"Chain Of Command"--(S1, Episode #15) Discussion Thread - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

BensonFan · 10-25-2007, 07:54 AM

The shady Lt. Governor Ed Sherman (played by David Ruprecht) tries to take advantage of the Governor’s ailing condition to position himself as the next Governor. Gene does not want to sign a highway appropriations bill that he feels is a waste of the taxpayers’ money and scandalous.

In front of the Governor, Sherman pretends he also opposes the bill but in reality, he is trying to get it passed to please the special interests groups. Until Gene is well enough to go back to work, Sherman assumes the role of Governor and is trying to use his position to get the bill passed. He cares about opinion polls and says the public supports the highway bill, and by signing it he hopes to win the approval of the voters for the next gubernatorial election.

Benson decides he can’t let this happen and organizes a phony opinion poll to show Sherman the public really is against the bill by a large margin. That’s enough to sway Sherman, and he goes ahead with the veto. Soon enough the Governor returns to work and finds out that Sherman lied about his position on the bill.

(I left out a lot of details but this is the gist of the story. I was too tired to give it extensive thought! But that might make for a more lively discussion.)

Not a lot of really great quotes but these are my favorites:
Governor Gatling (in a medicated state): “Ok, who wants to go skinny-dipping?”

Benson: “Let’s get you to bed, Governor. You’re in kind of bad shape.”
Governor Gatling: “Me? Oh no, I’m solid as a rock. You’ll find out later when we go skinny-dipping.”

Sherman: “Just a little piece of advice, amigo. Don’t ever try to make a fool of me again.”
Benson: “Don’t have to. You’re doing a great job all by yourself.”

Benson: “Who got arrested?”
Kraus: “I did. For approaching men on the street after midnight.”

I think this is a decent episode (not as good as some of the upcoming ones); not too bad, not too exciting. And everytime I see David Ruprecht I think of Janet’s husband on “Three’s Company”. I know he hosted some game show too. Can’t think of the name right now.

catlover79 · 10-25-2007, 09:11 PM

This was an OK episode - not one of my favorites except for the classic lines that Lisa mentioned. Just goes to show that Benson was the right choice as the next Lt. Governor. The NEXT episode is one of my all-time favorites - Bugging the Governor!! Can't wait for everyone's comments on that one.

BensonFan · 10-25-2007, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

This was an OK episode - not one of my favorites except for the classic lines that Lisa mentioned. Just goes to show that Benson was the right choice as the next Lt. Governor. The NEXT episode is one of my all-time favorites - Bugging the Governor!! Can't wait for everyone's comments on that one.

Oh I'm excited about that one....it's also one of my favorites. Just a week away....

catlover79 · 10-25-2007, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BensonFan

Oh I'm excited about that one....it's also one of my favorites. Just a week away....

I can't wait!!

svt65 · 10-28-2007, 10:24 PM

Sorry about the posting delay…

15 -- Chain of Command

I must say I don’t understand why Gene doesn’t want a doctor called in. So he has too much to do; he could do it better if he was in A-1 health. Is he afraid it’s something worse, you know the old “ignorance is bliss” policy? Or is it just sheer stubbornness?

Also, obviously this was before he found Dr. Phillips, b/c when Benson was ill (or will be later on), Gene had him called in just like that. He must like his bedside manner, b/c they also become friends, judging from their golfing conversations (again in later episodes).

Does it seem that the Party seems to favor the highway appropriations bill, as he could lose campaign funding, not to mention the highway interests?

Love the moment of camaraderie the trio have against the Lt. Gov.

Is it a confirmation that Sherman is a non-trustworthy character in that he doesn’t seem to have an office in the Mansion [i.e. Gene doesn't want him near]? Or is he just being very tactless in using the Governor’s office? Benson when he was acting Gov. always worked in his own office, no? And… if Sherman’s office *is* at the Capitol, do you think he’s using it while acting Governor, or is he using Gene’s office there as well?

Fave Quote(s):
Sherman: Hold on a second, Benson.
Benson: I can’t. I’ve got to see the governor.
Sherman: What about me?
Benson: I’ve seen you.

Taylor: Governor… sir, highway appropriations bills are practically automatic. They always pass.
Gene: In the past they passed. The past is past.

Benson: Where is it? [the bill]
Taylor: Don’t worry, I took care of it.
Marcy: But he’s going to sign it when he goes to the Capitol. How can we stop him?
Taylor: We can’t.
Benson: Can’t? This country wasn’t built by people who said can’t, Taylor.
Marcy: What do you suggest?
Benson: Beats the hell out of me.

I enjoyed this ep, even though my fave character is really knocked for a loop with his ear infection. I like how the others got together to help keep the better man in office.

And b/c Ruprecht (the Lt. Gov.) played Janet’s husband, since watching this show, I can’t help thinking, “No, Janet, not a good catch!"

BensonFan · 10-28-2007, 10:47 PM

Yes, I think Gene is the stubborn type (we'll see evidence of that again in "The Army Wants You"). He doesn't attend to his own medical needs, but for someone else he's all over it!

