04x14 - Katie's Boyfriend

[bunniefuu]

Good morning, Kraus.

Good morning, Benson.

Ooh! I saw Jennifer last night
in the wedding boutique.

Wedding boutique? Jennifer?

Uh, would you like some pastry
with your coffee?

No, thanks.
Did Jennifer...

Uh, how about
a slice of toast?

Kraus, did Jennifer
buy anything?

You mean, did Jennifer buy
a wedding gown?

Mmm, whatever.

I'm sorry, Benson,
Jennifer asked me
not to tell you that.

Hmm.
Makes no difference to me.

Jennifer says anything
to do with weddings makes
you a little crazy.

Oh, that's not true.

She wants to buy
a wedding dress,
that's her business.

I've got some tennis shoes,
doesn't mean I play tennis.

The Governor's got
a smoking jacket,
doesn't mean he smokes.

You've got a swimming suit,
doesn't mean anybody
wants to see you in it.

Jennifer's right.
You are a little crazy.

I know who put her up to this,
her mother.

I've got some bad news
this morning, Benson.

You're not the only one.

The Pentagon called.

They're thinking of moving
Murdock Air Force Base
to Florida.

What?

That's right.

My sources tell me
it's an "economy move."

The Air Force wants to combine
their computer services here

with their administrative
offices in Florida.

The Air Force is the biggest
employer in Hamilton County.

If they move out,
Hamilton County could
be facing a depression.

Don't we have anything
to say about it?

Well, congress has scheduled
hearings on the matter
for next week.

Well, I guess we'd better
get started on
an economic impact report.

We need figures
on projected
unemployment,

loss of tax revenue,
effect on local suppliers.

Eh, buh, buh, buh, buh.

Sir, there's no need
to go to all that trouble.
I'll simply call Binky.

Who is Binky?

Charles Binkman, top-flight
Washington consultant
and a dear friend of mine.

Not only were we
fraternity brothers,

I am godfather
to his first child.

So you're gonna make
him an offer he can't refuse.

What is it that
this Binky can do for us?

Sir, he can pull strings.

He's got connections
in high places.

He can go straight
to the Pentagon,
if need be.

I think we're better off going
through official channels.

Get our paperwork
in order and present
the strongest possible case.

Okay, Benson.
Start gathering data for
an economic impact report.

Sir, what about Binky?

His consulting firm
is highly regarded.

Well, go ahead
and call him, Clayton.

I guess it can't hurt
to approach this problem
from every angle.

Thank you, sir.

Clayton, if you don't mind
my saying so,

I think it's a mistake to
bring your friend in on this.

Well, what is the point
of having powerful friends
if you don't use them?

Because now
you'll owe him one,

and sooner or later
he's gonna call it in.

(SCOFFS) Oh, Benson, Benson.
Benson, you are so naive.

Politicians work
on the principle of one
hand washing the other.

Well, they wouldn't have to
keep washing their hands

if they didn't keep
getting them dirty.

Oh, oh.
That's $,,..

Just hold your horses.

Well, there must be something
wrong with your batteries.

Because I have
$,,..

That's wrong, Benson.

What do you mean,
"That's wrong"?

Well, come here.
Let me check
your figures.

Okay.
Oh, did you add
this figure in?

I certainly did.

That's the phone number
from the Pizza Delight.

What is it doing
on my pad?

Pete ordered food.
I guess he wrote
it down on your pad.

Sorry, Benson.

Here we go.

Pepperoni and anchovies.

Now, it's on me.

I'm sure it will be
before you're finished.

Don't put
that down there.

Where we gonna eat?
In the kitchen.

Okay.
Come on, Denise.

That didn't take you long.
Did you go to
the Pizza Delight?

Nah, I went to
that little place
with all the flies.

Oh. Oh!

Well, Benson, you'll be
delighted to know I spoke
with Binky this afternoon.

Oh, really?
How's the old Binkaroo?

Well, for your information,
this Sunday, the old Binkaroo

is going to be
playing polo with
Clifford Whitfield Pratt.

I thought they always played
with a little white ball.

All right, Benson,
let me spell
this out for you.

