Episode Report Card Couch Baron: A- | 7 USERS: A+ YOU GRADE IT …Is Sometimes Strained
By Couch Baron | Season 6 | Episode 12 | Aired on 06.16.2013
...but when Pete arrives upstairs, his enthusiasm hits a speed bump when he sees that in with Bertram and Ken is Benson. Cutler and Roger immediately join them, closing the door behind them, whereupon Roger makes a joke about Ken's eye patch that I guess is expected from the man who practically giggled over a guy losing his foot. Cutler starts the meeting by saying that "for obvious reasons" Ken is withdrawing from handling Chevy, so Pete assessment of Ken's plan was apparently somewhat flawed, although Bertram does have a fairly displeased tone as he asks Ken if he's sure. Cutler and Roger relate a couple Accounts war stories, with Roger telling the group Lee Garner Jr. once made him hold his balls, and even in this group that's a bit of a needle-scratch -- I can only imagine what ball-less Bertram is thinking -- before Ken says he's not resigning the account: he just can't be there on the ground anymore. Literally! He goes on that he and Pete have discussed it and he'll continue to handle business in New York, as the clients will want it, but Pete will take his place in Detroit. Pete gives a little disclaimer about his reluctance that Bertram -- with his inimitable delivery -- terms "Crocodile tears. How quaint." Heh.
Ken then mentions that Benson will be invaluable in the transition and Pete tries to say it would be best if he were to bring in his own team, but Cutler points out the obvious truth that keeping any continuity of service is better than none. Benson's eyes narrow, while Ken looks questioningly back and forth between the two, but Pete is undeterred as he puts his condescension into fourth gear by saying it's nothing against Bob particularly, "but isn't it better to create the belief that service has improved?" From their point of view, it's one of those situations where Pete is taking a position so ridiculous it's hard even to know where to start, so I'm not surprised everyone seems a bit thrown. Benson offers to exit the meeting so they can talk more freely after which Cutler decides they've wasted enough time: "I like [Benson]. Chevy likes [Benson]. And if you don't like [Benson], we can find someone who does." Roger and Bertram look expectantly at Pete, who concedes defeat before thanking them for their trust and heading out...