Go back to Part Four of the
Fifth Season Episode Guide

    
     

5.13 Call Me Fran

January 21st, 1998

Fran realizes that her relationship with Maxwell parallels the distant one she has with her father- both men keep her at arms length emotionally. And that's not good. Encouraged by advice from Dr. Miller, Fran insists that Maxwell get over his fear of intimacy and just call her Fran. Plus Maggie takes Brighton to a sorority bring-a-geek party. Written by: Diane Wilk. Dr. Miller: Spalding Gray, Acupuncturist: Benjamin Lum. Directed by: Fran Drescher.

Our responses (34) gave the episode a 8.6 overall, a 8.3 for the comedy, and a 8.8 for romance. Some comments received were:

The first half was a little slow, but the second half more than made up for it! Niles & Sylvia were ROTFLOL, & that final scene when he calls her "Fran," in that plaintive tone & plants that kiss on her! Whoo ha! Even my 11 yr. old son was plotzing! Loved it!

All around 10. I just LOVED this episode. It was hilarious and the ROMANCE, fantastic. I can't wait until next week to see if he continues to call her Fran and whether she calls him Max or Maxwell. Shows like this are why I have watched The Nanny from day one.

First of all. Go Fran! At last she took control, and made Maxwell face his fears. She wasn't kidding about leaving, and Max sensed it. IMHO, This show was excellent especially the ending! Plus Niles and CC were soooo funny, too!

Hooray! When I see Diane Wilk or Frank's name as written by I know I'm in for a treat. This episode had a good balance (nice directing by the star) and continuity. It's obvious that the "A-team" is back since the past few shows have been very enjoyable. Let's hope it's not too late.

It was a good ep. I loved Charles by the end when he begged Fran not to go. He looked so cute with that sad face. Niles was great when he yelled at Maxwell it was really fun.

Niles stole the show!!! and hearing Max say Fran was a blessed tune to my ears!!

Excellent episode enjoyed the scene when Niles grabbed Max and shook some sense into him.The ending scene with Max calling Fran by her first name was great just what we have been waiting for the relationship is on a steady course now and can't wait for what is to come.

If this is an example of Fran's abilities as a director, PLEASE let us see her do more! This episode had a terrific balance of comedy and romance and a meaningful/appropriate kiss. The relationship stuff is being handled with just the right balance of drama (25%) and comedy (75%). LOVED seeing Niles restored to the dignified, all-knowing confidant and also enjoyed seeing Niles and CC go at it again (now they just need some lust thrown in). Even the kids were an important part of the show and were not given just token lines. Bravo -- I liked this one even better than Mole.
**Thanks to TPTB for changing direction and style -- we'll shut up now :-)**

Well, what can I say about Daniel Davis? The scene between Niles/CC was a treat. Nice to see CC taking charge for a change and getting Niles into trouble. Please give us more between those two. The scene between Niles and Maxwell is probably the best scene those two have ever had together. I was cheering when Niles grabbed him by the collar and said everything he'd wanted to say since Fran came to the house. Bravo Diane Wilk for giving us what we want. More More More.

Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!What a great episode. I really think the relationship with Mr. Sheffield and Ms. Fine (oops!! FRAN) is progressing nicely. We've had a glimpse over the past few episodes of what's been the hang-up between these two; Maxwell's fear of intimacy and unwillingess to admit his true feelings and Fran's inabilty to recognize what she truly wants and needs. I absolutely died laughing when Niles grabbed Max and set him straight. If that scene isn't noticed by the Emmy committee, then they're all blind! I especially loved the scene at the end. Boy can those two heat up the screen in just a few moments together -- Whooooh, baby girl!! I'm not too sure about next weeks episode, though. I'm looking forward to seeing Charles in the dual role, but what does going to the Middle East have to do with what's been going on between Max and Fran. I guess I'll have to have faith and hope that this isn't just another quirky episode to fill the season. Here's hoping the writers keep up the good work!!

I think it was a little boring at first, but toward to the end of the show I think it was just great!! I like the scene with Niles and Maxwell in his office and I like the end when he calls her Fran!

I thought that this was a really good episode. There wasn't that much comedy, but there was some funny moments like between CC and Niles. I really liked the ending, between Fran and Max! Like ALWAYS I can't wait untill next week! oh yeah and I thought Ms. Drescher did a very good job directing!

