"Conflict Of Interest"--(S1, Episode #5) Discussion Thread - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

BensonFan · 08-16-2007, 10:14 AM

This is one of my favorites from Season 1.

Governor Gatling has to decide whether to attend Katie's school play or go to Washington DC for a meeting with the President. Early in the episode, he tells Katie, about her play, "I wouldn't miss it for the world." Well, we later find out that wasn't exactly true....

Benson thinks he should go and see her play, to a point where Gene gets a little annoyed with him, and in a great late-night kitchen scene (complete with milk) tells him, "I know you're thinking of Katie and I appreciate that, but don't tell me what to do."

Another really fantastic scene (and my favorite of the whole episode) is in Katie's bedroom when Gene has to tell Katie he's not going to her play. Katie is obviously disappointed but tries to put on an understanding, strong face for her father. You would think she would be on the verge of tears but he's actually the one who appears to be closer to crying. A great scene and major props to JN & MG for their acting here. I think they really hit the nail on the head.

I like the scene with Kraus and Katie acting out her part in the play. Acting within acting! Very interesting!

My favorite quotes from this one:
Taylor: Aren't you overreacting just a little? My father missed all of my school plays.
Benson: And look what happened to you.

Taylor (to Katie): Your father is going to meet a great leader, respected and admired by at least 17% of the country. (Note: I know President Carter had a pretty low approval rating but was it THAT bad?! WOW!!

)

Does anyone know what a "Seed" catalog is? Is that what the Governor asked Marcy when she told him she had mail for him?

MILK ALERT!

svt65 · 08-17-2007, 01:46 AM

5 -- Conflict of Interest.

Hmm, just noticed most of my "comments" are actually quotes!

Love the scene where Kraus and Katie both vie for the audience’s eye takes the cake! Followed by the telling of the Perilous Saga of the Governor! (Obviously, these three don't know that Gene can fly; we will find out later if he can actually land the plane!)

Katie: I play the wicked witch.
Benson: You must be a good actress.
Kraus: I play the good fairy.
Benson You must be even better.
**
Taylor: My father missed all of my school plays.
Benson: And look what happened to you!

Does that clock in the Governor’s office ever move??

Governor: I don’t need to be reminded of my responsibilities. I’m fully aware of them and I’ve made up my mind on this without the benefit of your opinion [Benson] or yours [Taylor]. Taylor, I realise what’s at stake here and Benson, I know the price I’m paying. I’m going to Washington.
Benson: Where’d that come from?
Taylor: I don’t know, but I wish he gave his speeches that way.

This was the best of the episodes I’ve seen so far in season 1. There were tough choices here and the writer didn’t take the easy way out (e.g. have the governor ditch the president to come to the play). The script had great personal background touches and all the cast had excellent scenes/lines.

We also see how the two leads -- in spite of what they said – are coming together to form a unique parental team. What a fine line Benson must walk, and Gene allow.

The president in 1979 was Jimmy Carter, BTW.

My fave line(s):
Gene: Well, I’ll tell her you talked to me about her talking and I’ll talk to her about it.
**
Katie: But it’s supposed to be parents!
Benson: Well, maybe we can fool them.
**
Benson: When’s the date?
Gene: Uh… oh, the 24th.
Benson: Well, in that case, you can go.

svt65 · 08-17-2007, 02:09 AM

***
Another really fantastic scene (and my favorite of the whole episode) is in Katie's bedroom when Gene has to tell Katie he's not going to her play. Katie is obviously disappointed but tries to put on an understanding, strong face for her father. You would think she would be on the verge of tears but he's actually the one who appears to be closer to crying. A great scene and major props to JN & MG for their acting here. I think they really hit the nail on the head.
***
Agreed. Heck, I was teary-eyed just watching. I got the impression that Gene does indeed know the high price he is paying. Expect he's thinking about his wife as well, no? He's the only one Katie has left of them.

***
Does anyone know what a "Seed" catalog is? Is that what the Governor asked Marcy when she told him she had mail for him?
***

That’s what I got, too; can someone do a caption check? I just figured it was a catalog about… well, seeds. Wouldn’t the business have to grow trees as well as cut them? BTW, loved those lines showing his business experience re: the paper quality. Darn you, Taylor, for changing the subject, I wanted to know what his father felt about the “no profit” paper -- and why they stopped making it. (Yes, I am a geek! :-D )

Also, I picture the president and the governor getting along like a house on hire.

