02x05 - First Lady

[bunniefuu]

[THEME MUSIC PLAYING]

Oh!

Watch it, watch it watch it. [SIGHS]

You surprised me Benson.

I thought you'd let me fall.

Well, you caught me off-guard.

I'm glad you were there

I could've broken my tureen.

Nah, I'd better not touch that one.

I'll be right back.

I have to show this to Lily.

All right, people.

Gather round, gather round. [CLEARS THROAT]

[HUMMING]

Come now, Benson, the sooner we get finished,

the sooner I can get out of here.

Promise?

This Trans-Allied deal

is of crucial importance to the future of our state.

It could mean new job openings.

I sure hope, one of them is yours.

Leon J. Whitley,

is the owner of Trans-Allied.

He is going to be a guest in this mansion

and he is a very demanding man.

His smallest demand

is absolute perfection.

So, until we get his signature on the dotted line,

we are going to stroke Mr. Whitley and pamper Mr. Whitley

and do everything Mr. Whitley wants.

Now, let me see the seating chart for the dinner.

As soon as it's finished.

You haven't finished it?

I haven't started it.

And why not?

Because I don't have a list of the guests.

[SCOFFS] I don't believe this.

I am surrounded by incompetence.

Now, someone was supposed to provide a guest list

and exactly whose job was that?

Yours.

Oh. [CLEARS THROAT]

Oh, well, in that case, I'm sure I must have

delegated it. Morning.

Ask Marcy.

Ask Marcy what?

About a guest list for the Trans-Allied reception.

Clayton gave it to Lily to approve.

"Show Lily this." "Show Lily that."

Where did he ever dig her up, anyway?

Clayton brought her in because she knows Mr. Whitley.

That's why she's the official hostess.

And let's face it. It can't hurt the Governor

to have a competent and attractive woman by his side.

Then, Marcy, you could have done that.

No way.

Well, I could have done it.

No way.

Hey, you guys. Anybody know where my father is?

Well, he's been in conference all morning, hon.

Well, if you see him, tell him his daughter says hello.

Better make that his daughter, Katie.

Honey, I know you haven't seen very much of your father lately,

but he's been awfully busy making arrangements

for the reception with Lily.

Oh, Marcy. Hi, Daddy!

Oh, hi, sweetheart.

Don't you look pretty this morning.

What'd you think of the story I wrote for English class?

Oh, I haven't had time to read it yet, sweetheart

but I will.

Marcy... Oh, darn.

Now, what did I want to see you about?

I'm afraid I don't know, sir.

No, no, no of course you don't. I don't even know.

Something I was supposed to do.

Read my English paper? Well, that, too.

Ah, Marcy, here's the guest list for the reception.

Thanks Lily. Oh, that was it,

the guest list!

Here you go, sir. Thank you, Marcy.

Here you go, Benson. That was fun.

Let's change places and do it again.

Gene, in exactly minutes,

you're meeting the Trans-Allied lawyers at the Capitol building.

Oh, well, then we'd better hustle.

Afterwards I'm going to take you to lunch

at my favorite Japanese restaurant.

Oh, I love Japanese.

Do I have time to change my socks?

I think our official hostess

just asked the Governor for an unofficial lunch.

What do you think of her, Benson?

Who, Lily?

I think she's very nice.

Yeah.

It's just weird to see Daddy with a girlfriend.

Katie, Lily is just your father's official hostess.

It's like a job.

She's just here to greet people with him,

go to cocktail parties with him,

have dinner with him, and dance with him, that's all.

Like I said, it's weird to see Daddy with a girlfriend.

Here you go, Marcy.

One seating chart.

Oh, thanks.

Oh, that's much cooler.

Things under control?

Yeah, somewhere.

You ever get in touch with that air-conditioning man?

Yeah, I spoke to his answering machine.

He sounds like a very competent man.

I hope to meet him someday.

[GROANS]

Marcy, make a copy of this VIP list for me.

Ah, Benson, I'm

delighted to see you here.

I'm sure you are, Clayton. What is it?

Do you notice anything peculiar?

You sure you want him to answer that?

I am referring to the bead of perspiration

above my left brow.

Nice touch.

Gives you a human quality.

Benson, I never perspire.

I am hot. And it's your fault.

You two want to be alone?

The air-conditioner is broken.

That is why it is hot.

I'm working on it.

Have you called the repair people?

Yes, I left a message at the beep.

Leon J. Whitley demands

that every room he enters

be exactly degrees, no more, no less.

He carries his own thermometer with him to make sure.