This weeks episode was great! I have been looking foward to this one. Loved the scene between Max and Niles, and the ending scene with Fran and Max.

There's only one word to describe this last epispde, AWESOME! The timing and all of the comedy was right on! Of course my favorite part was the end, though. Fran and Max are so sweet together, and I am so glad that they are finally progressing the relationship at this kind of pace. Fran did a great directing job, and I think they should give her that position more often!! I can't wait for the rest of the season!! :-D

Congrats Fran on your first directing job! This one had everything...more real issues, steady progression with Max and Fran, Niles "in your face reality tour with Max" (ROTFL), Niles/CC zingers, and the kids really do have lives! BRAVO. All the right elements except it...moved...too...slow.. Just step up the pace (ie. Mole ep) a bit, stay crazy, and keep us on the edge of our chairs. I'm glad Max admitted his fears; it isn't all Fran. Fran taking control really seems to be doing the trick. But we're waiting Fran...."I love you too MAXWELL..."
All we need now is for CBS to do a better job of promoting the BEST SHOW ON TELEVISION!!

I thought this episode was great. Max looks great in teal. I loved the scene where Niles chokes Max. He deserved it though. The last scene where he calls her Fran was awesome! I loved this ep. although not as good as last weeks. The comedy part was better but not the drama. Oh, I also loved Niles and C.C. Thank you Diane and Frank for another wonderful ep. Fran, great job of directing.

I enjoy the show the most when all of the cast members are participating in the action. I like seeing Maxwell's children interact with Fran. Yeah for the romance in this story. Will Maxwell continue to call her Fran. I hope so. We enjoy The Nanny. Good wishes to everyone in the cast. Dear Silvia...I would love to be so outrageous.

I love the scenes where Fran and Sylvia sit in the kitchen and talk about men and relationships (and eat of course). Niles is wonderful. It was great seeing him "let it all out" and tell Max the truth. Then without skipping a beat he sticks it to CC again. I am glad to see Fran's character show some independence and be willling to leave the relationship if it wasn't what she wanted (I am glad Max owned up to his faults though and got her to stay). They are the greatest couple on TV. The chemistry between them is wonderful, both romantically and comedically.

Yeah!!!!!!! So much was right I can't possibly comment on all of it. But.... C.C. and Niles were right on the money and Sylvia was LOL! Couldn't quite blame Max for not knowing what Fran wanted anymore. After her comment "You have to change, mister." She neglected to give him an instruction manual. (I personally felt like saying: he can make the upgrade if you would give him a lesson in computer programming). The Niles/Max scene was ROTFLOL. Niles said every word with true malicious intent. And that last scene... Yeah.. he is being forced to face his fears ( now all we need is a GOOD therapist... me.. me.. or Steph). Fran and Max kissing and that cute closer were great, but what now??? Oh yeah, a double Charles ep.....cool.

YAHOO!!! Thank you, Fran; you're paying attention. I've been waiting for Niles to finally lose it for three years now. And he did it with style!!! And then to trick CC into helping the cause! Outrageous! Sylvia chasing Fran all the way back to the mansion in her slippers was LOL, and I love the way she goes back and forth between loving and hating Dr. Miller. CC and Niles have the old chemistry back, and I love the use of the brandy/cigars running gag. I remember "Bring a Geek" parties, and I loved seeing the fact that Brighton knew the whole time! And that last scene! HEL-LO! the kiss and the snuggling were so-oo cute, and it's about time we got back to the first names (they got there at the end of the third season and lost it!) Max doesn't have a fear of intimacy; it's a fear of losing someone to death, divorce, or illness that is the root of his hesitance to commit, but it was nice to see him trying to get past it for the sake of the relationship. Now all Fran has to do is reciprocate just a smidge!!! and we'll be on our way. :-)

Our responses (16) gave the episode a 8.3 overall, a 7.8 for the comedy, and a 7.7 for romance. Some comments received were:

What can I say, when he called her Fran I did a double take. I was grinning from ear to ear. It would have been perfect if Fran said "Max" but I am asking for too much. It was a very satisfying episode and left me with a good feeling when it ended. I can't wait for the wedding and married life.

