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Sixth Season Episode Guide

    
     

6.9 Oh, Say, Can You Ski?

November 25, 1998

A Thanksgiving ski trip for contributors to President Clinton is the outlandish setup for an episode culminating Fran's running---and increasingly desperate---effort to conceive. But the idea is to get getting pregnant off Fran's mind, and a long weekend in Aspen with the Clintons appears to be just what the doctor ordered. Besides, Maxwell is preoccupied with preventing any gaffes Fran might make in front of the President (Tim Watters). He needn't worry. In fact, her tale to the chief about her conception woes proves to be an exchange that inspires Maxwell later in the evening. Written by Dan Amernick and Jay Amernick. Dr. Reynolds: Nora Dunn, Chris Malley: Chris Elliot, Pres. Clinton: Tim Watters, Cicely: Jennifer Ingersoll, Morty Fine: Morty Drescher, Ski Instructor: Chris Bruno, Hotel Valet: Mark Chaet.

Our responses (71) gave the episode a 7.8 overall, a 7.2 for the comedy, and a 8.1 for romance.

I think the overall feeling I had for this ep was CUTE! Very cute!!!! Nora Dunn was wonderful, and the list Max was giving to Fran(What not to say to Big Bill) was LOL. But ,on the negative side, Niles, CC, Sylvia, and the rest of the cast pretty much wasted. This was mostly Fran's ep (with MAx to tag along) and it was cute. But WHY does she always seem to become pregnant (or we think she does) after they are stranded somewhere ? (the island, the snow cave?) Seems a little redundant ... but as they say ,whatever floats your boat. Max was cute, concerned ,and clueless. I think the writing could be better and the jokes alot sharper.All I can say is .... CUTE!!!!

I so enjoyed this episode! Man it was great, *really* funny, and I'm so glad to see Fran finally pregnant. Can't wait to see what next.. I feel bad for laughing *sooo* much at the Clinton jokes. What can one do?

I had a feeling this one was going to be lame. And it was. Lame plot, lame gimmick, lame guest star (Chris Elliott - ugh!), lame repetitive pregnant stuff (alright already!), lame writing, lame premise (Max is a REPUBLICAN - hello!). But the biggest lame-ness was the undeveloped, unresolved Niles/CC plotline -- AGAIN! The only saving grace was Daniel in those sweaters - yum! 3/10

This was probably an average ep, which in comparison to the last few was not good, however it had its moments. Great romance. Fran and Max really looked like they had more in common than sex. The gentlemen both looked really good. I liked the line at the end when Max and Fran discovered that President Clinton was responsible for her getting pregnant, though I like to think that the Hollywood Squares was actually responsible (if that was where she got pregnant it would at least have given a purpose to that awful scene last week). I didn't like Chris Elliot as the Secret Service agent, but I have never really liked anything I have seen him in. Loved Nora Dunn. Did anyone else notice that Fran and Max were sleeping on the wrong side of the bed, or was that my imagination? Overall, not a bad ep. I am happy with all the sweeps eps we have been treated to this month.

I never had said this before about another episode but I think this is the best show so far. This had everything. Comedy and romance(and I think no one should complain about it having that much drama because the last few had a good amount of it). I love the scene where Fran tells Max she's pregnant..The whole was great. (and did anyone else notice that the guy the used for the Bill Clinton inpersonation was the same they use on some Jay Leno skits about the president)

That wasn't very funny at all. I kind of expect to laugh when I'm watching a comedy, but that didn't do it for me. And Maxwell needs to stop being the bumbling idiot that he has become and regain some of the sophistication and itellegence of the earlier seasons. He's become a caricature of sorts, along with most of the rest of the cast. The crew of the Nanny needs to step it up if they want to stay on through the rest ofthe season.

This is another one of the greatest shows that was ever written and taped I gave it a 10 all the way across the boards!!! Can't wait for some more new shows and seing how Fran acts pregnant and looks like while she is getting fat. Again GREAT,GREAT,GREAT, show. Keep em coming!

i wasn't too impressed with tonights episode. It all sort of went by me. The Niles/CC thing could have gone somewhere, but we didn't see them after they arrived. Also, this whole season I have been noticing that the characters are becoming less endearing. Fran especially, has changed a lot. She has been extremely whiney! (I know i know, but a lot more than usuall) In past seasons she has seemed very strong and independent. This season it seems like she just keeps running to max and whining and crying about everything. I am not saying that she shouldn't be upset or go to her husband about things, I just feel like her whole character has changed and she is not as strong anymore. Also, her relationship with niles, they hardly talk anymore. I guess i am just missing some warmth in her character that is lacking this season.

