"Kraus Affair"--(S1, Episode #17) Discussion Thread - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

BensonFan · 11-08-2007, 08:53 AM

In this episode, Kraus has a crush on Larry the butcher and goes overboard in trying to impress him (WAY overboard!). Upset by her inability to attract his interest, Marcy enlists herself and Benson to help her with her methods and her confidence.

By following Benson’s advice (be mysterious!), Kraus gets Larry to ask her out. When he asks her to the Rotarian dinner dance, Kraus is excited but also worried about her inability to dance very well. Again, Marcy gets Benson to help in a very funny dance scene. Eventually the whole staff, including Katie, is singing and humming the “Blue Danube Waltz” and dancing in the kitchen. That’s a great scene.

When the day of the dance comes, Kraus is all decked out in a new, fancy dress. But despite looking nice, she chickens out and runs back to her room when Larry arrives. The Governor and Benson talk to her and find that Kraus has had a long battle with insecurity and rejection. Benson convinces her to give it a try anyway, and the evening ends with Kraus one up on Larry: he gets drunk, tries to get fresh with her, and she ends up meeting another man at the dance. (I guess it didn’t work out too well because we never hear about this man again, either!)

Favorite quotes (there are SO many in this episode, I know I missed quite a few):
Kraus: Why should I be upset? Just because I made a fool of myself?
Benson: That’s a pretty good reason.

Benson: I’ll tell you what: I’ll be Larry and you (Kraus) be you.
Marcy: What about me?
Benson: You be quiet.

Kraus: What was wrong with that?
Benson: Well, if you can manage to tone that down to begging, you might have a shot at it.

Benson: She likes your shirt.
Larry: And my eyes.
Benson: They don’t do nothing for me.
Larry: Well why did she say that?
Benson: You know Miss Kraus.
Larry: I thought I did but is there something different about her?
Benson: Definitely.
Larry: I mean, I saw her lots of times but I never really looked at her before. You know, she’s not half bad.
Benson: What half you lookin’ at?

Governor Gatling: That’s it, Miss Kraus. Let it all out. It’s good for you. Nature has all sorts of ways to help us release tension: Crying, laughing...throwing up.

Governor Gatling: I know women. I used to be married to one.
Benson: No kidding?

Marcy: Just show her (Kraus) the steps.
Benson: The steps are outside, she can’t miss ‘em.

I like this episode. Creative and funny. Lots of good quotes and the memorable kitchen waltz. The scene in Kraus’ bedroom when they are rehearsing what she should say to Larry is really funny too. And did anyone else think Marcy was rude when she said (right in front of Kraus), “Everyone has their own way of expressing interest in someone. Some people just get a little carried away, that’s all.” Wow! Not very nice!

catlover79 · 11-08-2007, 01:06 PM

I loved this episode - it's my favorite this season after Snowbound and Bugging the Governor. The best part by far is the humming/dancing scene in the kitchen. I was very impressed with Caroline McWilliams and Lewis J. Stadlen cutting a rug - they made it look effortless!!

Another reason why I like this episode is that we get to see the sensitive side of Gretchen Kraus. Is there anyone out there who cannot relate to her shyness and fear of rejection? I know I can.

Love all the quotes - and in the case of Marcy, can we say, "pot calling the kettle black??" I'd be careful if I were her!!

BensonFan · 11-08-2007, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

Another reason why I like this episode is that we get to see the sensitive side of Gretchen Kraus. Is there anyone out there who cannot relate to her shyness and fear of rejection? I know I can.

Exactly. And most people who put forth such a tough exterior the way she does tend to use this facade as a way to shield their own insecurities from the world. It's like a wall or a fortress they build to protect themselves. That's my two-bit psychological analysis right there.

svt65 · 11-08-2007, 09:05 PM

17 – Kraus Affair

I guess this one didn't grab me all that much, b/c all I have is quotes!

Marcy (as Kraus): So you’re a butcher.
Benson (as Larry): [pause]. (As himself): What am I supposed to say to that?
Marcy: Improvise, improvise.
Benson (as Larry): Alright, yeah, yeah, I’m a butcher.
Marcy (as Kraus): What do you like to do in your spare time?
Benson (as Larry): Slaughter pigs.

Taylor: [coughs]
Gene: OK, Taylor, I’m reading it.
Taylor: [coughs]
Gene: Will you please stop rushing me?
Taylor: I’m not rushing you, sir, I was clearing my throat.
Gene: I know. That’s what you do when you want to rush me.
Taylor: Those are fakes, this is for real.