Good point about Sherman not having an office in the Governor's mansion. I'm sure his office was at the Capitol Building. I think Gene would have allowed him to have his office at the Governor's mansion if he had a higher opinion of him.

BensonFan · 10-28-2007, 10:57 PM

I just looked David Ruprecht up on imdb and found out the name of the game show he hosted: Supermarket Sweep! I knew I wasn't imagining this.

And David just turned 60 on October 14th.

svt65 · 10-29-2007, 12:18 AM

Yeah, you're right, I forgot about Gene not wanting the cold medicine! Maybe he’s had bad reactions to stuff; he certainly got floaty with what the doc gave him. He was way out there!

And good heavens, as soon as you mentioned Supermarket Sweep, I instantly remembered the poeple running through the aisles with their carts! I still think about the show every once in a while when I'm shopping, but I had completely forgotten the name....

blink · 10-30-2007, 11:14 PM

I think my favorite line was when Taylor was explaining his encounter with the truckers. Taylor: " They ate my pie and made me watch." And the part about Kraus being arrested for approaching men on the street. I wonder if she was wearing her work clothing, now that would have been really funny. The closing scene where Kraus downed Katie's special breakfast drink like it was nothing was my favorite. After she paid her complements she walked out of the kitchen and collapsed. No wonder she had to ask for Benson's assistance getting back on her feet. That concoction ( two eggs, Pepsi, grapefruit juice and alfalfa -sprouts) had to be down right nasty. Katie was probably too smart too drink it herself.

BensonFan · 10-30-2007, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blink

I think my favorite line was when Taylor was explaining his encounter with the truckers. Taylor: " They ate my pie and made me watch." And the part about Kraus being arrested for approaching men on the street. I wonder if she was wearing her work clothing, now that would have been really funny. The closing scene where Kraus downed Katie's special breakfast drink like it was nothing was my favorite. After she paid her complements she walked out of the kitchen and collapsed. No wonder she had to ask for Benson's assistance getting back on her feet. That concoction ( two eggs, Pepsi, grapefruit juice and alfalfa -sprouts) had to be down right nasty. Katie was probably too smart too drink it herself.

I don't know where Katie comes up with her recipes. In another episode she makes eggs with maraschino cherries!

Oh and Taylor also said, "As a gesture of goodwill, I allowed him to back his 18-wheel truck over my moped."

blink · 10-31-2007, 12:46 AM

I'm pretty sure that episode was from season 3 and Katie called it a camp girl omelet. The look on Benson's face

after he sampled one was hilarious. It was all he could do too swallow it.

catlover79 · 10-31-2007, 01:06 AM

I'm still

picturing Taylor on a moped.

BensonFan · 10-31-2007, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

I'm still

picturing Taylor on a moped.

Good point--he looks more like the BMW type to me!

catlover79 · 11-12-2007, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BensonFan

Good point--he looks more like the BMW type to me!

Nothing less than a Lexus.

Did the Lexus even exist in 1980?

catlover79 · 12-16-2007, 08:47 PM

"Made you look!!"

10-25-2007, 09:11 PM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	This was an OK episode - not one of my favorites except for the classic lines that Lisa mentioned. Just goes to show that Benson was the right choice as the next Lt. Governor. The NEXT episode is one of my all-time favorites - Bugging the Governor!! Can't wait for everyone's comments on that one.
	__________________ "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

10-25-2007, 07:54 AM	#1
BensonFan Board Psychologist Senior Member Join Date: Mar 16, 2004 Location: Chicago, IL USA Posts: 2,733	"Chain Of Command"--(S1, Episode #15) Discussion Thread The shady Lt. Governor Ed Sherman (played by David Ruprecht) tries to take advantage of the Governor’s ailing condition to position himself as the next Governor. Gene does not want to sign a highway appropriations bill that he feels is a waste of the taxpayers’ money and scandalous. In front of the Governor, Sherman pretends he also opposes the bill but in reality, he is trying to get it passed to please the special interests groups. Until Gene is well enough to go back to work, Sherman assumes the role of Governor and is trying to use his position to get the bill passed. He cares about opinion polls and says the public supports the highway bill, and by signing it he hopes to win the approval of the voters for the next gubernatorial election. Benson decides he can’t let this happen and organizes a phony opinion poll to show Sherman the public really is against the bill by a large margin. That’s enough to sway Sherman, and he goes ahead with the veto. Soon enough the Governor returns to work and finds out that Sherman lied about his position on the bill. (I left out a lot of details but this is the gist of the story. I was too tired to give it extensive thought! But that might make for a more lively discussion.) Not a lot of really great quotes but these are my favorites: Governor Gatling (in a medicated state): “Ok, who wants to go skinny-dipping?” Benson: “Let’s get you to bed, Governor. You’re in kind of bad shape.” Governor Gatling: “Me? Oh no, I’m solid as a rock. You’ll find out later when we go skinny-dipping.” Sherman: “Just a little piece of advice, amigo. Don’t ever try to make a fool of me again.” Benson: “Don’t have to. You’re doing a great job all by yourself.” Benson: “Who got arrested?” Kraus: “I did. For approaching men on the street after midnight.” I think this is a decent episode (not as good as some of the upcoming ones); not too bad, not too exciting. And everytime I see David Ruprecht I think of Janet’s husband on “Three’s Company”. I know he hosted some game show too. Can’t think of the name right now.