I really loved this one I am glad C.C. got hurt

Wasn't overly impressed with this one. Oh yes, there were funny, romantic moments. Just after the last few eps....this one left me wanting....

The humor was GREAT! I REALLY wish they'd explored the Niles-taking-care-of-C.C. aspect--that could've been ROTFLMAO, but beggars can't be choosers! But Max and Fran were perfect and beautiful, and I'm SO GLAD she's finally pregnant, and that they're so happy about it! But Niles didn't seem as excited as he did the last time he thought she was pregnant. And the kids didn't seem excited either. Hmmm. The whole Clinton thing was LOL! Chris Elliot wasn't too bad, even though I'm not a big fan of his. They all looked great in clothes that are a bit different from their usual outfits. Not a bad job!

I thought it was pretty lame. I mean, for one thing, I think I ODed on Fran & Max. Hello? That gets frickin' annoying after a while. I taped it and found myself fast-forwarding through most of it. Niles and C.C.--the poor dears got all of 2 minutes of screen time. That is an injustice if I've ever seen one. The only thing I can think of for why we saw so little of them is that (and I'd better be right on this one) the writers are planning something big for them. That's all I have to say. Thank you and goodnight. p.s. I noticed Niles looks really good in those pullover sweaters, and I liked that style of jacket he was in in the beginning too.

I very much enjoyed this episode. At first I cringed at the idea of the Pres. being in the plot, but it was handled in an very funny way. It was cute to see Max as the goofy one in front of the Pres. The romantic scenes were very hot, I thought. And the conformation of the pregnancy was really sweet. Best line--God Bless America!!

Not a bad episode, had some funny moments, lots of great romance, Fran and Max are great in that dept. My one complaint, stop making Max appear like such an idiot. He is a well educated man, with an upper class background, a Broadway producer and I would assume, is used to being in the company of celebrities from show business and other areas and I would also assume that he knows just how to handle himself in all situations that involve these people, whether it be gala formals, TV interviews or game shows.

It was an OK ep. I REALLY wish they'd use more of Niles/CC. They could've had some great stuff with her injured & Niles taking care of her. Maybe the writers did, but something came up & Lauren couldn't finish the show. Oh well. But, seeing Daniel in those sweaters (or anything casual!) was a highlight for me! Man, he looks YUMMY!! ;-)

I thought this episode was amazing! One of the best of the season. I gave it tens straight across the board! Max/Fran were so sweet together and I love it how they're always there for eachother. The comedy was wonderful too! The president was not overplayed and I thought everyone was pretty much in character. Loved the heated scenes between Fran/Max too, we need to get a lot more of those. Overall this was sucha great episode I could go on and on! ;-) Keep up the great work!

I loved the that show and ALL of them!!!!!!!

Disappointment plus. Ill conceived plot lacking any sense of reality. Comedy forced and uneven. Even love scenes lacking! And secondary characters need not have even shown up.Brighton with the agent made no sense. The scene with Fran and the children was horrible as was the incessant play on selfishness. They have overplayed their hand with Max as an idiot. PLEASE, PLEASE, let's make this the clever comedy it once was instead of a one act pregnancy piece. I'm sorry but if they keep this up I'm not sure how long CBS will support us. They aren't exactly jumping on our bandwagon now. I'm lighting candles in the hopes the next episode will be much better.

I was a little disappointed with this one. It had some GREAT scenes (the dilapidated furniture in the opening was LOL, as were Fran & Max's exchanges in the bed in Aspen), but other scenes made me cringe. Max was just a bit TOO pathetic about his gaffe with the President, and what was up with Brighton & the Secret Service guy? Much better to have replaced that interchange with something funny between Niles & CC, IMHO. They kinda dropped the ball, there. All in all, a bit uneven, but great fun in spots! :-D