BensonFan · 08-18-2007, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svt65

That’s what I got, too; can someone do a caption check? I just figured it was a catalog about… well, seeds. Wouldn’t the business have to grow trees as well as cut them? BTW, loved those lines showing his business experience re: the paper quality. Darn you, Taylor, for changing the subject, I wanted to know what his father felt about the “no profit” paper -- and why they stopped making it. (Yes, I am a geek! :-D )

I found this information--not sure if it's totally conclusive as to what Gene was referring to:
http://garden.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Seed_Catalogs

It seems more like a gardener's interest--planting flowers and things of that nature. There was an episode when the Governor mentioned wanting to turn his desk around because he can't see the garden the way it faces now. Maybe he has an interest in gardening?

blink · 08-20-2007, 08:40 PM

I particularly like the back-stage scene where Benson and Kraus are arguing over who will get to operate the prop controll machine. Kraus, "Nothing is to complicated for a german". Benson, "How about surrender". Once again just the closing scenes alone make the DVD worth the money. On this episode Benson and the governor are up in Katie's room after she falls to sleep arguing about whether or not she sleeps with the window open or shut. After wakening her Katie's quick solution stills the scene. "Hay guys just Leave it half way open so I can get some sleep".

BensonFan · 08-20-2007, 10:57 PM

Yeah, I'm digging those end scenes too. I can't believe TV Land cut EVERY SINGLE ONE of them, but at least TVL didn't cut anywhere near as much as SGN did!

catlover79 · 09-13-2007, 12:10 AM

I loved this episode - when love and loyalty between a father and daughter is put to the test. I love how Kraus kept screwing up the controls - from the sun swinging amok to the tree that kept rising and falling.

Poor Benson really had to get out of the way!! Missy Gold really had very expressive eyes. No wonder she had most of the adults wrapped around her finger - one look in those big baby blues, they were gone!

The witch costume was very cute, too!!

BensonFan · 09-13-2007, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

The witch costume was very cute, too!!

Gee, I wonder why you like the witch costume so much? Hmmmmm.....

Seriously though, yes it was cute. She cracked me up though: "I want to look ugly!"

catlover79 · 09-14-2007, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BensonFan

Gee, I wonder why you like the witch costume so much? Hmmmmm.....

Seriously though, yes it was cute. She cracked me up though: "I want to look ugly!"

I guess I can't fool you, Lisa.

I love how Katie kept trying to improve her cackle - but she has a ways to go before she sounds like Endora!!

BensonFan · 09-15-2007, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

I guess I can't fool you, Lisa.

I love how Katie kept trying to improve her cackle - but she has a ways to go before she sounds like Endora!!

Well, Katie may not make a good Endora, but I'll bet you Kraus would!

catlover79 · 09-15-2007, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BensonFan

Well, Katie may not make a good Endora, but I'll bet you Kraus would!

I think Kraus could give Endora a real run for her money!!

catlover79 · 11-25-2007, 06:46 PM

I just watched this episode again and I have another favorite quote:

Gov. Gatling: I've never gotten a letter from a President before.
Benson: I have. It said "Greetings!"

In case some people may not know, that was the opening line of a draft notice.

I loved Robert G's delivery of the line, too. Priceless.

catlover79 · 12-16-2007, 08:51 PM

Here are the "witches"!

catlover79 · 04-28-2009, 09:14 PM

Kraus: I was born in a trunk!

Benson: Pity they opened it!

08-16-2007, 10:14 AM	#1
BensonFan Board Psychologist Senior Member Join Date: Mar 16, 2004 Location: Chicago, IL USA Posts: 2,733	"Conflict Of Interest"--(S1, Episode #5) Discussion Thread This is one of my favorites from Season 1. Governor Gatling has to decide whether to attend Katie's school play or go to Washington DC for a meeting with the President. Early in the episode, he tells Katie, about her play, "I wouldn't miss it for the world." Well, we later find out that wasn't exactly true.... Benson thinks he should go and see her play, to a point where Gene gets a little annoyed with him, and in a great late-night kitchen scene (complete with milk) tells him, "I know you're thinking of Katie and I appreciate that, but don't tell me what to do." Another really fantastic scene (and my favorite of the whole episode) is in Katie's bedroom when Gene has to tell Katie he's not going to her play. Katie is obviously disappointed but tries to put on an understanding, strong face for her father. You would think she would be on the verge of tears but he's actually the one who appears to be closer to crying. A great scene and major props to JN & MG for their acting here. I think they really hit the nail on the head. I like the scene with Kraus and Katie acting out her part in the play. Acting within acting! Very interesting! My favorite quotes from this one: Taylor: Aren't you overreacting just a little? My father missed all of my school plays. Benson: And look what happened to you. Taylor (to Katie): Your father is going to meet a great leader, respected and admired by at least 17% of the country. (Note: I know President Carter had a pretty low approval rating but was it THAT bad?! WOW!! ) Does anyone know what a "Seed" catalog is? Is that what the Governor asked Marcy when she told him she had mail for him? MILK ALERT!
	Last edited by BensonFan; 11-25-2007 at 11:16 PM.

