Ep 1. Benson's Appointment

Benson season 3 episode 1, titled "Benson's Appointment", follows the lead character, Benson Dubois, as he juggles his new role as Lieutenant Governor while still serving as a personal aide to Governor Gatling of the fictional state of Governor's Island. The episode opens with Benson being summoned for a meeting with an influential union leader named Mitchell to discuss a contentious labor contract proposal.

As Benson prepares for the meeting, he instructs his assistant, Clayton, to call Governor Gatling and reschedule a previously planned meeting with the State Board of Education. Meanwhile, Benson's colleagues in the Governor's office, including press secretary Pete Downey and chief of staff Katie, speculate about which organization Mitchell is representing and what the outcome of the meeting might be.

Upon arriving at the union hall, Benson finds himself in a tense negotiation with Mitchell, who represents a janitorial services union that is seeking better wages and additional benefits for its workers. Despite initial animosity between the two men, Benson is eventually able to find common ground with Mitchell and an agreement is reached.

Back at the Governor's office, Benson is greeted with news that Governor Gatling has been hospitalized with chest pains and cannot be reached for the rescheduled meeting with the State Board of Education. Forced to take charge in the Governor's absence, Benson must navigate a series of challenging issues, including a controversial parole hearing and a public relations disaster involving a garbage barge.

Throughout the episode, Benson must balance his personal loyalty to Governor Gatling with his new responsibilities as Lieutenant Governor. He must also grapple with the challenges of being a black man in a position of power, including implicit biases and resistance from others in the political establishment.

As the episode draws to a close, Benson faces another difficult decision when he has to choose between attending a high-profile political event or spending time with his new girlfriend, a nurse named Gretchen. Ultimately, Benson chooses to prioritize his relationship with Gretchen, demonstrating that he understands the importance of personal connections in addition to professional success.

Overall, "Benson's Appointment" is a compelling and thought-provoking season premiere that explores the complexities of race, power, and loyalty in the world of politics. It showcases the charm and wit of the show's central character while also introducing new challenges and obstacles that keep the audience engaged and eager for more.