"Bugging The Governor"--(S1, Episode #16) Discussion Thread - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

BensonFan · 11-01-2007, 07:47 AM

Ok, I have to start this thread by saying that I LOVE this episode. It’s not only one of my favorite first season episodes, but one of my favorite Benson episodes, period. James Noble also mentioned this one in “Favorites From The First Season” on the DVD.

The gist of this episode is quite simply that the Governor’s mansion is being bugged. Only two rooms in the mansion are safe: Katie’s bedroom and the little (and I mean little!) bathroom on the first floor. Finding out the who, how, and why of this situation makes for a very entertaining and funny episode. Thank goodness a love-spurned Taylor knocked Benson’s paperwork off his desk out of frustration, otherwise Benson would never have spotted that first bug under his desk while bending down to pick the papers up.

In one of my favorite scenes, we see a bunch of grown men try to fit into the children’s chairs in Katie’s room to discuss what to do about the situation (I’m surprised they didn’t break the chairs

). Taylor thinks they should yank the bugs out, but Benson wants to nail the people responsible so he suggests they keep them where they are. The investigator on the scene is willing to proceed in any way the Governor chooses, and Gene chooses to go along with Benson’s plan.

Taylor doesn’t like Benson’s approach: Benson makes up a scandal to get the attention of the buggers. He also creates a script involving himself, Gene, Kraus, and Taylor to trick the buggers into believing the four are involved in some corrupt plot and are going to split a large sum of money. This is another really funny scene that not only fools the buggers (they must not be too bright), but how Benson ties Taylor and Kraus together romantically is priceless.

And then there’s the scene in the little bathroom. Benson, Taylor, and the Governor cram themselves in to discuss the bugs and we can only hope everyone showered because boy, were they ever close! Pay attention to Robert in this scene because at one point he looks like he’s about to lose it—he is definitely on the verge of laughter leaning against JN’s back.

Naturally it ends with the buggers being found, and busted. It seems Taylor was suckered by that woman he was distraught over—she is the one responsible for getting the bugs inside. Poor Taylor, used and then dumped!

Favorite quotes:
Taylor: Sir, let’s go up to Katie’s room.
Governor Gatling: What for?
Benson: Maybe he wants to play with her toys.

Taylor: I can’t wait until we get our share of the money, Gretchen my darling.
Kraus: Ja, Taylor my sweet. Soon we will be dancing the Samba in Rio. It is like a dream come true, my little knockwurst.
Taylor: You are already my dream come true, my furry little bunny.

Governor Gatling: Typo.
Benson: She’s got Type-O blood.
Governor Gatling: Where does it say that?
Benson: On her dog tags.

Taylor: Well, I guess she’ll be going to jail.
Benson: Well, I wouldn’t worry about it, Taylor. Now that you and Kraus got something going, who knows, in a couple years, you all will be married.

Kraus made lifting that chair with one hand look easy. I’ll have to try that.

GREAT episode. Highly recommended!

catlover79 · 11-01-2007, 09:09 AM

I agree with Lisa. I LOVE this episode!! I was howling throughout the whole thing. I lost it when they were reading Benson's script, and Gov. Gatling says "pause".

Taylor and Kraus' "romance" is a winner, as is the infamous scene of the Governor, Taylor and Benson crowding into the tiny bathroom. My favorite episode, next to "Snowbound". A real laugh riot, my little strudelface!!!

Benson (discovering bugs): Maybe Kraus left the door open.
Kraus (far away): I DID NOT!!!!

blink · 11-01-2007, 08:09 PM

I loved this episode it has some outstanding sight gags like the really little bathroom and grown Men setting around in kiddy furniture. You can't get much more comical then that. And did you notice when the table turned over how the governor knocked Katie's poo-bear out of her hands and it arched up over and out towards the camera. The writers did a exellent job on this one.

BensonFan · 11-01-2007, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

I lost it when they were reading Benson's script, and Gov. Gatling says "pause".

"Let's get on with this....pause!"

Yeah, that's great. The first time I ever saw that episode, that line had me cracking up for about 10 minutes!

Love Benson's reaction afterwards too.

BensonFan · 11-01-2007, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blink

I loved this episode it has some outstanding sight gags like the really little bathroom and grown Men setting around in kiddy furniture. You can't get much more comical then that. And did you notice when the table turned over how the governor knocked Katie's poo-bear out of her hands and it arched up over and out towards the camera. The writers did a exellent job on this one.