Sounds like a fruitcake to me.

You're right, Benson.

We are dealing with a powerful, powerful fruitcake.

And if things don't go exactly according to plan

right down to the last meticulous detail,

this state can bid a fond farewell to , jobs.

Make that ,.

Yours.

Do I make myself perfectly clear?

Uh-huh. And when

Mr. Whitley is through with his thermometer,

I have a perfect place to put it.

Hi, Benson. Is my dad here? No, sugar.

I'll wait here till he gets back.

Hey, Benson, there's a guy in the kitchen

with pounds of liver pate.

That wasn't supposed to be here until tomorrow.

Ah, wonderful, Benson.

Where are you going to put pounds of pate?

On a Ritz cr*cker.

Where have you been, Peter?

Hey, what's it to you?

Please, spare me your macho moments.

I had a photographer getting pictures

of Lily and the Governor at lunch.

Pete, did Daddy come back with you?

Why do you need pictures of them?

Well, I got a feeling about those two.

You know, I wouldn't be surprised to see statehouse nuptials.

What a headline. "Governor picks a Lily." [CHUCKLES]

What are nuptials?

If we told you, you'd never really learn the word.

Dictionary's on the desk.

You know, it would be great for his image if he got married again.

Married?

"When you hear the beep, leave your message."

Beep! Hello, Herb!

This is me, Benson, again from the Governor's mansion.

The air-conditioner's still broke, Herb.

It didn't cure itself.

You have such a wonderful voice.

I hope to meet you someday.

Would you like to know what I look like?

I'll describe myself.

I'm an angry black man with flaring nostrils.

Now, Herb, listen here...

How do you like that? Herb's machine hung up on me.

What are you doing?

Calling him back.

Benson? In a minute, Liebling.

Benson hasn't finished making

a fool of himself yet.

You in charge?

Completely.

Delivery. Sign here, please. He'll do it.

It's me again, Herb.

Uh, I need a signature.

She'll do it. Herb, listen.

What's the matter? You got a broken arm?

No. You want one?

Herb, listen, I'm gonna talk to you like a father.

Now, if you're not over here in one hour,

I'm gonna tell your mama.

Lady.

I'm not signing anything

until I know what it's for.

It's Cornish game hens.

I hate those bite-sized chickens.

Too bad, it's Mr. Whitley's favorite.

He thinks everyone should eat it.

Lady, I ain't got all day.

Oh, all right. Come on.

I'll show you where to put them.

Okay, Katie, what can I do for you?

Oh, excuse me. I'm looking for Benson.

You're too late. He died.

No! I just spoke to him this morning.

He went fast.

Then it's not too late to freeze him till they find a cure.

Freeze him? Yeah, they call that "cryogenics."

Many are called, but few are frozen.

Hey, you mind if I use that?

Cryogenics is a hobby of mine.

But ice sculpture is my life.

Being hassled is mine. I'm Benson.

Ralph Krupnick.

Then you're the guy who's gonna do the ice statue.

Oh, that's cold!

Sorry, occupational hazard.

So, uh,

what kind of statue you want for tomorrow?

Surprise me. Okay, If you step over here,

I'll show you a few examples of my work.

I'll talk to you later, Benson.

All right, sweetheart.

Slides?

Ice doesn't travel very well.

Polar bear. We'll take it.

Don't rush into anything. Here, look at this one.

A whale. I love whales. We'll take a whale.

Select. Don't settle.

Another whale.

That's impossible. I don't have two.

My mistake. It's my wife in Miami.

[TELEPHONE RINGS]

Would you excuse me a minute?

Hello?

Herb? Live? Not recorded?

I can't believe it!

When can you get a man over here?

What? You're coming yourself?

Be still my heart!

Flowers!

Who's that for? Uh, Benson.

You Benson? Yeah, me Benson.

Well, then it's for you, lucky.

I ordered flowers for the table, not the stable.

Hey, Herb, listen here. Herb? Herb?

Wait a minute. No, listen.

Get over here early in the morning.

No, no, don't tell me to cool it.

That's your job.

Benson, did you know the air-conditioner's broken?

Loosen your tie. It is loose.

Well, tighten it.

Hey, this horseshoe is terrific.

It's not ours. It's gotta go back.

No, wait, it can't.

Listen, we'll have Katie hand it to Whitley.

It'll make a great picture.

Pete's our image man. Ralph's our ice man.

Ice sculpture.

Oh. Sorry, occupational hazard.

Would you like to see my slides? Sure.

Oh, wow, I love your work. It's so lifelike.

