"Don't Quote Me"--(S1, Episode #9) Discussion Thread

[BensonFan]

A not-so-flattering comment made by the Governor about a Senator was printed in the newspaper—someone in the mansion leaked the information and the Governor is in hot water because of it. He may not get the Senator’s support for one of his bills. Now the staff must find out who the leak is and remove them from the administration.

So what was the comment?
“If Senator Engelhart’s brain were put into a bird, it would fly backwards.”


Naturally everyone in the mansion is suspecting one another and tempers flare as a result. Benson and Marcy get into a heated debate. Taylor accuses Kraus and she quits. Benson tells her he doesn’t think she’s the leak and gets her to stay, convincing her they’ll find the real leak.

Favorite quotes:
Benson: Marcy, in your position how could you go out with a reporter?
Marcy: Because...he has some nice qualities. He’s a man….and he has a job.

Benson: Kraus, what were you doing in the closet?
Kraus: It’s none of your business what I do on my break.

Marcy: He’s (Taylor) turned this into a witch hunt.
Benson: Well, if he was looking for a witch, he’s got the right person (Kraus).

I laughed when Kraus said, “I was looking for a stud!” That line was great and her delivery of it was classic. Until she mentioned it was for the dogs, I thought she was advertising for a man!

I’m trying to understand one line…when Benson yells to the Governor, “Close the door, you’ll expose the _____!” Expose the what? Can’t hear what he’s saying there.

They did a good job in this episode because I must admit, I never suspected Katie. Her explanation of what happened though was a pretty good one. Her school friends say bad things about her dad and she wanted to show them he can be funny. The ending scene is great when the Governor talks about how hard it is to be a parent and whether he should spank or not. “Let’s just say there were a few tears. Of course, bent over my knee, she couldn’t see them.” That was really cute. (But shame on the Governor for taking one bite out of that apple and then putting it back in the bowl. Yuck!!)

I really liked this episode. Funny and clever.

[catlover79]

I thought Benson said, "Close the door, you'll expose the film!" as if they were in a photo darkroom. Nice save. I kind of had a feeling the leak was going to be Katie - it is always the person the rest of the characters would least expect. The stud line was funny, too.

[svt65]

9 -- Don’t Quote Me.

Wonder if this was an earlier filmed episode? Different camera angles, lighting’s off in the kitchen, even some of the lines seem to have an “early” feel.

Kraus: You think this is possible?
Benson: I don’t know.
Kraus: How are you going to do it?
Benson: I don’t know.
Kraus: Well, how long will it take?
Benson: I don’t know.
Kraus: You have all the answers, don’t you?

Regarding the returned apple: perhaps like his brother, the Governor's sins will find him out, too! Maybe the fruit had gone bad, wonder if it was part of the script or maybe JN just felt like a snack?

Benson’s desk is scary; almost as bad as mine.

Fave quote:
Marcy: In a moment of passion, I certainly wouldn’t quote the Governor.

I enjoyed this one a lot, though I don't have too much to say about it, except noting that children of famous parents don't have it easy -- especially in the political field where so much mud-slinging is done.

[BensonFan]

Originally Posted by catlover79

I thought Benson said, "Close the door, you'll expose the film!" as if they were in a photo darkroom.

Oh my God, you're right. Why I couldn't understand that, I have no idea, but it makes perfect sense. Thanks!

[BensonFan]

Originally Posted by svt65

Regarding the returned apple: perhaps like his brother, the Governor's sins will find him out, too! Maybe the fruit had gone bad, wonder if it was part of the script or maybe JN just felt like a snack?

I'm sure it was probably part of the script (JN seemed like a real professional, so I doubt he'd do something the script didn't call for), but I'm guessing either the producers didn't notice it and so they left it, or they thought none of us would even notice.

Wrong.

[BensonFan]

Originally Posted by svt65

Wonder if this was an earlier filmed episode? Different camera angles, lighting’s off in the kitchen, even some of the lines seem to have an “early” feel.

GREAT observation--I looked it up (I have a list of the episodes and the order in which they were filmed) and this particular episode was just the 2nd episode filmed (the 1st was indeed the pilot episode).

Nice detective work there!

[blink]

I thought the scene where the govenor was discussing Katie's punishment with Benson really dates the show.Now days in our politically correct society we never hear any one talking about spanking a child on a TV show. Come to think of it the kids don't get punished at all. Today you can use all the dirty language you want and joke about all kinds of sexual content but just don't bring up the topic of spanking childen.LOL

[catlover79]

Originally Posted by blink

I thought the scene where the govenor was discussing Katie's punishment with Benson really dates the show.Now days in our politically correct society we never hear any one talking about spanking a child on a TV show. Come to think of it the kids don't get punished at all. Today you can use all the dirty language you want and joke about all kinds of sexual content but just don't bring up the topic of spanking childen.LOL

That's so true. Back then kids were actually disciplined, and TV wasn't afraid to show it. Just another example of how badly TV has regressed.

[BensonFan]

Originally Posted by catlover79

That's so true. Back then kids were actually disciplined, and TV wasn't afraid to show it. Just another example of how badly TV has regressed.

Exactly.....and we can get into the whole argument about kids being the way they are today because of that lack of discipline and fear of their parents but I'm sure I'd be preaching to the choir on this forum.