Overall I thought this was a very good episode. I think Max & Fran just get cuter as the season progresses. Their romantic scenes were just wonderful, and even when they weren't being romantic, they were very believable as husband and wife (loved the Max's list of what not to say and the minor bickering when he was teaching her to ski). And can I just say "give us more Niles in casual clothes!" He looked fantastic. As good as it was at times, the episode had several low points for me as well. As well as having to suspend disbelief for the way they explained the pregnancy, Chris Elliot's character was useless and annoying in every scene and C.C. was completely underused. The episode was so uneven at times, in fact, it felt like it had been thrown together or rewritten. Especially considering the way C.C. was abruptly written out early in the episode, I suspect that may be the case. I agree too with those tired of seeing Max bungle when he's put on the spot, but I have to say I thought it was cute that he was the one who caused the embarassment, and not Fran. For those who think Fran's becoming whinier or weaker this season, rewatch the scenes where she tugs him away from the President and the following scene where she handles the call from the President's secretary with complete aplomb while shushing Max's kvetching. I think they have a real partnership. When one of them's being a weenie, the other one is always strong.

Okay I know alot of you are excited over the pregnency thing, but am I the only one who sees this? Baby = end of show! I was not to impressed by this ep. I did find the opening scene funny though. I'm not to happy that they will be showing the re-run of 6.2 because as we all know that one stunk. Mabey I'm just in a picky mood at the moment. But I have to agree with the person that said the writing was kinda lame. I think I laughed a total of 2 times during the whole thing. Well, I guess I'm done nagging.. I'm sorry but I have to give this one a 3/10.

A likable ep. certainly not awful, but a step down from last weeks magnificent ep. It did have it's moments - all due to fran ( with the president, the ski lessons, and her need to part of the gang with the popular girls. Loved the scene with Max listing what Fran should not mention when meeting Clinton and the last line was LOL. Renee Taylor can always be counted on. her scene mooching at the Scheffield house was quite funny.( loved her red number) Otherwise could have been better.

This was very cute, but not as exciting as the other 3 parts of the "sweeps" package. I learned 2 things: the Amernick brothers must be "All My Children" fans (Donna, Chuck, ski mishap, cave, baby, 198?) and those wacky DD fans have been right about muscular Daniel hiding under the ill-fitting tubby Niles wardrobe! Am I mistaken or did Morty D. really play Morty F. for the first time in the Thanksgiving scene??? 8's across the board.

I Liked this one - it was lighter than some shows but was none the less entertaining. Unlike some of the people commenting earlier, I was amused that the usually suave & in control Maxwell was the one who "screwed up" & became flustered upon meeting Clinton. Trust me it can & does happen - I've seen well placed, educated & cultured people lose their cool when meeting other VIPs ( & although not a VIP myself, I've met members of the British Royal family, The Pope, several Canadian Prime Ministers & numerous others, yet a brief meeting with Pierce Brosnan totally reduced me to staring in silent awe, in spite of my protecol training & time spent as an RCMP .... sigh...) but I digress .... On the whole I thought it was a good episode & I look forward to the pregnancy episodes to come.

This episode was a very, very good (as always). But yet a little bettet. Boy did I laugh, when Maxwell (tryed to) talked with the President. But it was still very warm and sweet, this is the best season ever! - and she finally got pregnant! I give it 3 straight ten's. 10-10-10 - it can imposible get any better, but every week I get suprised

Finally, we got a REALLY romantic episode- too bad nothing else was there. It wasn't that funny and Chris Elliott added nothing and neither did Sylvia!). When a die-hard Fran & Max fan is tired of this story line, it must be time to move along! Thank goodness she's finally pregnant so we can concentrate on something else for a few weeks! I will have to say that Niles & CC were pretty funny, but their time seemed to be cut short. Also to CBS- HELL-0-0!! MORE PROMO!! Over Mon-Fri nights I saw 1 (count it- 1) ad for TN and that is all.

lame lame lame!!

My feelings on this one were mixed...some good romantic moments, Sylvia using the house in their absence was quintissential Sylvia, and I LMAO at some of the Clinton jokes, but that's where the positives end, IMO. First, Max is a republican, and second, who would be contributing to clinton now...hello...his last campaign ever was 2 years ago! I thought we were in for some great Niles / CC moments, but that was just left to drop. While I wasn't a fan of a pregnancy right away, I'm glad they've brought closure to that storyline so we can get on with the show, as it were!

I was a bit let down. I guess because I'm such a Niles and CC fan that I wanted to see more of them.

