Tools for this page
Print

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Melissa Camacho

A spin-off of the controversial '70s hit sitcom Soap, BENSON centers on Benson Dubois, a dignified but sharp and outspoken African-American butler who rises from the ranks of domestic service to enter the world of domestic politics. Benson (played by renowned stage actor Robert Guillaume) is hired to oversee the household affairs for widowed Governor Eugene Gatling (James Noble) and his daughter Katie (Missy Gold). Life in the governor's mansion is anything but boring as Benson finds himself trying to keep the household together alongside the governor's eccentric political and domestic staff, including secretary Caroline Williams (Marcy Hill), press assistant Peter Downey (Ethan Phillips), housekeeper Gretchen Kraus (Inga Swenson), and the governor's pompous chief of staff, Clayton Edicott III (Rene Auberjonois). Denise Stevens Downey (Didi Conn) joined the group in later seasons, after Caroline married and left her position. Benson subtly makes fun of a politically dominant white upper class that isn't always in touch with its constituents' varying needs, and it is within this context that Benson's intellect and strong sense of ethics gets him promoted to state budget director, lieutenant governor, and, eventually, a gubernatorial candidate.

Is It Any Good?

3

Overall, Benson is smart and honorable, and he can be viewed as a positive role model. But no matter how successful he becomes, it's hard to forget that the show's original premise is embedded in Hollywood's early stereotypical portrayals of African-Americans as domestic servants. These competing cultural representations create a tension that's easily (but perhaps unfortunately) overlooked due to Benson's distinguished and intellectual behavior and the show's high entertainment value.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.