dislike Benson so much? What did he ever do to her? I havent watched this show since I was in high school, so I was hoping someone could clear this up for me, I dont recall him ever doing anything to her to make her dislike him so much

Good question. I'm new to the series, but what from what I gather, the animosity between Krauss and Benson was already an established plot motif. So it's really a mystery about the real reason(s) to their comedic hostility.
However, near the ending of the series both become friendlier.

Now the tension between Benson and Clayton is hilariously obvious ;)

In comedy, as in drama, the protagonist (Benson) needs an antagonist. In this case, it's Inga.

Besides, aside from the governor's daughter, wasn't she hostile to pretty much everyone to some degree? I think it was just the nature of her character.

Benson wouldn't have been the same if Benson and Kraus had been best friends. I love their insults of each other. Although Benson disliked Clayton more.

Benson wouldn't have been the same if Benson and Kraus had been best friends. I love their insults of each other. Although Benson disliked Clayton more.

I liked Clayton. He was very good at being pompous.

Benson wouldn't have been the same if Benson and Kraus had been best friends. I love their insults of each other. Although Benson disliked Clayton more.
Krauss's "I hear you!" from the kitchen is one of her most memorable trademarks.

And I totally agree that Benson loathed Clayton more than anybody. I know it's just comedy but you could tell that Benson wouldn't touch Clayton with a 10-ft pole and the man got under his skin. But the comedic insults between him and Krauss were more of a tolerable, friendly exchange.

I liked Clayton. He was very good at being pompous.
Oh I adore Clayton! Sure he was a pain to deal with but sometimes I think he needed a hug or two. His pompousness was really hilarious! And couldn't get classier than that! ;)

The main reason was Kraus had been working at the Mansion along time before Benson came along and he was immediatly put in as "head of household affairs", Basically Kraus' boss! :mad: Kraus totally believed she did not need Benson and was not going to listen to him. Watch the early seasons, she always ignored his memos on Budget cuts, ideas etc..

Their squabbles is one of the reasons why we watch. It makes it entertaning, easy to relate to (in some ways), and good comic relief. I mean, if George Jefferson and Florence the maid didn't fight, or Fred Sanford and Aunt Esther, the show would be kind of bland, and either show would not be as addicting as they are.

Benson and Kraus did come to care for one another over time, though. :)