I liked this ep a lot. Although I was gone for Thanksgiving and my tape ended right when Fran told Max she was pregnant so I didn't see what happened after that, I'm happy with what I did see.Nice heat! Daniel looked GREAT in those sweaters! Can't think of anything else right now, will write more later. 9/10

I found this episode not the best, nor the worst. But a comfortable okay. Had there been more Niles & C.C., it naturally would've been much better. The Clinton thing was a hoot, so was the ski lift scenario. It's great to see Niles' wardrobe improving; keep the sweaters; but loose the jackets that look like those polyester suits of the 70's. Also, once Niles and C.C. got to the chalet in Aspen, the possibilities were very intriguing. I kept waiting and hoping something unexpected would happen. Anything. But, once again, nothing. What a let down. If I had my druthers, it would've been Niles and C.C. stuck in the snowcave.:-) and just imagine those two running amok together in a mountain chalet, while the others are out hitting the slopes. The prospects are endless. Oh well , maybe next time.

The situations Fran gets into are hilarious. But Max shouldn't have to be a boob all the time. I think the writers should give him a little more credit and let his charm and intelligence more credit. I didn't like finding out the good news on a ski lift with Chris. It should have been a more involved situation.

This episode had its ups and downs. On the positive side, I loved the show's poking fun at Clinton -- Maxwell's "list" to Fran was hilarious...and the "Thanks to President Clinton, I'm pregnant!" and "God Bless America!" were great. I thought that Fran trying to learn to ski was cute, both with the other "little girls" on the bunny slope & then with an exasperated husband. On the negative side, why bother to even have Niles & CC come with the family if they were going to be basically written out at the beginning? Also, they should have saved their money on Chris Eliott, since his character was both stupid and useless. However, what bothered me the most about this episode was the failure of Fran to put herself forward as the mother of the kids -- the receiving line with President & Mrs. Clinton would have been a perfect place for her to appear as their mother, and frankly her Thanksgiving dinner "thanks" left me cold -- couldn't she have given thanks for her husband, her baby to be, and the three wonderful children she already has? (It's kind of ironic to see the early reruns at the same time -- she was much more affectionate as their nanny than she appears to be as their mother.) Hopefully now that she's managed to conceive she'll turn back to the Fran we know & love. -- although I hope that the writers wise up a little bit on the basics of human conception & pregnancy; they seemed to imply that she got pregnant in the cave & found out 5 days later -- not too likely in a random screening test. On a side note, I agree with those fans who have noted the total lack of enthusiasm CBS seems to have for this show -- I had occasion to watch several other things on CBS last week & the other Wednesday night shows each had about 5 promos & the Nanny just one meager one. Are they killing us???

I loved the romantic interludes between Fran and Max. (the chalet, ski instructor, actually learning of being pregant) You have really kept this interesting. Chris Elliot with Brighton was funny but that was it. Keep Nora as the doctor! Niles and CC could have had some really funny moments all bandaged up, so let's keep CC in that body cast a while longer. Was embarrased to laugh at Clinton, but it was GREAT! (very timely and will be a classic) Max and Fran are really becoming a team and helping support each other. Thanks for the dinner table scene, we all have missed those. Overall a really great sweeps! **CBS**Need more promos. This show is SO MUCH BETTER than the ratings indicate (would be a top 15 on Monday nite) Keep it up FRAN!

Our responses (12) gave the episode a 9.25 overall, a 9 for the comedy, and a 9 for romance.
Some comments received were:

Another good one! The show is different since the marriage but I certainly like the way it's heading! Loved the Bill Clinton scene! Loved Fran trying to ski (have you even been taught by a 'loved one' - their patience is usually about the same as Max!) - loved the whole thing.

I loved this episode! My favourite part was when Fran was taking the ski lesson and the other girls were being 'mean to her'!

this was a great episode, so sweet and lovingly in this episode they really shows how much Fran and Max love each other.

This ep was SO funny!!! I loved it, couldn't stop laughing! And the little girls bothering Fran was good too. : )

i thought this was a great ep back to the old nanny magic- everyone's character seemed more natural and the writing was sharper than in previous weeks

I thought it was great! I loved the chair lift scene. And CC all plastered up was histerical. I loved seeing Fran and Max's reactions when they found out they were having a baby, it was magical. It really shows how much they love each other. Can't wait till next weeks!

Great show - the interaction between Max & Fran was excellent.

