Great Moments in Nanny History

Season Three

    
     

3.22 That's Midlife

written by: Caryn Lucas

The family goes to a tennis tournament and Brighton offers to give Fran tennis lessons.	Brighton can't make it to their scheduled tennis lesson so Niles suggests Mr. Sheffield play with Fran instead. Max: Niles, the last thing I need right now is a round of beginner's tennis. Niles: Oh of course sir, it would completely destroy and humiliate her, making her feel like a bigger loser than you are. Max: Get my racket.
The reviews of Maxwell's new show are devastating, and Max takes the flop really hard this time.

But unfortunately, Fran slaughters "his little English touchas," sending him even further into depression.	Max: The fact is I just have to come to grips with the fact that I am 42 years old and, despite having every opportunity money can buy, my life has amounted to zip. Max walks out and Dr. Brothers tells Fran he's just having a midlife crisis and to let him go.
Fran decides that he needs some therapy to learn how to handle minor set backs. They go see Dr. Joyce Brothers.

The next manifestation of the crisis is a younger, hipper Max. Max: Hey Mags, what do you say we hit Tower Records? Cruise the bins. Maggie: Fran, help me. Help me so much. Fran: Mr. Sheffield, Maggie cannot go to the record store because I caught her smoking and drinking. Max: What? You are grounded for three weeks young lady! Maggie: Oh thank you Dad! Fran: (to Maggie, quietly) If he's not over this by then I'll tell him you're pregnant.

Fran: Aaaahhh, you dyed your grey streak??? What the hell is wrong with you?? Max: I happen to like it. I think it takes 10 years off. Catch you later babe. Fran: That was my grey streak! I caused it and it was mine to remove!!!

Fran goes to her mom for advice and she lets slip that she beat Mr. Sheffield at tennis. Sylvia: What?? Have I taught you nothing? You never beat a man at anything.... until after you're married.

Fran points out that even though he had a privileged upbringing, he didn't have a good emotional base. She also points out all that he has accomplished. Max: You know, you're right. I came to this country all by myself. Fran: Yes you did. Max: Started a very successful business out of nothing. Fran: Plus you raised three terrific kids absolutely without any help from anyone... wait a minute. Max: It's true, you know I really haven't done that badly at all considering I was bloody handicapped emotionally. Fran: Please, you're completely dysfunctional.

Mr. Sheffield comes to Queens to show off his newest acquisition, a cute little red Porsche. He attracts quite a crowd in that neighborhood. Fran chases them all off and they take a walk to talk.

Fran: Feel better? Max: Yes, yes Miss Fine, as a matter of fact I do. I feel a lot better. Thank you very much. Now, while I 'm still feeling a little bit impulsive, what do you say... you and me.... one last hurrah.... Fran: Mr. Sheffield....!	But he had in mind a fast ride in the new Porsche. Max: All right, let's really gun it. Hang on Miss Fine! Oh God... Oh God... Fran: Wait... Wait!
	(a couple of loud backfires and the car stops) Oy, I just had such a flashback to my old boyfriend.

I wanna see the next set of Great Moments in Nanny History pictures!

I wanna go back to the Great Moments in Nanny History Index

Back to The Really Unofficial Nanny Home Page

Bridge Over Troubled Water