I loved it - especially when Niles told Maxwell to make a move or he'd regret it, and of course, Max calling Fran 'Fran' - took him long enough!!!

I loved this episode!!! It was everything I love about the nanny, and the ending!! It was soooo sweet!! I can't wait to see the wedding...two months seems so long!!!

Wow... what an ending! That was a bit unexpected.... but hey! I can handle that! Thought this weeks' show flowed pretty well. Was a pretty great episode! Niles telling Max what he had thought for the last 5 years was CLASSIC! I thought that was the best scene in the whole ep.... well...perhaps equal with the ending!!! Max telling Fran that he didn't want her to leave was really heartfelt - Charles did a great job, as did Fran. Wonderful to see the 'kids'. This is back to the earlier series of the Nanny when the kids were featured quite a bit in each ep. Great! Great!
Not too long to go now.... I'll be waiting with a nice blank video tape!!! Did we all get a peek at the wedding photos?!?! And the clip of the wedding on the sony site??!! Thanks Webmaster!! You've done an absolutely fantastic job with the page and the pics! [Webmasters note: Thanks! I appreciate the kind words. But remember, not all the Aussies want to know anything about the wedding, so watch what you say in here!]

I absolutely loved this week's episode. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better than False Mole, they gave me this. I loved the ending the most - what I loved in particular was the romantic/comedy interaction being so well handled. It was something that was more slanted towards the romance side in the last ep...which is GREAT, don't get me wrong, but this balance is more than wonderful - the best. Hope it keeps up...eagerly anticipating future episodes!!!!!

VERY good episode overall. This one was very impressive from my point of view. The storyline was not only believable, but very relevant. The episode was fast paced, romantic and had an excellent use of the children (nice change!). Comedy levels were down slightly this week because of all the serious stuff, but that didn't bother me in the slightest. It was good to see some serious issues confronted, instead of the usual "stupidity" that I've come to expect. I especially enjoyed Niles' "advice" to Mr. Sheffield and the scene where Max calls her Fran - Fran's expression was HYSTERICAL! Note the way Fran has started calling the shots, instead of appearing desperate. It's nice to actually hear from Max that he couldn't live without her. Overall, the writers are showing excellent skills in the "progression" towards the engagement and are actually producing episodes that have a point and mean something in the overall scheme of things, rather than shows which seem as though they're put in to fill a gap in the season. Excellent directorial debut from Ms. Drescher and overall a very impessive show.

Well I have to agree completely with all the posts so far. I think they said it all. The show was wonderful. When I first read the plot description, I thought it sounded contrived and unbelievable. I'll learn to have a little more faith in the writers in future. ;) Yummy!

This episode was great!!!! I loved it how Niles told Maxwell what he thought and boy, did Niles rip into him LOL!! We got to see more of the kids especially Gracie. Also the end was fantastic. Max calling Fran, Fran and how they were when she came back to him. The perfect couple. Less than two weeks to the Engagement. Can't Wait!!!!

YES!!! This is the way to do it. No guest stars, large parts for the kids, Silvia had a few laughs, Niles had a go at Max (he deserves it, poor Max) and overall a great ep. Loved the way Max expressed that he couldn't live without Fran (not in so many words but hey....) and LOVED that they finally got onto a first name basis. Only, why was Fran putting all the pressure on Max? She could have made the first move and called him Max rather than just plain out threatening to leave. You could argue that he is her boss but when you're in love,who cares?
I really think that Fran and Charles have so much chemistry on the show, they really make it work. If I knew nothing about them and was watching the show for the first time, I would be convinced they were in love. Why is Charles overlooked for the emmy every year? Fran and all the cast deserve a congratulations for making TN the only show I cannot live without. Long live TN.