Gene: Well, a few nicknames are no reason to get upset. When I was young, the kids used to call me ‘Goofy.’ Look at me now!
Kraus: (looking at him, cries harder).

Benson: Governor, what are you doing here?
Gene: Oh, nothing. Came down here to think.
Benson: In the dark?
Gene: Oh, I think much better in the dark. Just can’t seem to sleep in it.
Benson: Want some milk?
Gene: No, no, it’ll put me right out.

BensonFan · 11-08-2007, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svt65

Benson: Governor, what are you doing here?
Gene: Oh, nothing. Came down here to think.
Benson: In the dark?
Gene: Oh, I think much better in the dark. Just can’t seem to sleep in it.
Benson: Want some milk?
Gene: No, no, it’ll put me right out.

Hey, that's right. This is another "milk" episode. I think I am going to have to go back and make a note of how many "milk" episodes are found in Season 1.

catlover79 · 11-08-2007, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BensonFan

Hey, that's right. This is another "milk" episode. I think I am going to have to go back and make a note of how many "milk" episodes are found in Season 1.

We should all have a swig of milk everytime someone drinks milk on that show!

BensonFan · 11-08-2007, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

We should all have a swig of milk everytime someone drinks milk on that show!

I'm not sure about that. There'd be a nationwide milk shortage if we did!

catlover79 · 11-09-2007, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BensonFan

I'm not sure about that. There'd be a nationwide milk shortage if we did!

Yeah, you're probably right.

blink · 11-11-2007, 09:03 PM

Yes this was a great episode it was classic Benson all the way full of wry observations, insulting put-downs and understated whimsy. Personally I can defiantly relate to Kraus's childhood plight except I was on the other end of the spectrum.

I was the shortest boy in the class though out most of high school and always looked much younger then I really was. It's not easy being different during that stage of life because you want to fit in so much. I can understand how Kraus may have developed some serious insecurities. Favorite line. The governor: When I was a kid they all called me Goofy and look how I truned out.

catlover79 · 11-12-2007, 01:15 AM

blink, where did you find that avatar? It's awesome!!

blink · 11-12-2007, 09:48 PM

I kind of made it myself. Its just a b&w promotion photo that I have in my collection and with the help of Adobe Photo Shop's text tool that's all it took.

catlover79 · 11-13-2007, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blink

I kind of made it myself. Its just a b&w promotion photo that I have in my collection and with the help of Adobe Photo Shop's text tool that's all it took.

I love it! Great job!

catlover79 · 11-15-2007, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BensonFan

Hey, that's right. This is another "milk" episode. I think I am going to have to go back and make a note of how many "milk" episodes are found in Season 1.

I've been watching Family again on DVD - and THOSE people always drank milk, too!!

Milk must have been THE beverage back in the day.

BensonFan · 11-15-2007, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

I've been watching Family again on DVD - and THOSE people always drank milk, too!!

Milk must have been THE beverage back in the day.

Yeah, I guess so!

Hey you know, I can use that cow icon on episodes that feature milk. Something like this:

MILK ALERT!

catlover79 · 11-15-2007, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BensonFan

Yeah, I guess so!

Hey you know, I can use that cow icon on episodes that feature milk. Something like this:

MILK ALERT!

I like that idea, Lisa - go for it!! MOOO!!

11-08-2007, 01:06 PM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	I loved this episode - it's my favorite this season after Snowbound and Bugging the Governor. The best part by far is the humming/dancing scene in the kitchen. I was very impressed with Caroline McWilliams and Lewis J. Stadlen cutting a rug - they made it look effortless!! Another reason why I like this episode is that we get to see the sensitive side of Gretchen Kraus. Is there anyone out there who cannot relate to her shyness and fear of rejection? I know I can. Love all the quotes - and in the case of Marcy, can we say, "pot calling the kettle black??" I'd be careful if I were her!!
	__________________ "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

