Great Moments in Nanny History

Season Five

    
     

5.13 Call Me Fran

written by: Diane Wilk

Fran is taking her father to a basketball game to as her birthday gift to him. Mr. Sheffield arranged for them to have center court tickets.

But instead of Daddy, Sylvia shows up. She tells Fran Daddy wasn't feeling well and that she'll go with her instead.

At the game, Fran discovers that her father wasn't really ill, he just didn't want to take the tickets since they came from Mr. Sheffield and he feels that Fran is wasting her life on him.

Fran is a little depressed that her Daddy disapproves of her, so budding therapist Gracie steps in. She suggests that Fran talk to Dr. Miller about it.

Fran comes home from therapy determined to change things with Mr. Sheffield. Fran: Don't you think that it's a little strange that we've known each other for five years and you're still calling me 'Miss Fine'. Max: Niles calls you 'Miss Fine.' Fran: That's different, he's the butler, I get a charge out of that. You call me Miss Fine to keep me at arms length. Max: Now hold it right there, that's not true! Fran: People's Exhibit A.

Dr. Miller points out that Fran seeks out distant and repressed men that keep her at arms length just like her father does.

Fran demands that Mr. Sheffield change so that she can achieve mental health.

Fran redefines the relationship all right---as the Nanny trying to break the habit of needing approval. Fran: Here, that's my schedule. These are my hours. You're the boss, I'm the nanny. I'm on a coffee break. Goodbye. Max: Now come on Miss Fine, don't be so foolish. He gives her a big hug, but when they break away..... Fran: And please let's keep our professional distance. That was just for the road.

It's been three days and Mr. Sheffield has not changed at all. Gracie tells Fran that she has to redefine the boundaries of her relationship with Max.

Max: Niles, I don't know what the woman wants anymore. What am I supposed to do? Niles: May I speak freely, Sir? Max: Yes of course old boy. Niles: I am so bloody sick of hearing this year after year. 'Niles, what am I to do?' 'I told her I love her', 'I took it back', 'I'm afraid of commitment', 'I'm worried about the children'. For God's sake, make a move! Do something!!!! You passed on Cats, do you want to regret this for the rest of your life too?

Fran goes to see her mother to discuss her relationship with her father and Mr. Sheffield. Sylvia points out that her father isn't going to change, so she should change herself. Fran realizes this is true for Mr. Sheffield as well and that she should move out of the house and get on with her life.

Sylvia: I'm going to cut out my tongue! That's not what I meant! Your father did this, why are you punishing me? I'll kill that shrink bastard!!

Fran: Look Mr. Sheffield, I keep hoping that if I hang around here long enough, deep down inside you're going to change. But I've come to realize that my father is never going to change and I have to accept that in you too. Max: What does this mean? Fran: That this arrangement is not going to work out anymore. Max: Are you saying you're quitting?

Max: No please don't go Miss Fine. Miss Fine, come back. Fran, wait! You're right, you're right. I suppose I do keep you at arms length. Maybe it's because I have a genuine fear of intimacy, I don't know, I just do know I don't want you to go.

Fran: Fran?? Max: Fran. Fran: Does this mean you're going to start calling me Fran all the time? Max: Well, not in front of the children. Fran: How about Niles and CC? Max: That wouldn't be very professional.

Fran: What about Ma? Max: Miss Fine! Fran: Chow. Max: Fran. Fran: That's better!

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