It looks just like a fat lady on the sand.

That's my wife.

Oh.

She got a lovely smile.

So, how'd you get into this line of work?

It's the Krupnick tradition.

It's interesting.

I promised my father, may he rest in peace,

that Krupnick Ice would live forever.

He must have been very proud of you. He was.

Would you like to see him?

What? You have a picture of your father?

I have my father.

You have your father? Well, not with me.

He's back at the ice house, frozen.

Benson... Oh, excuse me.

Am I interrupting something?

Fortunately, yes.

Governor, this is Ralph Krupnick.

How do you do? Ooh! [CHUCKLES]

Sorry, occupational hazard.

Oh, yeah, I had a job once that involved

occupational hazard.

What job was that? Combat.

I was in the Navy on a Destroyer in the Coral Sea,

and people were trying to k*ll me.

Oh, not our people, of course. The enemy.

Although we did have some

fairly rough times in San Diego.

You see, back then...

Uh, Governor, is there something you wanted to ask me?

Oh! Yeah. Is it hot in here or is it me?

Yes, it's hot in here. The air-conditioner's broken.

Oh, good.

I was afraid I was having hot flashes.

I'm not getting any younger.

Well, there's a lot of that going around.

Daddy, there you are.

I've been looking all over for you. Have you got a minute?

Of course I do, sweetheart.

Will you help me decide what dress to wear for tomorrow?

Honey, I'd love to. Great.

I'll go get the dress and be right back. Now, don't move.

Oh, is it all right if I get a glass of water?

Okay, I'll be right back.

I bet if you showed me the room, I'd get an inspiration.

I bet if you found it yourself, I'd get some work done.

All right, I'll you more slides.

All right, I'll show you the room.

It was nice to have met you, sir.

You don't meet the Governor of the state every day.

I do. Occupational hazard.

Gene, Whitley's limousine is here.

Oh, I'll bet Whitley's furious.

He won't be here till tomorrow.

No, no, no Gene, you misunderstand.

Whitley is here now.

He came a day early.

Arriving unexpectedly is one of his quirks.

He likes to catch people with their pants down.

Oh, you'd think with all his money,

he'd rather play golf.

I'm back! Ran all the way.

Daddy?

Oh, wait till you see it, Benson.

This afternoon, Katie proudly handing Whitley

the horseshoe of flowers. Everybody's smiling.

It's gonna make a great picture.

Well, maybe I'll like it better when I see it framed.

Oh, Benson, how's the air-conditioning coming?

Repair man should be done any moment. [SIGHS]

In time to save the whale.

Oh, is that what it's gonna be, a whale?

Isn't that fascinating?

How'd you get into this line of work?

Uh, my father was in ice.

Still is.

Excuse me, Governor, have you... [TELEPHONE RINGS]

Oh, I'm sorry.

Oh, Benson, if you see Lily,

will you tell her I'm not in my office?

Yes, one minute. Benson, it's the florist on the phone.

They said the horseshoe was delivered by mistake.

Too late. Pete wants it for a picture.

Well, what should I tell him? Be creative.

Uh, I'm sorry.

Benson's not here right now.

When will he be back?

Um, I don't know.

You see, the police just took him away.

That's right, the police.

Yes, he did seem nice, didn't he?

We were all very surprised, too.

What's that?

Yes, if he beats the rap, I'll have him call you.

Bye.

Thank you so much.

What are friends for?

Benson, can I talk to you for a minute?

It's getting late. Shouldn't you be getting dressed?

This is important, Benson. What is it?

Well, I'm finished. You see, herb?

Once you decided to fix it, it didn't take long at all.

It didn't take me long because I didn't fix it.

Benson, about Daddy and Lily.

You didn't fix it? Keep calm.

The parts will be in on the th,

give or take a week. Parts?

Benson, is anybody we know getting married?

Katie, please. You're gonna have to find a way

to fix that air-conditioner.

Benson, the stoves aren't working.

Maybe the pilot light's out.

Oh, no, I had to turn the gas off

to check the air-conditioner.

Well, then turn it back on. I can't.

I broke the handle. Call the gas company.

You call the gas company.

How can I serve Cornish game hens

that are only half-cooked?

Tell them it's a German recipe.

Are you gonna sign for this or what?

No. I'm not gonna sign for it.

Benson, my ice is melting.

Talk to this guy.

Benson, Whitley wants a sandwich. He's hungry.

I don't do sandwiches.

Do I have to take a number or something?

Katie, go upstairs and get dressed.

Okay, don't sign for it.