5.14 Not Without My Nanny

January 28th, 1998

When Grace is invited by her friend, the son of a fabulously wealthy sultan, to visit the Middle East, Fran decides to travel with her. Fran and Grace are thrilled to be staying at the beautiful palace of the charming Sultan Hassan (Shaughnessy), until Fran realizes that the overly amorous prince is holding them both prisoner. After their plan to wriggle their way out of the predicament disguised as belly dancers fails, it's up to the heroic Maxwell to save them. Written by: Nastaran Dibai and Jeffrey B. Hodes. Akbar: Ajay Mehta, Billy: Rahi Azizi, Guard: Sayed Badreya

Our responses (52) gave the episode a 8.7 overall, a 8.1 for the comedy, and a 9.4 for romance. Some comments received were:

I LOVED this--to me it had just the right blend of comedy and romance. Not too cartoony and Fran looked gorgeous! (Okay, I'm shallow--but I hate the outrageous hair and this weeks was great!) LOL at Niles calling the kids boring--we need to give those kids some character!-- and I enjoy the traditional Niles barbs at C.C. And Max turning and running on sight of Sylvia in the kitchen reminds me of our family, another great moment. I gave it tens, only wish they had worked in Max asking Fran to bring home one of the belly dancer outfits for 'later'.

Well, I must say, IT'S ABOUT TIME!! I really gave up hope at the beginning of the season, but last night's episode proved me wrong. I never thought in my wildest imagination that Mr. Sheffield would ever utter those three words in my lifetime! Let's just hope that there are more episodes like last night's to come. Congratulations "Nanny" lovers, we finally got our wish!!!

Does it get any better than this?! NOOOO!! It had comedy, timing, ROMANCE... Although Fran could've said that she loved him back, to his face. But, this time, I dont' care!!

I thought the mid-east part was a little dry, the romance was really there though, I did enjoy that!!!!

I love what Niles did to C.C. he just set her up perfectly. And as for the end, all I can say is WOW! It was so sweet. My roommate and I were both giggling joyfully. He'd better not take it back again.

10!!! it was the best ep. i have ever seen!!! its so great that max told fran he lover her, and he looked so cute!!!! and charles was so sexy like a sultan.. i almost die when he came in with a turban. The last kiss was the best of all it was a really romantic ep. Niles was funny but he did not appeared too much. Well, i just need charles on the show to be happy so keep it on!!

Although I enjoyed the episode and liked the way Max and Fran ended up in this one, something just wasn't right. I think I would have liked to have seen such a momentous moment treated more carefully. This was just too contrived and not very funny on top of it. Sorry, but I have never liked this duo of writers -- they just never seem to get the characters and the style of the show right. Charlie did a good job in the dual role but the rest of the cast was just... off, somehow. Even the Niles/CC stuff didn't have the edge it usually has. Dull pace, maybe. Not bad, but not what I would have wanted to see for the first real "I love you."

Another top ten in the hit parade! Lot's of LOL moments - Niles was a scream, loved the line "We could call each other Max & Fran in every room in the house," & the kids'performances were top notch! As for the end - what can I say? If this trend continues, we will all need a bucket of ice water after watching! :-) One little nit: how come Fran didn't say she loved him back - To his face? THAT would have been the icing on the cake!

I hate to say it but I was a wee bit bored...but the ending was worth a million bucks. AT LAST!!! Yee ha!

2 Charles= 2 Die For!!!!! 2 Hot I loved the end- It made me remember romance I cannot wait for the engagement The show is finally back on track!

Hey what can I say...I'm a hopeless romantic just like CC! I was pleasantly surprised by this episode. I'm a big CS fan and was looking forward to his dual role and I can honestly say I think it was done well. I especially liked his beard, although who would cover up THAT face. I also really liked the way the writers worked in the name thing without really dwelling on it. It's the subtlety that I love the most about this show. And, I can't say enough about this season's writing...keep up the great work!! Great episode and it makes me look forward to the engagement. Now, I just have to find something to do on Wednesday nights for the next few weeks...

Finally, after five years of waiting, Maxwell told Fran that he loved her and he also called her Fran when he did it. I loved that. The rest of the episode was so-so. Considering the Middle Eastern situation, the fact that Fran is Jewish would have come up, particularly since she thought the sheik was about to propose marriage. I think the episod e would have worked better if it had been some small European country a la Monaco. Poor Charles Shaugnessy dressed up with Bain de Soleil trying to be Arab was embarrassing. Also some missed opportunities for comedy with CC and Niles although I loved Niles getting CC to give Maxwell the tickets to the Middle East. Hopefully, if Fran and Maxwell are engaged, the relationship between CC and Niles can be explored further. I expect to see CC try to stop the engagement with everything she's got (once she's back from Maternity leave)

Overall, an enjoyable show. Great way to end the mid-season while we wait for weeks for more.