Clifford Whitfield Pratt
knows a senator,

who knows
a senior aide
to a congressman,

who knows
the vice-chairman of

the committee
conducting hearings on
Murdock Air Force Base.

A-ha.
Democracy in action.

Ah, Governor.
(CLEARS THROAT)

Don't mind me.

Uh, uh, sir,

I was just telling Benson
that Binky will be dealing
with our problem this Sunday.

In a polo game.

There's no one
in there.

Oh, darn.

Uh, sir,
did you hear me?

Oh, yes.
Binky's playing
polo on Sunday.

Yes, sir, and he has
Cliff Pratt's ear.

Don't try to explain
polo to me, Clayton.
I'll never understand it.

Well, it's
a lot like football,
except with football,

you don't have to
shovel up afterward.

Well, this conversation seems
to be taking a downward turn,
so I'll be taking my leave.

I'll keep you posted on
Binky's progress, sir.
Good night, all.

Uh, Governor?
Huh?

What were you looking
in my bathroom for?

Because I've looked
everywhere else,
and I can't find Katie.

Well, maybe she isn't
home from school yet.

Well, she should be home.
You can see it's after dark.

Well, don't take it
out on me.

Hi.

Where have you been,
young lady?

Yeah, you're getting
us both in trouble.

You said
it was okay, Dad.

I went to the game,
stopped for pizza,
and here I am.

In my office.

Governor, I'm gonna have to
meet Jennifer in a half hour,

and I want to get
this work finished.

Benson, do you mind?
This is a private matter.

Well, then, why don't you
discuss it in private?

We have
no secrets from you.

I think you should have
at least one.

I was talking to the kids.
I didn't know it was late.

You should have phoned.

I'll work
in the bathroom.

Don't leave, Benson.

At the moment, you're the only
reasonable adult in the room.

You watch yourself,
young lady.

I don't believe it.

The first time
I get home a little late,
and you're all over me.

I was worried.

But there's nothing
to worry about.

I'm almost .
Tell him, Benson.

She's almost .

You don't understand.
I'm not a baby anymore.

Benson, the next time
something like this happens,

let me handle it
by myself, huh?

(HUMMING)

Ah, good.
Here you are, Benson.

I've got a bit of news
that should cheer things
up around here.

On behalf of the Governor,
I accept your resignation.

I had a message
on my desk this morning.

And?

And Binky is flying
in tomorrow.

And?

And I presume,
since he's flying in,

he must have
some good news.

But you don't know that?

Well, no.

Good, then I'll keep
working on the report.

(SCOFFS)
Benson, Benson, Benson,
always the pessimist.

Clayton, Clayton, Clayton,
always the pest.

Kraus.

Benson.

Uh, Miss Kraus,
my friend Binky
is arriving tomorrow.

I'd like a very
special lunch for him.

Try Smitty's, they have
a nice crab salad, only $..

He eats here, he gets
what everybody else gets.

Hmm. I won't forget this,
Miss Kraus.

Good.
Then you won't need a menu.

Good morning, Miss Kraus.

Good morning, Governor.
Would you like some coffee?

Yes, thank you.

Well, it looks like
you two made it up.

Yeah, Dad and I
rapped last night.

Yes, we agreed that Katie
is ready to assume
additional responsibilities.

And privileges.

Yes, including going to
the movies with her friends.

Really? You said you had
to think about that one.

Well, I did,
while I was shaving.

Thanks, Dad.
You're the greatest.

Miss Kraus,
could I use your phone?

Sure, go ahead.

Katie is growing up, ja?

(CHUCKLING)
Oh, yes, she is.

I don't know what
I was worried about.

There's nothing wrong
with her going to
the movies with her friends.

Hello, Mrs. Sheridan?
Did Buzzy leave
for school yet?

Buzzy?

Hi, Buzz? Kate.

"Kate"?
Whatever happened to "Katie"?

Uh, listen, if you still want
to take me to the movies
on Saturday, it's okay.

My dad just gave me
permission to go.

Well, all right, then.
It's a date. See you then.
Bye-bye.

Who's Buzzy?

Just a boy in my class.

Now, just a minute, Katie.

When I said you could go to
the movies with your friends,
I didn't mean boys.

