#21 - Taylor's Bid
Season 1 - Episode 12 - Aired 12/13/1979
Taylor quits to run for public office, but the governor finds he can't do without him.
#22 - War Stories
Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired 11/29/1979
Benson introduces Marcy to an old army buddy, unaware his friend is married.
#23 - Don't Quote Me
Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 11/22/1979
The staff tries to discover who made a disparaging comment about a state senator that has the governor on the defensive.
#24 - Power Play
Season 1 - Episode 21 - Aired 3/20/1980
A mysterious environmental activist causes trouble for the governor and his staff.