We're gonna send you the bill anyway.

What about the stoves, Benson?

What about the sandwich, Benson?

"Benson this." "Benson that."

Let me ask you something, Ralph.

Do they have to be dead before you can freeze 'em?

That goes to the table on the south lawn.

Make sure they got plenty of punch out there.

Benson, have you seen Katie?

No, why? Well, Pete's looking for her.

Well, I'm not surprised he can't find her.

I have never seen such confusion. It's a disaster.

Oh, come on, Gretchen.

With no stove and no air-conditioning,

moving the party outside was inspired.

Inspired? We start with an elegant reception,

undhe turns it into a picnic.

Kraus, believe me, working with you is never a picnic.

Oh, don't let her get to you.

Everyone loves the barbecue.

I think you saved the day.

But not my whale.

Anybody need gallons of ice water?

Come on, Ralph. Let's join the party.

It'll make you feel better.

I'm really not in a party mood now that my whale's gone.

Oh, don't be down. You still have your father.

We're ready for the pictures of Whitley and the flowers,

and now I can't find Katie.

I've looked all over for her.

Ah, Peter, there you are.

Mr. Whitley is growing impatient.

Where is Katie? Oh, Katie? Oh, don't worry.

I'll bring her along in a minute.

You'd better. Whitley's ready to walk.

Lovely barbecue, Benson.

We're trying to impress the president

of one of the world's largest conglomerates,

and the Governor of our state is wearing an apron that says,

"Kiss me. I'm the cook."

Benson, you've got to help me find Katie.

Pete, I've got my hands full here.

The Governor is depending on you. I'm depending on you.

You should have stopped at the Governor.

I've got people waiting out there

to be fed. What about them?

We've got , jobs on the line.

What about them? Oh, all right.

Oh, thanks, Benson.

Well, get going!

You mind if I grab a bite while you're looking?

That depends. Would you mind

if I grabbed your throat while you're eating?

Get out!

Katie! Katie!

Hi.

"Hi"?

I've been looking all over for you, young lady.

Well, here I am.

Why aren't you at the party? Because.

Because? Is that all you have to say?

I'm a woman of few words.

Well, I'm a man of little patience.

I noticed that. In the living room.

So, that's the problem.

Well, Katie, things have been so busy around here

the past few days

and just plain crazy since Mr. Whitley arrived.

But, Katie, you should know I didn't mean to snap at you.

I didn't mean to snap at you, either, Benson.

But that doesn't solve things between me and my daddy.

But running away and hiding won't help.

If you have a problem with your father, you should talk to him.

I've tried talking to him.

But he's always too busy.

Well, now isn't the best time.

But he's not too busy for Lily.

And after they get married, she'll move in,

and then he'll never have any time for me.

Now, just hold on a minute.

Who said anything about your father getting married?

Pete, Clayton...

Everybody's talking about it.

Maybe now is the best time.

You stay here. I'll go get your father.

And, Katie, one other thing. What's that?

While you're sitting there,

don't sign your father's name to anything.

Okay, smile.

[CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKING]

Gorgeous.

Okay, now, if we could just hold that

for one more and smile.

[CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKING]

Uh, Peter, perhaps we could get a picture

of Mr. Whitley signing the contract?

Not till my lawyer's finished reading the contracts.

I believe they've read them three times, sir.

Then they'll read them nine more times if necessary.

Of course, sir. [LAUGHS NERVOUSLY]

Well, then, Peter, why don't you get them shaking hands?

Clayton, I know how to do this.

Okay, uh...

Could we have the two of you shaking hands?

Great. Smile.

Don't you have enough yet?

In case you haven't noticed, the heat in here is unbearable.

Right, sir. Now, if I could just have you under the words

"Trans-Allied," Mr. Whitley.

[SIGHS]

[CAMERA CLICKS]

I'm sorry, this dance is taken.

Where do you think you're going?

To see the Governor. Can't you see he's busy?

Not with you blocking my view.

Oh, that's a gem.

Now, if we could just get a smile, Mr. Whitley.

[CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKING]

Haven't you caused enough damage for one day?

That depends on how soon you let go of my arm.

Benson! PETER: Now with the banner.

Excuse me, Governor. Smile!

[CAMERA CLICKS]

We have a small emergency.

If it's small, it can wait. PETER: Smile!

[CAMERA CLICKS]

Does that do it?

It's not quite what I wanted.

What's the problem, Benson?

It's Katie. I think you should talk to her.

Uh, no problem, sir.

You're free tomorrow at :.