Why not?

Well, boys are boys.

That's
a chauvinistic remark.

You are not going out
on a date.

First you say one thing,
then you say the opposite.

I'll never have
a social life.

It will be all right, sir.

She's going through
a difficult time.

I was just like that
at her age.

Oh? How did your father
handle it?

He sent me to America.

Benson, you busy?

As a matter of fact,
I am, sir.

I'm trying to make some sense
out of these statistics.

Oh, well, that's all right.
We can talk
after you're finished.

Okay.

You finished?

What's on your mind,
Governor?

Buzzy.

You mean Binky.

Oh, well, Binky and Buzzy.

Who is Buzzy?

Oh, that's right, Benson.
You don't know about Buzzy.

You've been busy
with the bases.

Well, Buzzy
is the boyfriend.

Binky has a boyfriend?

Oh, no,
Buzzy is Katie's beau.

Let me see
if I have this now.

Binky is the bozo
with the bases,

and Buzzy is
the boyfriend who's the beau.

Basically.
(BOTH LAUGHING)

Governor, Benson, Binky.

(LAUGHING)

We weren't laughing
at you, Binky.

We were laughing at Buzzy.

(LAUGHING)

(CLEARS THROAT)

Mr. Binkman backed out of
a board meeting in Bermuda
to be here for this briefing.

(LAUGHING)

Maybe this isn't
a good time.

(CLEARS THROAT)
I'm sorry, Binky.

I'm sure this has
nothing to do with you.

Oh, nothing at all,
Mr. Binkman.
(LAUGHING)

Please accept...
Stop it, Benson!
Me?

I'm really sorry, Mr. Binkman.
We were just being silly.

Now, please have a seat.
Oh, thank you.

I really appreciate
your flying all the way
out here to meet with us.

Well, believe me,
it's a pleasure to be out of
Washington this time of year.

We certainly hope you have
something wonderful to tell us
about the air base.

Well, I've discussed this
with several key people,

and I've had their assurance
that the move of
Murdock to Florida

is in the best economic
interests of all concerned.

Given my perspective,
that just doesn't add up.

My figures aren't complete,

but from what
I can see so far,

it would be cheaper to
move the administrative
offices here.

I'm afraid I have to
agree with Benson.

It seems to me
that we're not getting
all the information.

Well, I can see why
the people of this state
elected you, Governor.

You cut right through
to the nitty-gritty.

Yes, he does, doesn't he?

Why don't we all just cut
through to the nitty-gritty?

What is really going on,
Binky?

Well, I wasn't supposed
to get into this area,

and I want your assurance that
what I am about to tell you
will not leave this room.

Absolutely.

The move of
Murdock Air Force Base

is in the interest
of national security.

A-ha.

National security?

So filing a protest
wouldn't do us any good?

It's not my place to tell
you how to run your state,

but I know it's
a lot of paperwork,

and to be perfectly frank,
it would be a waste of time.

Well, that's very
disappointing.

I'm sorry, but my hands
are tied on this one,
I'm afraid.

Well, listen, I'm going to be
in town through the weekend.

If there's anything else I can
do for you, please call me.

I'm staying at the, um...

Lemley House.
I've got the number.

Well, thank you,
Mr. Binkman.

Governor.
Benson.

Binky, I'll be right out.
We'll get you checked in,
then we'll lunch at my club.

I'll be waiting
in the car.

Atta boy. (CHUCKLES)

Well, what do you think
of Binky?

Not much.

Now, wait a minute, Benson.

I'm afraid he's giving us
the runaround.

I got the same impression,
Clayton.

When the Pentagon called,
they said the move
was for economy reasons,

and now, all of a sudden,
it's national security.

Somebody doesn't have
their story straight.

Are you implying
that my friend
is lying?

No, no, no, no.
I'm just saying it warrants
further investigation.

Right.
Stay on this, Benson.

And keep me
informed.

Sir, I...

(SCOFFS)
I see no necessity for
continuing this investigation.

Binky made it perfectly
clear, it's a matter
of national security.

You heard it from
the horse's mouth.

And now we're hearing it
from the other end.

Excuse me, Governor.