6.10 The Hanukkah Story

December 16th, 1998

Fran is disappointed that Maxwell is going to Boston on business with C.C. and Grace instead of spending the first night of Hanukkah with the family. While on the road to Boston, Maxwell has a change of heart after remembering his lonely childhood holidays without his family. Just as he's calling Fran to tell her they're coming home, his car crashes in a horrible snow storm. Fran is frantic when the police can't locate Max, CC and Grace during the blizzard. Guest star: Ray Charles as Sammy and Sophie Ward as Jocelyn. Teleplay by Ivan Menchell; Story by Matthew J. Berman & Ivan Menchell. Sammy: Ray Charles, Jocelyn: Sophie Ward, Nun: Dona Hardy, Young Fran: Jamie Renee Smith, Young Max: Christopher Marquette, Young Niles: Preston Wamsley.

Our responses (84) gave the episode a 7.8 overall, a 7.2 for the comedy, and a 7.8 for romance.
Some comments received were:

A truly wonderful episode (Now if only Dan Rather didn't interrupt the middle- What did Niles and CC say to each other? What did Fran say to Max when she found out he was goingto Boston?). The blending of the religious overtones was excellent and there was tremendous warmth, caring, and so many LOL moments I couldn't believe! The Niles child was great, and the glimpse into Fran and Max's childhood was great. Sammy and Yetta as usual were too funny. The entire ensemble were fantastic and the script executed without flaw. When Fran prayed with the Nun I didn't know whether to laugh or just smile with a huge grin Kudos to all!! Miracles DO happen on Chanukah! (Now if only they'll replay it next week so we can see what we missed!) I can see that EVERYONE got a little gift for the holidays with this ep! Have a great last four days of Chanukah and watch those latkes!

I liked it but it wasn't that great compared to the other episodes.

It was SOOO cute.

I thought the show was pretty good. I loved the last scene with Sammy singing! (That was so romantic and just gave you a warm, fuzzy feeling) I also liked the scenes with Max, CC, and Gracie in the car.

With the reruns of old shows on, nothing compares to past seasons. It just not the same.

It was near perfect! They handled the religious theme wonderfully! Nice touch with the nun.

This one was kind of sweet, but I'm SO ready to move away from the serious themes and back to the hilarious Nanny I love! High points for me were Niles & CC pining for one another and Ray Charles' song at the end. Low points were Niles as a fat kid and the CBS interruption. Neither Fran or Max got a chance in this script to be very funny or romantic, so there's not a lot to say there. They do seem very much a "couple," and I like that. All in all, it felt like a typical "holiday episode," kind of separate from the regular series. Not a bad job, but here's holding out hope for a return to lighter scripts in the new year.

This one was cute but a little uneven. I guess it didn't help to have been interrupted by CBS for that startling reveleation about no Impeachment debate. We only heard it a billion times at 7PM! And of course it interrupted the entire Niles/CC scenario so that the rest of it, while kinda cute, was a bit out of place. Episodus Interruptus aside, it was an enjoyable ep. but not what I think they were shooting for. One thing bothered me: why, after Fran and the nun prayed, did only Max and Grace return? Where was CC and why didn't Fran care that she wasn't there? A little cold if you ask me. 6/10

keep up the good work!!!

it was a sweet episode, but I think I would have appreciated it a bit more if it wasn't interrupted by an update of what's going on in the Middle East. Better luck nixt time i guess.

I didn't get see this weeks show . The history of Forest Park and the bombing of Iraq took all of the time of CBS on Decebmer 16. Could you put it back on December 23?

not too great. it was very sweet, but not funny and it seems like with every episode it is becoming more and more a completely new show.

8/10 It was a Niles and CC's fan dream come true. I still can't believe what CC said about her "beautiful Niles" well almost said it. I did like the idea of flashbacks but the kid who played Max wasn't endearing at all. Nothing like the original . The Niles part was too over the top. OK he was a chunky kid but that child probably needed Jerry Springer to talk him out of the house. Why rag on his weight. DD looks fantastic! Why couldn't Niles and CC welcomed each other back too? What a contrast to both relationships it would have made. Show Fran and Max hugging and kissing and Niles and CC insulting each other to cover up feelings. Sammy was a welcome sight. His long absense not explained? Ya gotta wonder why they slap these shows together without any consistency. My old English teacher would have flunked me if I handed in stories with so many holes.

The entire first half of the show was pre-empeted for iran bombing coverage. Could someone tell me why Max, Grace and C.C were going to Boston and what sort of discussion Max and Fran had about the trip prior to his departure? The show picked up with the scene from Max's childhood.

