"The Layoff"--(S1, Episode #6) Discussion Thread

[BensonFan]

Here’s an episode that although having its funny moments, is more serious and dramatic in nature. Benson, being the new Head of Household Affairs, has to lay off 5 members of the Governor’s staff and is particularly troubled that one of them is Miss Ellie, a sweet old lady currently serving as a pastry chef (not an “essential” job). He is restless and worried about how he is going to break the news to her.

Making it especially difficult is Katie’s close relationship with her. She is pleading with Benson not to let Miss Ellie go, but Benson has no choice in the matter.

Missy Gold has a pretty challenging crying scene in this one in which she berates Benson for Miss Ellie’s dismissal: “You made her cry. You didn’t have to do that. I thought you were my friend but you don’t care about anybody!” she yells as she runs crying back to her room, leaving Benson feeling hurt and helpless.

Great scene at the end with Katie’s dad telling her it was his fault Miss Ellie lost her job and not Benson’s and that she really hurt him. Of course, Katie comes to realize the truth of the whole situation and comes down to ask Benson if he’s ok. They hug and all is well again. In fact we find out in the final scene that Miss Ellie does get another job.

It was great to see the more dramatic acting performances in this one. JN, RG, MG and even CM are all very good in this one and very convincing. But since I watch Benson to laugh and for its light-heartedness, this is not really one of my favorites. Yet it remains “watchable” nonetheless because the actors are so good.

Favorites quotes:
Kraus (about firing Miss Ellie): Over my dead body!
Benson: (eyes widening). Hmmm…

Governor: We can’t please all the people all of the time. That’s why we have to face up to this layoff problem head-on and not hide behind a lot of empty phrases. We’ve got to call a spade a spade.
Benson: And right after you call him that, you better run like hell.

Kraus: Benson, you have just earned my share of the strawberry tarts.
Benson: Strawberries give me hives.
Kraus: Yeah, but who can see them?

Governor: This man is a cheat, a fraud, a…
Benson: Politician.

Kraus (in curlers): The kitchen is closed. Get to bed!
Benson: I’m getting under mine.

Outside Contractor (after being grilled by Benson): My luck-I had to come in and change Ralph Nader’s bulb.

By the way, what was the name of the guy Gene fired at the paper mill? Frank Booty? LOL

MILK ALERT!

[svt65]

6 -- The Layoff.

The firing of Old Frank: easily the most disgusting of the governor’s stories that I can recall! :-D

The governor’s speech is much more definitive when he says it on his own terms.

The “spade” reference -- I never heard it as such and didn’t understand the reference until Benson got displeased. At first I thought he was talking about all those unemployed people being ticked off, and wanting to get the Governor.

Ironic that the governor doesn’t know what he’s putting Benson through as he thanks him for helping him do what he has to; 6,302 people lost their jobs.

After the firing scene: one of the most uncomfortable moments I can recall from the show; very well done. Excellent acting from MG. Kraus’ line afterward was horrible, but it didn’t really matter; b/c I was feeling so bad about the situation, I could ignore it. Still, I wonder if she’s the one who told Gene what happened?

Gene’s soothing gentle manner was both practical and effective in setting the record straight.

The closer with the double cake-stealing was unexpected and cute!

Well, I can’t imagine having to fire people, I don’t know if I could do it.

Though depressing and not many laughs, I really liked this episode, excellent acting and it's good for those times when one wants to be angsty. I also have a fondness for Meg Wyllie, who played Miss Ellie, b/c of her role in the Star Trek pilot!

Fave quote(s):
Kraus: It’s not easy, I know. I once had to fire my mother.

[svt65]

I heard Frank Moody. ???

[blink]

I think the Kraus line "The child speaks zhe thuth" was meant by the writers to lighten up the conclusion of a very sad and dramatic scene. I thought it was very funny after all Benson is a sitcom. The thing that I liked most about this episode besides the great acting is how we get to see Benson struggle with his emotions and face up to his responsibilities no matter how personally difficult they may be. It gives the character a very human touch.