Yeah, didn't he accidentally kick it with his knee as he was trying to pry himself from the chair?

blink · 11-01-2007, 09:12 PM

I always thought it was part of the scene and probably rehearsed that way because Katie was holding the bear out at about her Knees. But if he did kick it with his foot then it must have been an accident. It would not have been very safe if they had him kick it out of her hands on purpose with his foot. After all it would have been really sad having too watch poor little Katie hobbling around the rest of the show because her daddy kicked her in the knees.

svt65 · 11-01-2007, 10:30 PM

16 -- Bugging the Governor

Sitting in the little chairs -- you think Gene’d have learned from his previous experience with them, before having ended up on his… end. Cute both times though, I must admit!

Augh -- I can’t take Taylor’s annoying song!

Love the little bathroom! Love the little bathroom scene period -- unusual in that it’s non-verbal humor. Also, are *we* supposed to be the mirror? B/c they look out at us.

Think those scripts they used were actually their real ones?

Fave quote:
Harwell: That meeting yesterday, you made it all up?
Benson: Everything. Except for the stuff about Taylor and Kraus.

Yes, I enjoyed this baby! And RG was definitely starting to crack up. I think he must have stepped on/got a little too close to JN somewhere, b/c JN reacted and then RG started to laugh. I love it when the actors start losing it. Fun, fun, fun! I also tend to keep an eye out for JN biting the inside of his mouth to keep a straight face – usually when telling those hilarious stories!

Finally I have to say, those people must have been idiots! [pause] B/c there were various times when the staff says things [oh, look bugs!] that would get me worried that my listening devices had been discovered.

Two thumbs up!! :-D

BensonFan · 11-01-2007, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svt65

Augh -- I can’t take Taylor’s annoying song!

Think those scripts they used were actually their real ones?

What song WAS that anyway? And it did sound annoying. Taylor's little "trumpet" version of it probably didn't help though.

They probably were the real scripts. I'm sure anytime any cast can get away with having to memorize lines, they will!

BensonFan · 11-01-2007, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svt65

I also tend to keep an eye out for JN biting the inside of his mouth to keep a straight face – usually when telling those hilarious stories!

Really? He seems to keep a straight face pretty well, but I just figured it's because he's such an excellent actor. I'll have to pay attention to that.

catlover79 · 11-01-2007, 11:48 PM

That scene in the miniscule bathroom - talk about Close Encounters of the Third Kind!!!

I've been in airplane bathrooms bigger than that!!

BensonFan · 11-02-2007, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

That scene in the miniscule bathroom - talk about Close Encounters of the Third Kind!!!

I've been in airplane bathrooms bigger than that!!

I know what you mean!

And speaking of airplanes, I am heading to Dallas, TX, today and will be back Sunday afternoon. Not sure if I'll be getting on the internet during that time, so keep the conversation going until I get back.

catlover79 · 11-02-2007, 12:06 PM

^ Sure thing!

Have fun and have a safe trip, Lisa.

BensonFan · 11-04-2007, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

^ Sure thing!

Have fun and have a safe trip, Lisa.

I'm back. Well, it wasn't fun but at least it was safe.

No more comments on this episode? Bummer!

catlover79 · 11-04-2007, 06:01 PM

Well, in any case, we're glad you're back!

BensonFan · 11-04-2007, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

Well, in any case, we're glad you're back!

Thanks, Monika!

11-01-2007, 09:09 AM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	I agree with Lisa. I LOVE this episode!! I was howling throughout the whole thing. I lost it when they were reading Benson's script, and Gov. Gatling says "pause". Taylor and Kraus' "romance" is a winner, as is the infamous scene of the Governor, Taylor and Benson crowding into the tiny bathroom. My favorite episode, next to "Snowbound". A real laugh riot, my little strudelface!!! Benson (discovering bugs): Maybe Kraus left the door open. Kraus (far away): I DID NOT!!!!
	__________________ "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

11-01-2007, 09:12 PM	#6
blink Member Forum Regular Join Date: Apr 17, 2004 Location: Texarkana AR. Posts: 950	I always thought it was part of the scene and probably rehearsed that way because Katie was holding the bear out at about her Knees. But if he did kick it with his foot then it must have been an accident. It would not have been very safe if they had him kick it out of her hands on purpose with his foot. After all it would have been really sad having too watch poor little Katie hobbling around the rest of the show because her daddy kicked her in the knees.
	Last edited by blink; 11-01-2007 at 09:49 PM.