Good epiosde with a lot of blending of the family showing that the most important thing about the holidays is family togetherness.The love between Fran and Max shines through.

This one was just plain stupid. Dan Rather interrupting didn't help it! Come on Fran, let's get back to the funny stuff!

Loved It!!! Sammy & Yetta (her chocolate Dradle); Fran & Max as kids (very funny and explains alot); Niles & CC (what can I say.....HOO...HAH!!!!!!!); Gracie..."so do!"; Niles on C.C leaving..."but we always spend the holidays being bitter together"; C.C on dying...."then I'll never experience the sweet touch of my beautiful Nil....ight Holy night"
This was the best one yet!!

What I saw of the show I loved. However, I too also missed the opening scene as well as part of the ending because of another local news interruption. I thought the episode on a whole was GOOD. I am sure if I would have seen the complete show I would have thought it was GREAT!
I am really liking this season a lot. Nile and C.C. were great as were Fran and Maxwell. The religion issue was handled very well. I especially liked the scene when Sammy sang. After that I don't know what happens!! It has left me with an incomplete episode feeling and I HATE THAT! I only hope they consider rebroadcasting it next week! If not I am going to go through major withdrawal until January 6th. (Notice how they did not ONCE interrupt Maggie Winters!!)

Good ep. It cant be the same year after year and I'm glad that changed now its a more funny loving story, I liked it.10/10

I didn't like the fact that in the beginning of the episode was a news briefing. I wanted to watch "The Nanny" and instead I was forced to watch an ugly guy talk about a depressing moment in our country's history. I would have downloaded the scene but I only have a short amount of time and cannot spare 10 minutes. I would rather have a bad copy of the scene then none at all.
I thought however that the episode was really romantic and cute even with the interruption.

The news interruption caused me a great deal of confusion, what happened between Niles and CC that they all of a sudden couldn't stand to be apart? Much of the show didn't make sense because I don't know why they were going to Boston either. But what I did see seemed choppy, the plot lacked something. The only romantic parts came at the end during the song and I didn't find it really funny because I didn't know what was going on. I did like the flashbacks though. Hearing Sylvia's voice come out of Fran's mouth was a little disturbing, but I enjoyed the fact that the young Max already had a grey streak, that was too funny. I also liked the young Fran, Max and Niles at the end. I'll give the writers the benefit of the doubt since I missed part of it, hope they can rerun it soon, or maybe the Moments section can give some sort of explanation for the first few minutes.

It was an ok show, not alot of comedy. I think TN has been using too much drama. I like the light hearted shows much more =) But all in all I could never dis-like ANY Nanny episode!

I am norwish boy, I can`t englis so I rite on norwish: jeg synes at nanny er drit kult can I pleas gett yuor skrinsaver and yuor autograf pleassss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not a bad episode - a bit "sedate" but it was nice how they handled the two religions element . I did get a kick of the young Max & Niles - especially the: "I'm not going to be a butler ... I'm going to become a successful barrister" part & then the " horror" of what he became ;-).... also a small aside to Fran : Liked the pink sweater - most of her clothes are better (translation: more tasteful) this season & this item really suited her.
Like most of you in the eastern USA , eastern Canada lost the first few scenes for CBS news so I can't yet comment on what happened between Niles & CC. (Note to CBS .... 5 minutes of some reporter in Iraq droning about whether the impeachment vote may or may not be postponed because of the "action" is not enthralling to most of us anywhere in the world....zzzzzz - even in Canada we've heard enough .... geesh !).

It sounds like many of you missed big chunks of the show--probably the best parts. Golden were the moments between Niles and CC. Finally we were treated to scenes of mutual affection between them. Albeit couched in their usual bizarre snottiness to each other. I agree I missed seeing Niles and CC rejoined after the snow ordeal. Fran and Max were very loving, which was most pleasant to see. And the kid scenes were fun, especially the last one. Oh -- I liked seeing Fran in the past the knee black skirt, she looked great in it. And has Sylvia really lost 30 lbs.? She did look slimmer. Hoo-Ha!

It's really hard to rate this one because of the interruption. It seemed a tad choppy to me but that could have been part of the interruption or the writing, I'm not sure. Not a bad episode although the Niles/CC bit didn't make sense coming out of nowhere and too cutsey for the characters IMHO. Also if the gas lasted eight hours why would it still be night? Give the audience some credit, we understood the miracle of Hanukah after you explained it the first time! I'd rate 6 with the chance to up it after seeing the entire show in rerun.