I thought this was one of the better eps this season. Loved the way they handled the first name thing. Niles was a hoot (as usual). Max was great in that last scene! The only thing that would have made the ep better was if Fran had told Max how she felt as well....

This was the most romantic episode of them all!! I melted the way Maxwell told Fran that he loved her and he said it twice!! He was charming as a King but I definitely would rather see his face. He is to goodlooking to cover it up!! My favorite parts were at the beginning when Maxwell call her Fran 2 or 3 times and at the end, of course!! That kiss was great!!

Great episode loved the ending and especially the look in Max eyes when he told Fran he loved her. The scene where Niles set CC up with the plane ticket b-day gift for Max and said I can be bad too was classic nanny. Can hardly wait for the next one but the wait will be worth it.

Another terrific episode. Good acting by the entire cast & a very nice ending . Charles & Fran did a good job at making the scene touching. Fans have likely been holding their breath, wondering if "Max" would ever get to this point, so it was rewarding for loyal fans of the show. I also enjoyed the humourous bit between C.C. & Niles - especially when he foils her again with the airline ticket. Episodes like this one are why I became a fan of the show in the beginning .

I Cried!!!!!!! I was sooooooo not expecting to hear that!!!! I was literally in tears when Max turned to her and said, "Fran, I love you!" Hey what can I say I'm a hopeless romantic.........Loved this episode. Loved it, loved it loved it!!!!!!

Oh, my goodness! That was the biggest suprise I have ever had watching TN. I am so glad they didn't have press on it and give away the suprise. I thought Charles did a fabulous job with his dual performance. I think I will die to wait 4 weeks for the engagement.

Wow! What an ending! Loved the way Max missed Fran and realized what she meant to him and did not miss a beat in telling her he loved her. Fran, now it's your turn! Charles did great in the dual role, but like him better clean shaven, although scruffy would be nice every now and then. I agree with a previous post, would be nice to have made reference to the belly dancing outfit for later use, but then I am still waiting for the little red number from Paris to make another appearance. And of course an episode where they call each other Fran and Max in every room in the house is in order and long over due.

When Maxwell told Fran that he loved her, it was so sincere - if one didn't know these were actors, one would have thought this was the real thing. The expression in Maxwell's eyes was breathtaking. Almost made me wanna be in Fran's shoes!

I thought this show was brilliant!! Enough comedy and especially Romance....I thought to myself when he said I love you...It's about Time!!!! I also love niles and c.c scene when he tricked her.

I really liked this episode, very cute. I really liked the line "Miss Fine what are you doing?" "Uh, stayin alive." And Niles telling the kids to go get something pierced was really funny too. Can't wait for the next episode!

They've finally got it right again - This is the show I love!!!!!

It was so funny, I was laughing all throughout the show... I thought that it was so sweet in the end when max tells Fran that he loves her... =*)

I liked the previous week's show better.

YES! FINALLY! I was in shock! I don't even think I saw the end of the show, I was so aghast! I had no idea this was coming--MAJOR SHOCK! YES, YES, YES, YES YES!!!!!

This one was the best yet, it had everything!! First of all, we were totally drawn into Max and Fran's flirtatious "first names", followed by Niles the garbage man; it was classic. You zinged us with romance, quick wit, fast pacing, and outstanding comedy right from the beginning. And it never stopped. Max the tan sultan was done very well, accent and all! From CC the "male prototype" to Niles with the "dull kids", I was so completely entertained. Fran and Gracie's work together was impeccable, especially as belly dancers. The "I Love You, Fran" at the end was so endearing, we could not believe we were FINALLY hearing those words said that way to our Fran. (no return from Fran tho...hmmm)
The only thing that could have been different was to take advantage of the opportunity to let Max get jealous about "Max the sultan", or have Fran confuse the two since they looked so much alike, or have Fran be captured and rescued by Max, but then again, I guess that has already been done...
And I hear that CBS is sending Fran to the olympics and creating new advertising for The Nanny, so I for this week anyway I guess all our wishes do come true!