Oh, you're back already.
What did Katie say?

That she intends
to stay in her room.

For how long?

Until she is .

Oh, Benson,
still at it, huh?

Yep.

Quiet, Benson.
This is important.

Governor,
Katie is very responsible,

und there is nothing wrong
with her going to the movies

with a nice
-year-old boy.

How do you know
he's nice?

I don't.

But I'm willing to take
Katie's word for it.

Aren't you?

Good night, sir.

Oh, good grief.

It's harder to be a father
than it is to be a governor.

Of course, it's easier
to get to be a father

than it is to get
to be a governor.

And you don't have to
shake as many hands.

But Kraus is right.
Katie's right.

I'm making
too much of this.

Well, Katie's been holding on
to your hand for years now,
and you can't let go.

You mean, uh, Katie's ready
to date, but I'm not, eh?

(LAUGHING)
You're ready, but who cares?

(LAUGHING)
Thank you, my friend.

Well, I'm gonna
get back to work.

How's the investigation
coming along?

I don't know, Governor.
The more I get into this,
the stranger it gets.

Now it seems
that if they move
the base to Florida,

they've got to buy land
in order to accommodate
the computer center.

That doesn't seem like
much of an economy move.

Pete, what are you doing
here so late?

Oh, Binky, Binky, Binky.

Binky bothering you, buddy?

(LAUGHING)
Now, cut it out, Benson.

Clayton asked me to run
a little article about
Mr. Binkman for the paper.

Oh? What about?

Ah, you know,
the usual stuff.

"Political bigwig
charms locals."

You certainly
sound charmed.

Well, the guy is
such a cold fish.

Well, if you don't
like the guy,
why do the favor?

Hey, now he owes me one.

The man's a multimillionaire.

He made it all
in real estate.

Real estate?
Real estate?

Oh, yeah, he's got all kinds
of land development deals
in the southeast.

Uh, Tennessee,
Louisiana, Florida.

Florida?

Are you thinking
what I'm thinking?

I certainly am.

We'd better make
some phone calls.

Yeah, we'd better.

Thanks for the tip, Pete.

Oh, sure.
Glad to be of help.

Governor, Buzzy's here.

He's waiting in the kitchen.

Holy mackerel, he's cute.

I'll go tell Katie
he's here.

Just a minute, Miss Kraus.

First tell Mr. Sheridan
I'd like to see him here.

Ja. Who is Mr. Sheridan?

Buzzy.
Oh, ja. Of course, sir.

Governor, I need
to talk to you.
Binky's here.

Oh, not Binky.
Buzzy, Benson.

Governor,
don't start that.

I'm not starting anything.
You called Buzzy "Binky."

I did not call
Buzzy "Binky."

I called Binky "Binky."

Well, anyhow,
I know he's here.
You do?

Yeah, Miss Kraus
thinks he's cute.

Binky?
No, Buzzy!

Young man,
I would like you to meet
the Governor, Katie's dad.

How do you do, Binky?

Buzzy.
Benson.

Hi.

Und, uh, this is
Benson DuBois,

who apparently has
nothing better to do.

How are you, son?

Fine, thank you.

Would you like
some homemade root beer?

Homemade root beer?
No, thanks.

Kid's no dummy.

I'll go tell
Katie you're here.

Well, Buzzy, this gives us
a chance to get to know
each other.

Yes, sir.
Have a seat.

Well...
(CLEARS THROAT) Buzzy.

Are you, uh, a good student?

Pretty good.

You play sports, do you?

Mmm-hmm.
Oh. Which one?

Basketball.
Oh.

Hi, Buzz.

Hi, Kate.
Ready?

Yeah. You?
Yeah, let's get going.

Okay.

Bye, Daddy.
Bye, Miss Kraus.
Bye, Benson.

You two kids have
a good time.

(SOBBING)
Oh, my little baby.

Sorry about that, Buzz.
Let's get going.

Nice to meet you, sir.

Same here, Buzzy.

Daddy?

Thanks for trusting me.

You're welcome, Kate.

Benson, do you think
I was too hard on him,
with the third-degree and all?

No, I don't think
you scarred him for life,
if that's what you mean.