It was, all in all, a pretty cute episode. I like most every aspect of it, and Niles and C.C. were the best. They were adorable, however they could have been taken farther than they were. At the end, where were they? C'mon guys, it wasn't just Fran and Max who were happy to see each other, now was it? I didn't think so. Anyway, I read that some people didn't like what Niles was supposed to look like when he was a kid. Me? I though it was funny as hell, I laughed. Before you cut me down with an axe and throw me out for thinking this, think of it the way I do: just look how he's turned out.(In the word of Niles: Yowza!). That's all I gotta say for now. Bye :-}

The beginning was interrupted by the new special, but from what I did see, I was very disapointed. I didn't find the story line believable at all. Max wouldn't double book an event so inportant to Fran. And these short lived and shallow tragedies are getting old. This is one of my least favorite episodes of all time, but I guess we all have bad days! Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas Fran!!!!

I'm not sure what to say about this one. I enjoyed the interaction between Niles & CC and liked the portrayal of Fran, Max & Niles as kids (especially at the end), but the rest was kind of wishy-washy. What was the point of having Jocelyn there, anyway? After making her appearance, she just became window dressing. A nice holiday story, but not terribly funny.

I liked the show real well except for the interruption by CBS in the first scene. There was a lot of warmth in this holiday show, it was real sweet and everyone together at the end with Ray Charles (Sammy) playing the piano, I just about cried, because this year I wanted to be with my Dad, Sister and Brothers but am unable to due to other circumstances, and when we are together at Christmas that is the feeling we all get, real warm and lovey. It was very well writen with both religions in it and Fran praying with the nun was very touching. Also did you all see the way Niles and CC lolked and smiled at each other at the end?All in all a very very good show, keep up the good work guys!!!

I thought they did a nice job of blending the religions and keeping it somewhat lighthearted. Glad to see Sammy back and singing again. Niles spraying Pledge on the hankie was great! Jocelyn's return in this episode didn't make much sense though. Overall, very enjoyable. I'm looking forward to more of the old side-splitting humor, though.

Loved it. It was a perfect HOLIDAY Show. No one was really annoying; and there was just enough affect and love for this cold time of year. (Those of us in cold climates. Thought the young Niles was a little too obese, my apologies to the young actor. I guess with Renee Taylor's weight loss they had to get a fat joke in somewhere. I'm really glad about the C.C./Niles stuff I hope that there is a lot more in the future.

This show was excellent!! I want more of Niles and CC! Less on Sylvia, Max and Fran. They need to even out the story line and concentrate more on the other characters - meaning Niles and CC!

I too missed the ep because of the History of Forest Park and the Bombing of Iraq, but I jsut got to see the part that I would have missed if I did see it (Thanks Barb for the Real Video section) and it really looked like a good ep (yes, even on my tiny viewer). I just can't wait to go back to my hometown to see it there (or did the other viewer from the St. Louis area say it would be on next week?) Well happy Holidays!

Well I've definetly seen better.. And being a big Fran and Max fan it's hard for me to admit that the only good moments were with Niles and CC. I didn't like this episode because it lacked so much comedy. Ah, well, here's to the new year.

All I can say is--this has to be one of THE best eps I have ever seen! It had absolutely everything--we got flashbacks to see them as kids (chubby Niles--LOL), we got Fran's true love for Max and the rest of the family, we got Niles and C.C. FINALLY showing (albeit in their own twisted way) their true feelings, we got C.C. almost spilling the beans on exactly *whose* touch she would never feel (Yowsa!), we got Sammy back, Jocelyn was there (she cracks me up!)--what more could anyone want for the holidays than a story where drama and comedy gel so well together, and those of us who aren't Jewish learn something about Hanukkah which enables us to appreciate it much more? The kids were SO cute (although...I would've liked to have seen a little C.C.), and I loved Niles' "Three people whom I love very much...well, two people I love and one with whom I have a very complicated relationship." I think that sums up Niles and C.C. in a nutshell. Bravo, kudos, and GREAT JOB to the cast and crew!!

it was fantastic!!!!!!