I'm glad Max finally said it, but as someone stated above, it just didn't feel right. Not enough of a build-up for such an important moment in this series. For instance, it would've been a little more romantic if Max was the one who came up with the idea of dropping everything to see Fran in the Middle East. Instead, it was CC that ended up making it happen - Max (if you remember) would've settled for a phone call. :( The episode was ok, I just wish the writers had saved those three words for a more appropriate moment.

WOW! Charlie in two roles - can life ever get any better than this?!! He was so cute and it was nice to see Fran in a great comedy show. The ending was fantastic with Max finally telling her! Best line has to be when the two Max's look at each other and say "Really? I don't see it!" Great job! Can't wait until March!!!

What surprise at the end. I didn't see that one coming. Charles did a great job playing the sultan. It just shows what a talented actor he is. What a sweet, sincere "I love you". He had me swooning! Now I want to see Fran tell him she loves him!

ALRIGHT! That was pretty good! First I liked the beginning with the first names! That was just great! And the "I Love You" couldn't have been better! I loved it, one of my fave episodes! Does anyone else think that Max gets better looking every episode?? He is one hot guy!

Hey it's time to get them together and start Fran on a "life style of the rich and famous" It will be interesting to see how she adapts to high society. The romance needs to keept heating up and Niles and CC need to keep sniping. Many of my friends had given up and either stopped watching regularly so they missed the big moment. Serves them right!

Oh my God!!!

Fabulous! :) I loved it! The best bit had to be when Max told Fran that he loved her - yeah, a response from Fran would have been the ultimate, but I don't think it'll be too far down the track until we get one. He's proposing to her in the next ep- maybe we'll hear Fran in response then. All up, *excellent* ep (I loved Charlie in the dual roles!) and one that I think really defines The Nanny - great comedy, interaction with the kids, and romance. Can't wait for The Engagement!!

Our responses (15) gave the episode a 8.8 overall, a 8.5 for the comedy, and a 9.2 for romance. Some comments received were:

Charles did a great job acting as the sultan. The part where Max and Hassan meet and he says,"I don't see it" is really funny. Loved this episode, they're getting better! Niles was once again a crack up.

Wow....what a great show!! Hats off to the cast- all did a great job. Wonderful script, lots of comedy and that last scene with Max and Fran....woah.... I'm still watching it! In my opinion, this is the best ep thus far. The scene with Niles tricking CC and the plane ticket was hilarious.... I have to say it again.... wow, what a great one!

Wow. WOW. That episode left me smiling from ear to ear. I wish that I hadn't known about the ending though. I can see how some people liked it and some didn't, but I have to say that I'm on the side of the people who liked it - even though it wasn't a complete surprise for me. GREAT STUFF!

I loved it!!!! Max finally said it, but why didn't Fran? It's nice to know that the children are still around and appeared quite frequently during this episode. I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL NEXT WEEK!!!!!!

I LOVED IT!!! I CAN'T WAIT TILL NEXT WEEK - THE ENGAGEMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wonderful episode! Just the right mix of comedy and romance. It had ALL the elements. The children were involved sufficiently, Niles and CC had more than one scene and the comedy and romance were all there! The scenes between Fran and Max were VERY sweet and the end where Max finally admitted that he loved Fran was great! A VERY satisfying lead up to the engagement episode.

I thought it was a bit wierd in a way but I still enjoyed it, I loved how at the end Max told Fran he loved her, great perfomence both Charlie and Fran, and the rest of thr crew, keep up the good work! I am really looking forward to the next great ep. "THE ENGANGEMENT"

This was definately one of the best episodes so far. For those who say Fran should have said she loves Max back.... I disagree. For her to say "I love you too" wouldn't be as powerful as her professing her love because she thought of doing it, rather than just to reply to him. The story line was fantastic and Charles did a fabulous job in the double role, even the accent was great. (although I must admit I prefer him a lot more without the facial hair!!) it was great to see the kids had a part, and as usual Niles, CC and Silvia were a hoot. I'll tell you, The "Fran, I love you" was so heart felt and sincere, what a great actor Chrles is. Overall, a wonderful episode, congratulations to all the cast (and crew) for this super ep. Can't wait till next week, the engagement.

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