09-13-2007, 12:10 AM	#7
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	I loved this episode - when love and loyalty between a father and daughter is put to the test. I love how Kraus kept screwing up the controls - from the sun swinging amok to the tree that kept rising and falling. Poor Benson really had to get out of the way!! Missy Gold really had very expressive eyes. No wonder she had most of the adults wrapped around her finger - one look in those big baby blues, they were gone! The witch costume was very cute, too!!
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

12-16-2007, 08:51 PM	#13
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	Here are the "witches"! Attached Images

08-17-2007, 01:46 AM	#2
svt65 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Oct 07, 2006 Location: SoCal, USA Posts: 147	5 -- Conflict of Interest. Hmm, just noticed most of my "comments" are actually quotes! Love the scene where Kraus and Katie both vie for the audience’s eye takes the cake! Followed by the telling of the Perilous Saga of the Governor! (Obviously, these three don't know that Gene can fly; we will find out later if he can actually land the plane!) Katie: I play the wicked witch. Benson: You must be a good actress. Kraus: I play the good fairy. Benson You must be even better. Taylor: My father missed all of my school plays. Benson: And look what happened to you! Does that clock in the Governor’s office ever move?? Governor: I don’t need to be reminded of my responsibilities. I’m fully aware of them and I’ve made up my mind on this without the benefit of your opinion [Benson] or yours [Taylor]. Taylor, I realise what’s at stake here and Benson, I know the price I’m paying. I’m going to Washington. Benson: Where’d that come from? Taylor: I don’t know, but I wish he gave his speeches that way. This was the best of the episodes I’ve seen so far in season 1. There were tough choices here and the writer didn’t take the easy way out (e.g. have the governor ditch the president to come to the play). The script had great personal background touches and all the cast had excellent scenes/lines. We also see how the two leads -- in spite of what they said – are coming together to form a unique parental team. What a fine line Benson must walk, and Gene allow. The president in 1979 was Jimmy Carter, BTW. My fave line(s): Gene: Well, I’ll tell her you talked to me about her talking and I’ll talk to her about it. Katie: But it’s supposed to be parents! Benson: Well, maybe we can fool them. ** Benson: When’s the date? Gene: Uh… oh, the 24th. Benson: Well, in that case, you can go.

08-17-2007, 02:09 AM	#3
svt65 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Oct 07, 2006 Location: SoCal, USA Posts: 147	* Another really fantastic scene (and my favorite of the whole episode) is in Katie's bedroom when Gene has to tell Katie he's not going to her play. Katie is obviously disappointed but tries to put on an understanding, strong face for her father. You would think she would be on the verge of tears but he's actually the one who appears to be closer to crying. A great scene and major props to JN & MG for their acting here. I think they really hit the nail on the head. * Agreed. Heck, I was teary-eyed just watching. I got the impression that Gene does indeed know the high price he is paying. Expect he's thinking about his wife as well, no? He's the only one Katie has left of them. * Does anyone know what a "Seed" catalog is? Is that what the Governor asked Marcy when she told him she had mail for him? * That’s what I got, too; can someone do a caption check? I just figured it was a catalog about… well, seeds. Wouldn’t the business have to grow trees as well as cut them? BTW, loved those lines showing his business experience re: the paper quality. Darn you, Taylor, for changing the subject, I wanted to know what his father felt about the “no profit” paper -- and why they stopped making it. (Yes, I am a geek! :-D ) Also, I picture the president and the governor getting along like a house on hire.

08-20-2007, 08:40 PM	#5
blink Member Forum Regular Join Date: Apr 17, 2004 Location: Texarkana AR. Posts: 950	I particularly like the back-stage scene where Benson and Kraus are arguing over who will get to operate the prop controll machine. Kraus, "Nothing is to complicated for a german". Benson, "How about surrender". Once again just the closing scenes alone make the DVD worth the money. On this episode Benson and the governor are up in Katie's room after she falls to sleep arguing about whether or not she sleeps with the window open or shut. After wakening her Katie's quick solution stills the scene. "Hay guys just Leave it half way open so I can get some sleep".

08-20-2007, 10:57 PM	#6
BensonFan Board Psychologist Senior Member Join Date: Mar 16, 2004 Location: Chicago, IL USA Posts: 2,733	Yeah, I'm digging those end scenes too. I can't believe TV Land cut EVERY SINGLE ONE of them, but at least TVL didn't cut anywhere near as much as SGN did!

11-25-2007, 06:46 PM	#12
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	I just watched this episode again and I have another favorite quote: Gov. Gatling: I've never gotten a letter from a President before. Benson: I have. It said "Greetings!" In case some people may not know, that was the opening line of a draft notice. I loved Robert G's delivery of the line, too. Priceless.

04-28-2009, 09:14 PM	#14
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	Kraus: I was born in a trunk! Benson: Pity they opened it!