I actually liked this episode a lot better when I watched it for the second time. Like lots of other folks, I missed the critical setup at the beginning, so I wasn't exactly sure what was going on. I loved the scene with the family lighting the menorah & Sammy singing, and the sight of Fran & Max doing something so peaceful as watching TV together was a nice relief from the last couple episodes. The flashbacks were just all right: I would have rather seen the "real" Sylvia, the little Max was very obnoxious and why was Niles so fat???? (I think he looks great now.) The ending scene would have been perfect with a little C.C.! -- but on a positive, note I liked seeing "young Fran" again -- am I wrong, or was she the same actress that was in "The Wedding"? And does anyone else wonder why in the world Jocelyn was there?

I'm ashamed to say this, but as a Fran Max fan, they are sort of boring me. Niles and CC were a riot though. Ever since they got married, it's just sort of piontless. No more excitement anymore. Oh well.

I thought this episode was great! I loved the holiday theme, and how they handled it. Fran/Max were wonderful and sweet, as they always are. However, in this episode we really saw how much they love eachother (like someone already said). Niles/CC were hysterical, but kinda strange. I mean, that "Hate you," and "Hate you more," thing was a little TOO institutional for me. I think I liked it better when they were constantly insulting eachother. There was a good use of this kids in this episode, as well. It was nice to see Max and Gracie together (I vote for more time with Max and the kids together) Umm, I liked the nun part, I think that was a nice touch to the whole situation. Well, that's about it. Overall great episode, keep up the good work!

Our CBS affiliate skipped airing the show altogether. We got to see local news instead. Will it get played again next week? I can't believe we missed it. [webmaster's note: anytime a local station pre-empts a network show for local programming, whether it's basketball, news, or an infomercial, your best bet is to call the station. Many times they will be airing the show at another time--say Sunday afternoon or at 3 AM. You won't know unless you call.]

I loved the leopard patterned tea pot and cup collection in the scene on the livingroom couch just before the back in time scene. she must have had that commissioned1 it was to die for!!!

Was I the only one who wasnt interupted with Dan Rather??? Oh I know why. Lucky me, I'm on the WEST coast!!!!!!!

10 all the way! What a great esp. Loved fran, max, and niles as kids.Kudos to all! Cant wait for the new shows in Jan!

Although the show is great and It's the only show I watch on TV, now that there married that sexual tention isnt there any more and thats what made the whole show funny, and now that Niles and CC are hooking up, there cracks wont be as funny now, knowing that they dont really mean it!!

If you take Nanny off tv then I`ll go mad and i think that nanny is the best tv program I've ever seen.

I thought that this episode was alright. The Niles and C.C. thing was hilarious. It was funny seeing Fran, Max, and Niles as kids. No offense to the young actor who played Niles, but he looked a bit big. The young Sylvia was bad becuase of the voice thing. I could definetly live without the Dan Rathers interupption. I hope the next episodes are funnier.

This show was a 6/10 for me. I loved CC/Niles part even though I am a diehard Fran/Max fan. the show is just not as funny as it used to be. Looking at the reruns from the first and second season reminds me of how funny it can be. Hope the show picks up in the new year. Loved seeing more of gracie this episode though.

I enjoyed this week's show for the holiday episode that it was. It wasn't as funny as some have been, though it had it's moments. I thought the Niles and CC stuff was important for the comedy, but it was a little out of the blue for those characters. And the blending of the two religions was handled very well. As for the comments that the young Niles was portly, he HAD to be--it's been established in past shows that Niles was a chubby kid. I think it was Grandma Eloise in "Danny's Dead" that brought up him becoming a barrister and James Sheffield that mentioned he was a chubby kid (Niles: Hey, it was an awkward phase!). I was impressed they remembered their own history.

Our responses (9) gave the episode a 7.9 overall, a 7.4 for the comedy, and a 7.2 for romance.
Some comments received were:

What a lovely episode! I'm sure it had more impact in the US being shown at Hanukkah/Christmas but it was still a pleasant show. A good story line, GREAT to see Sammy again, the start of a Niles/CC relationship??? The kids were all used. Anyone notice how good Fran looked at the start in that longer black skirt! Only part I couldn't work out was Joclyn - was she just there because it was an episode about 'family'? Good combining of religions, I also liked the 2 end scenes - the family together while Sammy sang and then Fran and Max on the couch with the younger versions of them on the stairs.

Thought it was wonderful - Good to see Niles and CC slowly coming together

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