10-28-2007, 10:24 PM	#5
svt65 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Oct 07, 2006 Location: SoCal, USA Posts: 147	Sorry about the posting delay… 15 -- Chain of Command I must say I don’t understand why Gene doesn’t want a doctor called in. So he has too much to do; he could do it better if he was in A-1 health. Is he afraid it’s something worse, you know the old “ignorance is bliss” policy? Or is it just sheer stubbornness? Also, obviously this was before he found Dr. Phillips, b/c when Benson was ill (or will be later on), Gene had him called in just like that. He must like his bedside manner, b/c they also become friends, judging from their golfing conversations (again in later episodes). Does it seem that the Party seems to favor the highway appropriations bill, as he could lose campaign funding, not to mention the highway interests? Love the moment of camaraderie the trio have against the Lt. Gov. Is it a confirmation that Sherman is a non-trustworthy character in that he doesn’t seem to have an office in the Mansion [i.e. Gene doesn't want him near]? Or is he just being very tactless in using the Governor’s office? Benson when he was acting Gov. always worked in his own office, no? And… if Sherman’s office is at the Capitol, do you think he’s using it while acting Governor, or is he using Gene’s office there as well? Fave Quote(s): Sherman: Hold on a second, Benson. Benson: I can’t. I’ve got to see the governor. Sherman: What about me? Benson: I’ve seen you. Taylor: Governor… sir, highway appropriations bills are practically automatic. They always pass. Gene: In the past they passed. The past is past. Benson: Where is it? [the bill] Taylor: Don’t worry, I took care of it. Marcy: But he’s going to sign it when he goes to the Capitol. How can we stop him? Taylor: We can’t. Benson: Can’t? This country wasn’t built by people who said can’t, Taylor. Marcy: What do you suggest? Benson: Beats the hell out of me. I enjoyed this ep, even though my fave character is really knocked for a loop with his ear infection. I like how the others got together to help keep the better man in office. And b/c Ruprecht (the Lt. Gov.) played Janet’s husband, since watching this show, I can’t help thinking, “No, Janet, not a good catch!"

10-28-2007, 10:47 PM	#6
BensonFan Board Psychologist Senior Member Join Date: Mar 16, 2004 Location: Chicago, IL USA Posts: 2,733	Yes, I think Gene is the stubborn type (we'll see evidence of that again in "The Army Wants You"). He doesn't attend to his own medical needs, but for someone else he's all over it! Good point about Sherman not having an office in the Governor's mansion. I'm sure his office was at the Capitol Building. I think Gene would have allowed him to have his office at the Governor's mansion if he had a higher opinion of him.

10-28-2007, 10:57 PM	#7
BensonFan Board Psychologist Senior Member Join Date: Mar 16, 2004 Location: Chicago, IL USA Posts: 2,733	I just looked David Ruprecht up on imdb and found out the name of the game show he hosted: Supermarket Sweep! I knew I wasn't imagining this. And David just turned 60 on October 14th.

10-29-2007, 12:18 AM	#8
svt65 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Oct 07, 2006 Location: SoCal, USA Posts: 147	Yeah, you're right, I forgot about Gene not wanting the cold medicine! Maybe he’s had bad reactions to stuff; he certainly got floaty with what the doc gave him. He was way out there! And good heavens, as soon as you mentioned Supermarket Sweep, I instantly remembered the poeple running through the aisles with their carts! I still think about the show every once in a while when I'm shopping, but I had completely forgotten the name....

10-30-2007, 11:14 PM	#9
blink Member Forum Regular Join Date: Apr 17, 2004 Location: Texarkana AR. Posts: 950	I think my favorite line was when Taylor was explaining his encounter with the truckers. Taylor: " They ate my pie and made me watch." And the part about Kraus being arrested for approaching men on the street. I wonder if she was wearing her work clothing, now that would have been really funny. The closing scene where Kraus downed Katie's special breakfast drink like it was nothing was my favorite. After she paid her complements she walked out of the kitchen and collapsed. No wonder she had to ask for Benson's assistance getting back on her feet. That concoction ( two eggs, Pepsi, grapefruit juice and alfalfa -sprouts) had to be down right nasty. Katie was probably too smart too drink it herself.

10-31-2007, 12:46 AM	#11
blink Member Forum Regular Join Date: Apr 17, 2004 Location: Texarkana AR. Posts: 950	I'm pretty sure that episode was from season 3 and Katie called it a camp girl omelet. The look on Benson's face after he sampled one was hilarious. It was all he could do too swallow it.

10-31-2007, 01:06 AM	#12
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	I'm still picturing Taylor on a moped.

12-16-2007, 08:47 PM	#15
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	"Made you look!!" Attached Images