Supporting stars include James Noble playing the major role of Governor Gatling, who is a widower with a young daughter and completely inexperienced in the political arena. Inga Swenson plays Gretchen Wilomena Kraus, the German housekeeper who meticulously keeps a careful eye on Benson, reminding him that his place is NOT in her kitchen. Lewis J. Stadlen plays John Taylor, the governor's political aide, who tries to run the mansion and override the opinions and duties of Governor Gatlin. Caroline McWilliams plays the cheerful, lovable secretary, Marcy, who is constantly assisting Benson as he attempts to untangle diplomatic matters of the mansion. And adorable Missy Gold plays Katherine "Katie" Olivia Gatling, the governor's delightful daughter, who always adds a breath of spring to the messes in the governor's mansion.
Benson's ability to manipulate situations and create positive conclusions will thrill you with his genius throughout all the episodes of Season One. His caustic wit and brilliant analytical cunning are set aside to expose his tender nature in Episode 4, Benson in Love, where the lovely Senator Francine Wade captivates him. In Episode 6, The Layoff, Benson's ability to handle the difficult job of firing the elderly Miss Ellie is softened by his replacement position where she will be highly recognized. Benson's sharp characteristics are found in Episode 23, The Army Wants You, when he discovers that he may have been exposed to a deadly poison while serving in the Army.
You'll delight at the perils of Governor Gatling as he attempts to run the mansion as a grass-roots politician with his finger on the pulse of his people. In Episode 22, Takin' It to the Streets, you'll see the governor get into a fistfight as he tries to ascertain the needs and opinions of his constituents. His tenderness and regard toward his daughter are seen in Episode 9, Don't Quote Me, where he has to discipline her for exposing a personal statement that he made in the mansion. Episode 21, Power Play, shows the governor taking consideration to review a proposal by El Gato the environmentalist who dumps dead fish in the governor's mansion in an effort to stop polluting the rivers.
Katie bends the duties between governor and father in several episodes. The pilot episode is where she pines for beavers soon to be relocated from their home in lieu of a new bridge. In the second episode, Trust Me, Katie pushes her father to the limit when she sneaks out and disappears to a KISS concert; and in Episode 5, Conflict of Interest, Katie's play takes backstage to a presidential meeting of the minds.
Cold-hearted Kraus will melt your heart in Kraus Affair, Episode 17, when Benson and Marcy create Pygmalion magic on the housekeeper to keep her date with the butcher. And in Episode 3, The President's Double, her austere demeanor does not prevent Kraus from saving Benson's life when an attempt is made on the life of African President Ukassi (who he is impersonating) at a dinner at the mansion. Benson repays the favor by giving his gift from Ukassi to Gretchen, which is an ivory elephant.
Marcy will win your heart when she falls in love with Eddie in Episode 10, War Stories, and is tragically let down by Benson when he reveals to her that her lover is already married. In Episode 24, Marcy's Vacation, you'll watch as she struggles with her replacement, Lorraine, who possibly excels beyond Marcy's expectations in her job performance.
John Taylor is constantly sticking his nose into other people's business especially when he goes on a witch-hunt in Episode 9, Don't Quote Me, when everyone is suspected of leaking to the press a mansion statement that is spread across the headlines. In Episode 16, Bugging the Governor, Benson discovers that the person bugging the mansion is no other than Taylor's lover.
Special features included an introduction by Benson (Robert Guillaume), a photo gallery and favorite scenes from the episodes. The retrospective Inside the Governor's Mansion: Remembering Season One of Benson has an introduction by Robert Guillaume (Benson) and, along with Tony Thomas (producer) and James Noble (Governor Gatling), presents commentaries on each actor for his experience and performance in the show.
I thoroughly enjoyed these episodes and surprisingly enough, there was never a trace of racial color in my mind -- as was prominently a part of their initial presentation in 1979. I found the character of Benson a rewarding asset to the mansion and everyone's lives were impressively improved and enriched by his presence. I think these episodes will also bring great enjoyment to your lives, as well.