[BensonFan]

Originally Posted by svt65

After the firing scene: one of the most uncomfortable moments I can recall from the show; very well done. Excellent acting from MG. Kraus’ line afterward was horrible, but it didn’t really matter; b/c I was feeling so bad about the situation, I could ignore it. Still, I wonder if she’s the one who told Gene what happened?

Good question--I was thinking myself, "How did he find out?" Someone must have told him. Maybe it was Benson?

As for Meg Wylie, she would appear in one other Benson episode.."Once In A Blue Moon" (Season 2? Or 3? One of the two.)

[BensonFan]

Originally Posted by blink

I think the Kraus line "The child speaks zhe thuth" was meant by the writers to lighten up the conclusion of a very sad and dramatic scene. I thought it was very funny after all Benson is a sitcom. The thing that I liked most about this episode besides the great acting is how we get to see Benson struggle with his emotions and face up to his responsibilities no matter how personally difficult they may be. It gives the character a very human touch.

Oh I'm sure it was meant to be a mood-lighter--it was just weird because after she put her hand on his shoulder, you thought that for just a moment she sympathized with him. I think deep down she did, but she didn't want to let him off too easily after all his zingers against her.

[svt65]

Originally Posted by BensonFan

Good question--I was thinking myself, "How did he find out?" Someone must have told him. Maybe it was Benson?

As for Meg Wylie, she would appear in one other Benson episode.."Once In A Blue Moon" (Season 2? Or 3? One of the two.)

For myself, I can't see Benson wanting to talk about what happened; more wanting to just go back to work and keep himself busy (like he did after his mama died). Heaven knows Marcy tried.

Kraus: I think she definitely gave him a good zing there, but then sympathising and caring for both, told the Governor about it.

ANyway, that's my interpretation! :-)

[BensonFan]

Originally Posted by svt65

For myself, I can't see Benson wanting to talk about what happened; more wanting to just go back to work and keep himself busy (like he did after his mama died). Heaven knows Marcy tried.

Kraus: I think she definitely gave him a good zing there, but then sympathising and caring for both, told the Governor about it.

ANyway, that's my interpretation! :-)

Yeah that's probably it...unless somehow the Governor overheard it himself, which is highly unlikely.

Here's another question: Do you think Miss Ellie knew what he was going to tell her? It seemed as if she did but she still reacted strongly after he told her, in a way that she was really upset and stunned. I guess maybe it's just a natural reaction, even if you know it's coming.

And I wonder what kind of cake she made for them in that end scene. Do you think it was fair for the Governor to expect Taylor to give up that piece to him just because he was the Governor? I say you snooze, you lose!

[catlover79]

Lisa, I thought they said the dessert was an eclair. (At least, that's what I THOUGHT I heard). Truly an episode with touching moments and funny zingers, but not a favorite of mine. Next episode!

[BensonFan]

Originally Posted by catlover79

Lisa, I thought they said the dessert was an eclair. (At least, that's what I THOUGHT I heard).

Hmmm...maybe. I'll have to rewatch that part!

[Scoobiedoo30]

is The Layoff The episode when Katie got mad at Benson

[catlover79]

Originally Posted by BensonFan

Good question--I was thinking myself, "How did he find out?" Someone must have told him. Maybe it was Benson?

As for Meg Wylie, she would appear in one other Benson episode.."Once In A Blue Moon" (Season 2? Or 3? One of the two.)

Meg Wyllie also gave funny guest performances on Barney Miller and The Bob Newhart Show.

[Scoobiedoo30]

I did not know that Meg was in Barney Miller and The Bob Newhart Show thanks for the info

[catlover79]

Originally Posted by Scoobiedoo30

I did not know that Meg was in Barney Miller and The Bob Newhart Show thanks for the info

My pleasure.

[BensonFan]

Originally Posted by catlover79

Lisa, I thought they said the dessert was an eclair. (At least, that's what I THOUGHT I heard).

Yep, that's what it was. I watched the episode again yesterday.

I LOVE eclairs!