Finale...

[babywynton]

I saw the finale when it aired on 10/7/06, and I had it on DVR. My DVR BROKE and I lost that episode and "God I need this job"...anyway...does anyone have or seen the alternate endings? I didn't see the end in 1986, but when I saw it I was disappointed. It ended so fast in the episode...almost like you didn'e even expect it. I really hope that one day they release the series on DVD and include the alernate endings.

[robyrob]

well, it HAS been talked about here before - so far as I know there are no copies of those alternate endings floating around but they DO exist...

although there is no PROOF that anyone has them saved or locked away in a vault somewhere, I believe that several members of the cast have stated that alternate endings were filmed and the cast was never told which ending would've been used had the series continued

in case you don't remember, the last episode never says who won - they end it with Benson and the Governor watching the results together in the kitchen

[BensonFan]

In an interview with James Noble last year, he said that he thinks if the show had been picked up for an 8th season that Benson would have won. If this had happened though, I'm wondering if Noble would have just been written off the show (which I would NOT have liked at all). He was a huge part of the show for 7 years, but what could a former Governor do at the mansion that wouldn't be a huge step down?

[robyrob]

i think they would've kept him on as an advisor - after all he still would've been one of Benson's closest friends, and he definately would be an asset to a new governor - maybe make him a part-time consultant or something

to be honest though, i think the show ran long enough - while I didn't like the cliffhanger ending, another season would've been a bad thing

maybe they'll do a reunion movie someday...

[GSU2004]

Originally Posted by robyrob

i think they would've kept him on as an advisor - after all he still would've been one of Benson's closest friends, and he definately would be an asset to a new governor - maybe make him a part-time consultant or something

to be honest though, i think the show ran long enough - while I didn't like the cliffhanger ending, another season would've been a bad thing

maybe they'll do a reunion movie someday...

Its been way too long. I could see within five years of the cancellation not now; especially with the rare showings of it in syndication. I thought the show was a good show and deserved a much better ending.

[GSU2004]

Originally Posted by babywynton

I saw the finale when it aired on 10/7/06, and I had it on DVR. My DVR BROKE and I lost that episode and "God I need this job"...anyway...does anyone have or seen the alternate endings? I didn't see the end in 1986, but when I saw it I was disappointed. It ended so fast in the episode...almost like you didn'e even expect it. I really hope that one day they release the series on DVD and include the alernate endings.

It would make a good extra on the last season DVD; hoping the releases go that far. With that, the cast could give us their take on how the show should have ended like the cast of Married with Children did on the E True Hollywood Story.

[GSU2004]

Originally Posted by BensonFan

In an interview with James Noble last year, he said that he thinks if the show had been picked up for an 8th season that Benson would have won. If this had happened though, I'm wondering if Noble would have just been written off the show (which I would NOT have liked at all). He was a huge part of the show for 7 years, but what could a former Governor do at the mansion that wouldn't be a huge step down?

I think Robert Guilliaume (sp) also said that in an interview within a few years after the cancellation of the show. They probably would have kept the old governor around as the Chief of Staff or Policy Advisor (full time advisor, of course).

If ABC really knew they were going to cancel the show, then the third candidate should have won and the last episode showing everyone moving out of the mansion, reflecting on the past and looking at the future.

[BensonFan]

Originally Posted by GSU2004

If ABC really knew they were going to cancel the show, then the third candidate should have won and the last episode showing everyone moving out of the mansion, reflecting on the past and looking at the future.

That's not a bad idea either. It would have given a good excuse to get Marcy, Taylor, Pete & Denise back for the last time too, to say goodbye and wish everyone well.

Well, maybe that would be overdoing it, but you know what I mean.

[GSU2004]

Originally Posted by BensonFan

That's not a bad idea either. It would have given a good excuse to get Marcy, Taylor, Pete & Denise back for the last time too, to say goodbye and wish everyone well.

Well, maybe that would be overdoing it, but you know what I mean.

I don't think so, it could have made for a great one hour finale or a wrap up movie for TV. It would have been nice for them to do a 13 episode order for the 8th season and air it as a midseason replacement to wrap up loose ends. Now with the DVD's out, maybe we can see these alternate endings on the last season set as bonus features.

[catlover79]

The way I see the show ending was a third party winning - thus everyone would have to leave the mansion, and that would've tied up the loose ends. That's the way I imagine it happening, anyway.

[BensonFan]

Originally Posted by catlover79

The way I see the show ending was a third party winning - thus everyone would have to leave the mansion, and that would've tied up the loose ends. That's the way I imagine it happening, anyway.

In the DVD extras, Tony Thomas talked about Benson's rise in politics and said something like "he would eventually become Governor". So I don't know if that's his way of saying that Benson would have won that particular election ending the show's run or if maybe he would have run again the following election and won on his second bid.

[svt65]

I would have wanted both to lose to the third opponent as the finale.

Well, really, I would have preferred Gene get his "unprecedented" third term (and as an independent no less)! Just because that would be such a cool accomplishment. Then when that final term was finished, then Benson could take his turn. See, the state could finally have good governors -- for a change!

However, I think if the show had continued, Benson would have won. Wonder what plot lines they would have had though? First Gene would either have to get a high position on staff or else go home to his business. I imagine Clayton and the Senator would have clashed; they’ve both rather pushy personalities. As an aside, would she have had to resign her position, or could she be both First Lady of State X and Senator? Benson’s quick temper and high level of righteousness would probably cause problems, I think; something he really loses it. And of course, the new Lt. Gov. -- would he change his personality working with the Mansion people or would he be a permanent rough edge?

Any other plotlines come to mind?

[James28]

The 7th season finale shouldn't have been a cliffhanger in the first place. Wikipedia said that according to an interview on the first-season DVD set, Benson DuBois won the race.

[blink]

I always thought that the writers really painted themselves into a corner when they decided to have Benson run for governor. If the producers really intended for Benson to become governor than the only logical outcome would be a major shakeup in the cast and I can't recall any other long running sitcom ever pulling that off successfully.

[GSU2004]

Originally Posted by blink

I always thought that the writers really painted themselves into a corner when they decided to have Benson run for governor. If the producers really intended for Benson to become governor than the only logical outcome would be a major shakeup in the cast and I can't recall any other long running sitcom ever pulling that off successfully.

You would have thought they knew the end was coming by having him become a candidate. Sometimes as a show goes on, cast members decide to leave in later seasons for other projects to keep from being typecasted. Maybe some actually hinted that season seven would be their last with the show. So many unanswered questions. I'm still hoping for those bonus DVD features. Maybe, bump the features up to other seasons as perks to get sales up.