11-01-2007, 07:47 AM	#1
BensonFan Board Psychologist Senior Member Join Date: Mar 16, 2004 Location: Chicago, IL USA Posts: 2,733	"Bugging The Governor"--(S1, Episode #16) Discussion Thread Ok, I have to start this thread by saying that I LOVE this episode. It’s not only one of my favorite first season episodes, but one of my favorite Benson episodes, period. James Noble also mentioned this one in “Favorites From The First Season” on the DVD. The gist of this episode is quite simply that the Governor’s mansion is being bugged. Only two rooms in the mansion are safe: Katie’s bedroom and the little (and I mean little!) bathroom on the first floor. Finding out the who, how, and why of this situation makes for a very entertaining and funny episode. Thank goodness a love-spurned Taylor knocked Benson’s paperwork off his desk out of frustration, otherwise Benson would never have spotted that first bug under his desk while bending down to pick the papers up. In one of my favorite scenes, we see a bunch of grown men try to fit into the children’s chairs in Katie’s room to discuss what to do about the situation (I’m surprised they didn’t break the chairs ). Taylor thinks they should yank the bugs out, but Benson wants to nail the people responsible so he suggests they keep them where they are. The investigator on the scene is willing to proceed in any way the Governor chooses, and Gene chooses to go along with Benson’s plan. Taylor doesn’t like Benson’s approach: Benson makes up a scandal to get the attention of the buggers. He also creates a script involving himself, Gene, Kraus, and Taylor to trick the buggers into believing the four are involved in some corrupt plot and are going to split a large sum of money. This is another really funny scene that not only fools the buggers (they must not be too bright), but how Benson ties Taylor and Kraus together romantically is priceless. And then there’s the scene in the little bathroom. Benson, Taylor, and the Governor cram themselves in to discuss the bugs and we can only hope everyone showered because boy, were they ever close! Pay attention to Robert in this scene because at one point he looks like he’s about to lose it—he is definitely on the verge of laughter leaning against JN’s back. Naturally it ends with the buggers being found, and busted. It seems Taylor was suckered by that woman he was distraught over—she is the one responsible for getting the bugs inside. Poor Taylor, used and then dumped! Favorite quotes: Taylor: Sir, let’s go up to Katie’s room. Governor Gatling: What for? Benson: Maybe he wants to play with her toys. Taylor: I can’t wait until we get our share of the money, Gretchen my darling. Kraus: Ja, Taylor my sweet. Soon we will be dancing the Samba in Rio. It is like a dream come true, my little knockwurst. Taylor: You are already my dream come true, my furry little bunny. Governor Gatling: Typo. Benson: She’s got Type-O blood. Governor Gatling: Where does it say that? Benson: On her dog tags. Taylor: Well, I guess she’ll be going to jail. Benson: Well, I wouldn’t worry about it, Taylor. Now that you and Kraus got something going, who knows, in a couple years, you all will be married. Kraus made lifting that chair with one hand look easy. I’ll have to try that. GREAT episode. Highly recommended!

11-01-2007, 08:09 PM	#3
blink Member Forum Regular Join Date: Apr 17, 2004 Location: Texarkana AR. Posts: 950	I loved this episode it has some outstanding sight gags like the really little bathroom and grown Men setting around in kiddy furniture. You can't get much more comical then that. And did you notice when the table turned over how the governor knocked Katie's poo-bear out of her hands and it arched up over and out towards the camera. The writers did a exellent job on this one.

11-01-2007, 10:30 PM	#7
svt65 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Oct 07, 2006 Location: SoCal, USA Posts: 147	16 -- Bugging the Governor Sitting in the little chairs -- you think Gene’d have learned from his previous experience with them, before having ended up on his… end. Cute both times though, I must admit! Augh -- I can’t take Taylor’s annoying song! Love the little bathroom! Love the little bathroom scene period -- unusual in that it’s non-verbal humor. Also, are we supposed to be the mirror? B/c they look out at us. Think those scripts they used were actually their real ones? Fave quote: Harwell: That meeting yesterday, you made it all up? Benson: Everything. Except for the stuff about Taylor and Kraus. Yes, I enjoyed this baby! And RG was definitely starting to crack up. I think he must have stepped on/got a little too close to JN somewhere, b/c JN reacted and then RG started to laugh. I love it when the actors start losing it. Fun, fun, fun! I also tend to keep an eye out for JN biting the inside of his mouth to keep a straight face – usually when telling those hilarious stories! Finally I have to say, those people must have been idiots! [pause] B/c there were various times when the staff says things [oh, look bugs!] that would get me worried that my listening devices had been discovered. Two thumbs up!! :-D

11-01-2007, 11:48 PM	#10
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	That scene in the miniscule bathroom - talk about Close Encounters of the Third Kind!!! I've been in airplane bathrooms bigger than that!!

11-02-2007, 12:06 PM	#12
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	^ Sure thing! Have fun and have a safe trip, Lisa.

11-04-2007, 06:01 PM	#14
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	Well, in any case, we're glad you're back!