11-08-2007, 08:53 AM	#1
BensonFan Board Psychologist Senior Member Join Date: Mar 16, 2004 Location: Chicago, IL USA Posts: 2,733	"Kraus Affair"--(S1, Episode #17) Discussion Thread In this episode, Kraus has a crush on Larry the butcher and goes overboard in trying to impress him (WAY overboard!). Upset by her inability to attract his interest, Marcy enlists herself and Benson to help her with her methods and her confidence. By following Benson’s advice (be mysterious!), Kraus gets Larry to ask her out. When he asks her to the Rotarian dinner dance, Kraus is excited but also worried about her inability to dance very well. Again, Marcy gets Benson to help in a very funny dance scene. Eventually the whole staff, including Katie, is singing and humming the “Blue Danube Waltz” and dancing in the kitchen. That’s a great scene. When the day of the dance comes, Kraus is all decked out in a new, fancy dress. But despite looking nice, she chickens out and runs back to her room when Larry arrives. The Governor and Benson talk to her and find that Kraus has had a long battle with insecurity and rejection. Benson convinces her to give it a try anyway, and the evening ends with Kraus one up on Larry: he gets drunk, tries to get fresh with her, and she ends up meeting another man at the dance. (I guess it didn’t work out too well because we never hear about this man again, either!) Favorite quotes (there are SO many in this episode, I know I missed quite a few): Kraus: Why should I be upset? Just because I made a fool of myself? Benson: That’s a pretty good reason. Benson: I’ll tell you what: I’ll be Larry and you (Kraus) be you. Marcy: What about me? Benson: You be quiet. Kraus: What was wrong with that? Benson: Well, if you can manage to tone that down to begging, you might have a shot at it. Benson: She likes your shirt. Larry: And my eyes. Benson: They don’t do nothing for me. Larry: Well why did she say that? Benson: You know Miss Kraus. Larry: I thought I did but is there something different about her? Benson: Definitely. Larry: I mean, I saw her lots of times but I never really looked at her before. You know, she’s not half bad. Benson: What half you lookin’ at? Governor Gatling: That’s it, Miss Kraus. Let it all out. It’s good for you. Nature has all sorts of ways to help us release tension: Crying, laughing...throwing up. Governor Gatling: I know women. I used to be married to one. Benson: No kidding? Marcy: Just show her (Kraus) the steps. Benson: The steps are outside, she can’t miss ‘em. I like this episode. Creative and funny. Lots of good quotes and the memorable kitchen waltz. The scene in Kraus’ bedroom when they are rehearsing what she should say to Larry is really funny too. And did anyone else think Marcy was rude when she said (right in front of Kraus), “Everyone has their own way of expressing interest in someone. Some people just get a little carried away, that’s all.” Wow! Not very nice!

11-08-2007, 09:05 PM	#4
svt65 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Oct 07, 2006 Location: SoCal, USA Posts: 147	17 – Kraus Affair I guess this one didn't grab me all that much, b/c all I have is quotes! Marcy (as Kraus): So you’re a butcher. Benson (as Larry): [pause]. (As himself): What am I supposed to say to that? Marcy: Improvise, improvise. Benson (as Larry): Alright, yeah, yeah, I’m a butcher. Marcy (as Kraus): What do you like to do in your spare time? Benson (as Larry): Slaughter pigs. Taylor: [coughs] Gene: OK, Taylor, I’m reading it. Taylor: [coughs] Gene: Will you please stop rushing me? Taylor: I’m not rushing you, sir, I was clearing my throat. Gene: I know. That’s what you do when you want to rush me. Taylor: Those are fakes, this is for real. Gene: Well, a few nicknames are no reason to get upset. When I was young, the kids used to call me ‘Goofy.’ Look at me now! Kraus: (looking at him, cries harder). Benson: Governor, what are you doing here? Gene: Oh, nothing. Came down here to think. Benson: In the dark? Gene: Oh, I think much better in the dark. Just can’t seem to sleep in it. Benson: Want some milk? Gene: No, no, it’ll put me right out.

11-11-2007, 09:03 PM	#9
blink Member Forum Regular Join Date: Apr 17, 2004 Location: Texarkana AR. Posts: 950	Yes this was a great episode it was classic Benson all the way full of wry observations, insulting put-downs and understated whimsy. Personally I can defiantly relate to Kraus's childhood plight except I was on the other end of the spectrum. I was the shortest boy in the class though out most of high school and always looked much younger then I really was. It's not easy being different during that stage of life because you want to fit in so much. I can understand how Kraus may have developed some serious insecurities. Favorite line. The governor: When I was a kid they all called me Goofy and look how I truned out.

11-12-2007, 01:15 AM	#10
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	blink, where did you find that avatar? It's awesome!!

11-12-2007, 09:48 PM	#11
blink Member Forum Regular Join Date: Apr 17, 2004 Location: Texarkana AR. Posts: 950	I kind of made it myself. Its just a b&w promotion photo that I have in my collection and with the help of Adobe Photo Shop's text tool that's all it took.