Oh, good.

But you might want to
be a little harder
with Binky.

Binky?

You know those phone calls
we were talking about?

Yeah.
Well, we got some answers.

So I arranged a meeting
with Clayton and Binky.
They're in my office now.

Oh, why aren't they
in my office?

You weren't
in your office.
Oh, oh, I see.

Do you want the meeting
held in your office?

No, no, no, no.
Thanks for making
the offer.

You might want to
take a look at that.

Yeah, yeah.
Because I am
the governor, you know.

Well, of course
you're the governor.

I mean, but you want
that meeting in your office?

No, no, no.

Benson, what is so
terribly important?

We were leading by two goals
in the third chucker
when you called us over here.

Yes, Mr. DuBois, what's so
urgent that it couldn't have
waited till Monday morning?

It has to do with
the relocation of
Murdock Air Force Base.

We have been
through all of this.

The relocation is
in the interest
of national security.

I beg to differ with you,
Clayton.

The relocation is in
the interests of one
Charles "Binky" Binkman.

Let's get
out of here, Binky.

You don't have to
listen to all of this.

Hold your horses, Clayton.

Governor, Benson is
insulting my friend.

And your friend is
insulting our intelligence.

He made up that nonsense
about national security

to keep us from filing
an official protest
with the Pentagon.

Why would he do that?

Because the real estate
surrounding the base
in Florida is owned by

Charles "Binky" Binkman.

He stands to lose
a lot of money
if we keep the base here.

Well, if that's all you had
on your mind, Mr. DuBois,

I'd like to return
to the polo match. Hmm?

Is this true, Binky?

Well, of course it's true.

And I owe you
a debt of gratitude.

If you hadn't called
with the information,

I wouldn't have had
the opportunity to
buy up the land.

Binky, you lied to me.

Business is business.

Right.

Mr. Binkman doesn't care
who he throws out of work,
as long as he makes money.

That's the American way.

That's the Binky way.

First thing Monday morning,
I'm filing an official protest
with the Pentagon.

Oh, no, you're not.

I'm not?
No, sir.

I think I should deliver
that protest in person.

You stay out
of this, Clayton.

Let me warn you, Charles,
you better not have made
any mistakes,

because if you have,
I'm gonna nail
your hide to the wall.

Don't get your hopes up,
Endicott.

I haven't made
any mistakes.

The Securities
and Exchange Commission
might disagree with you.

Oh?

Yes, it seems that Binky
took a little shortcut.

In order to buy
that land in Florida,

he used investors' funds from
a portfolio that he manages.

I have every intention
of returning that money.

Oh, I believe you.
But as far as the S.E.C.
Is concerned, that's a no-no.

You don't know what
you're talking about.

I'm talking about years.

Well, now,
we're all adults here.

Perhaps we can reach
an understanding.

I suggest you try
to reach your lawyer.

Well, good day, gentlemen.

I wish I could say
it's been a pleasure.

Governor, Benson,
I truly apologize
for all this.

Apology accepted, Clayton.

I've been such a fool.

Don't worry about it, Clayton.
It could happen to anybody.

No, Benson,
I have been
a complete idiot.

A ridiculous ninny,
an arrogant, pompous,
posturing fool.

Well, have it your way.

Good night, Governor.

Oh, has Clayton
got off the phone yet?

Yeah, he's up there.
Offering his services
to the Attorney General.

Ah, I don't know
whether Clayton should go
to Washington.

He may have to be there
with Binky's case for months.

Is that right?

I think he owes it
to his country.

(LAUGHING)
Yeah, right.

Have a good night, Governor.

(LAUGHING) Good night.
Oh, Miss Kraus left
some cookies out.

Oh, yeah?

Let's go raid the kitchen.
Maybe we can find
some junk food.

Oh, I better not.

I told you not to pig out
on the popcorn.

No, It's not that.
I just promised my folks
I'd come right home.

Want me to kiss
you goodnight?

Do you want to?

I do if you do.

You gonna tell anybody?

No.

(SIGHS) Okay.

I'll see you later, Buzz.
See you, Kate.

Thanks for not saying anything
while Buzz kissed me, guys.