If you could switch positions

so that you're to the right of the Governor.

Uh, get a little grin going here.

PETER: [CLEARS THROAT] Okay, smile!

[CAMERA CLICKS]

What about Katie?

She's hiding in your office.

Uh, It's a small office.

I'm sure we'll find her.

PETER: Okay, big smiles, everybody.

[CAMERA CLICKS]

Well, why's she hiding in my office?

Maybe there's an air-conditioner in there.

No, no, no, the whole system's out.

She's heard a lot of gossip.

She thinks you're getting married. PETER: Smile.

[CAMERA CLICKS]

Married? Who would I marry?

Lily Maxwell?

No. I don't think so.

But Katie does, and she's afraid of losing you, sir.

Oh, I see. Well, I better talk to her.

You all excuse me, please.

Governor. Benson.

Well, if I'm not needed any longer...

Oh, wait, Mr. Whitley, Benson, please.

Uh, I'd like to get some sh*ts of you smiling...

[NERVOUSLY] If you don't mind.

I do mind.

Well, I'm glad I haven't signed those papers yet.

Let me tell you something.

If I ran Trans-Allied

as sloppily as your Governor runs a social event,

I wouldn't have a company to move to this state.

You're right, Mr. Whitley. 'Course I'm right.

An event like this shouldn't break down.

It should run like a well-oiled machine.

I hear you talking, Mr. Whitley.

Trans-Allied's reputation is built upon

the customer's confidence that we can deliver the goods.

Yes, sir, deliver the goods!

And when we deliver those goods, they work.

I couldn't agree with you more.

I mean, who cares how hard everybody worked

to make this party a success?

It's a shambles and all because of one crummy air-conditioner

only a month old!

A month old? Why didn't you get it repaired?

Couldn't get the parts.

Well, serves you right.

You should have ordered a Trans-Allied air conditioner.

We did. Trans-Allied is... It's one of ours?

Pete, try not to leak that to the press.

Press? Uh, hold on there a minute, Benson.

Could prove embarrassing, huh?

[NERVOUSLY] Aren't you being a little bit unreasonable?

I don't think so.

Everybody worked very hard

to make this a fine reception for you.

But all we got from you and your air-conditioner

was a lot of hot air.

Now, we can't do much about the air-conditioner.

But as for you? Lighten up.

Well, I...

I suppose I have been a little bit of a... A...

Pick a word. It'll be right.

So, uh, Mr. Whitley, how about one more picture.

This time with a smile?

Well.

You heard the man. Smile!

[GROANS] [CAMERA SHUTTERS CLICKING]

May I come in?

Honey, when Benson said you'd come in here to hide,

it made perfect sense to me.

Lord knows I have come in here to hide many a time.

I always get found, too.

Katie...

Don't you think if I were gonna get married

I'd have told you myself

instead of waiting for you to find it out someplace else?

Then you're not gonna marry Lily?

No.

Because you love me more?

Honey, it's not a contest.

The day may come when there is another woman in my life.

I may even marry her.

Will you love her?

I expect so. [CHUCKLES]

I'm not the type to marry for money.

But, sweetheart, it won't change how I feel about you.

I mean,

what if you were to marry, uh...

What is his name, with the freckles?

Roger? Roger, right.

Roger. What if you decided to marry Roger?

Daddy, Roger's a creep.

You might change your mind. And what if you did?

And you love him.

Would you still love me?

Sure.

You mean you'd love both of us at the same time?

Yeah.

They're different kinds of love, right?

Right.

Honey...

No matter what happens,

I will always love you just as much as I do today.

And I'll always love you.

Daddy? Mm-hmm?

Can we go to the barbecue now? Sure.

I'm starved. Oh, me, too.

And listen, later on,

maybe we can roast some marshmallows

over the barbecue.

I might tell a few stories.

Oh, um, yeah.

Or maybe we could have a sing-along?

Well, Benson, we did it. Whitley signed the papers

and Trans-Allied starts construction

of the new plant next month.

Congratulations, sir.

Oh, no, you did it, Benson.

You won Whitley over.

No, I didn't win him over.

He insisted on fixing the air-conditioner and I let him.

Is that why it's so cold in here?

Yes, it is cold isn't it?

He didn't seem to be happy

unless he had a wrench in his hand.

Well, he certainly seemed happy

at the barbeque. [CHUCKLES]

You know, I never figured him for a tenor.

Well, as I remember correctly, sir.

He was singing bass until Kraus spilled the barbeque sauce on him.

[THEME MUSIC PLAYING]