It's the start of the school year, and both Maggie and Grace are excited to return to school. Brighton, who is just starting high school, is however traumatized. In the gym locker room, he finds he is smaller than all the other boys. Both Fran but especially Maxwell are concerned for Brighton's psyche. However Fran gets her head out of the gutter long enough to understand Brighton's real problem. Meanwhile, Maxwell is again on Esquire Magazine's list of the most eligible bachelors, which he does not enjoy as he is still not ready to date. Wanting to help him have more of a social life, Fran and Val drag him out to a nightclub. He has a good time on this night out as he meets, in his own words, the most incredible woman named Leslie. Leslie not only has a striking resemblance to Fran, but also has all her mannerisms. But neither Maxwell or Fran see the resemblance. As much as he likes her (and for that matter, as much as Fran likes her), Maxwell decides that Leslie is not quite the... Written by Huggo

It's the start of the school year, and both Maggie and Grace are excited to return to school. Brighton, who is just starting high school, is however traumatized. In the gym locker room, he finds he is smaller than all the other boys. Both Fran but especially Maxwell are concerned for Brighton's psyche. However Fran gets her head out of the gutter long enough to understand Brighton's real problem. Meanwhile, Maxwell is again on Esquire Magazine's list of the most eligible bachelors, which he does not enjoy as he is still not ready to date. Wanting to help him have more of a social life, Fran and Val drag him out to a nightclub. He has a good time on this night out as he meets, in his own words, the most incredible woman named Leslie. Leslie not only has a striking resemblance to Fran, but also has all her mannerisms. But neither Maxwell or Fran see the resemblance. As much as he likes her (and for that matter, as much as Fran likes her), Maxwell decides that Leslie is not quite the... Written by Huggo

Brighton is asked to a dance by his friend and geeky science partner, Brooke. Not wanting to look uncool to the other kids, he flatly turns her down. But Brooke blackmails him into taking her by threatening to pull out from her part of the homework, which basically is all the work. After all is said and done, Brighton is glad to go with her when he sees Brooke in her party attire. Regardless, Fran is angry with Brighton for what she sees as treating a classmate poorly. Fran has to eat her words when she and Brighton run into Jeffrey Needleman, who Fran similarly snubbed back in high school. For Jeffrey, it was unrequited love back in high school. Under Brighton's pressure, Fran ends up going on a date with Jeffrey. He thinks things are going so well on the date, he asks Fran to marry him. After Fran kindly turns him down, Jeffrey does exactly what he did when Fran turned him down in high school: climbs out on a ledge and threatens to jump. After negotiating with Jeffrey, Fran learns ... Written by Huggo

Brighton is asked to a dance by his friend and geeky science partner, Brooke. Not wanting to look uncool to the other kids, he flatly turns her down. But Brooke blackmails him into taking her by threatening to pull out from her part of the homework, which basically is all the work. After all is said and done, Brighton is glad to go with her when he sees Brooke in her party attire. Regardless, Fran is angry with Brighton for what she sees as treating a classmate poorly. Fran has to eat her words when she and Brighton run into Jeffrey Needleman, who Fran similarly snubbed back in high school. For Jeffrey, it was unrequited love back in high school. Under Brighton's pressure, Fran ends up going on a date with Jeffrey. He thinks things are going so well on the date, he asks Fran to marry him. After Fran kindly turns him down, Jeffrey does exactly what he did when Fran turned him down in high school: climbs out on a ledge and threatens to jump. After negotiating with Jeffrey, Fran learns ... Written by Huggo

While Grandma Yetta's rest home is being fumigated, she decides to stay with Fran and the Sheffield's. Yetta has quite the influence on the kids. She also brings more than herself into the house as she is found in bed the next morning with her gentleman friend, Saul. This situation does not sit well with Maxwell, as Yetta apparently provided advice to Maggie in her new relationship with Greg, a relationship of which Maxwell does not approve. Although he learns Yetta's advice wasn't quite what he thought, Maxwell still eagerly awaits Maggie's arrival home from her latest date with Greg, while Fran consoles Maxwell about the job he's doing as the father of a dating teen-aged girl. Written by Huggo

While Grandma Yetta's rest home is being fumigated, she decides to stay with Fran and the Sheffield's. Yetta has quite the influence on the kids. She also brings more than herself into the house as she is found in bed the next morning with her gentleman friend, Saul. This situation does not sit well with Maxwell, as Yetta apparently provided advice to Maggie in her new relationship with Greg, a relationship of which Maxwell does not approve. Although he learns Yetta's advice wasn't quite what he thought, Maxwell still eagerly awaits Maggie's arrival home from her latest date with Greg, while Fran consoles Maxwell about the job he's doing as the father of a dating teen-aged girl. Written by Huggo

At a society luncheon C.C. is hosting at the Sheffield house, Fran recognizes attendee Katherine Porter as Kathy Marie O'Malley, her Flushing High School chum. Despite initially putting on airs, Katherine Porter ultimately does confess to Fran that she is indeed the former Kathy Marie O'Malley, now married to wealthy Richard Porter. Kathy is extremely happy with her new lot in life, and tries to move Fran in the same direction by setting her up with Richard's equally wealthy business partner and oldest friend, Theo Timmons. Initially reluctant to go on a blind date, Fran ultimately agrees to meet Theo. Upon first meeting, the part of the above description that first hits Fran is old as Theo is almost old enough to be Fran's grandfather. Regardless, they have a good time on their date. Theo falls hard for Fran lavishing her with expensive gifts, and she in return likes him. But the more they spend time together, the more she realizes she is merely window dressing for him as she ... Written by Huggo

At a society luncheon C.C. is hosting at the Sheffield house, Fran recognizes attendee Katherine Porter as Kathy Marie O'Malley, her Flushing High School chum. Despite initially putting on airs, Katherine Porter ultimately does confess to Fran that she is indeed the former Kathy Marie O'Malley, now married to wealthy Richard Porter. Kathy is extremely happy with her new lot in life, and tries to move Fran in the same direction by setting her up with Richard's equally wealthy business partner and oldest friend, Theo Timmons. Initially reluctant to go on a blind date, Fran ultimately agrees to meet Theo. Upon first meeting, the part of the above description that first hits Fran is old as Theo is almost old enough to be Fran's grandfather. Regardless, they have a good time on their date. Theo falls hard for Fran lavishing her with expensive gifts, and she in return likes him. But the more they spend time together, the more she realizes she is merely window dressing for him as she ... Written by Huggo

Fran is feeling a little under-appreciated in the Sheffield household. She learns that others always try to woo away Niles to other employment, yet no one ever tries to do that with her. But what is bringing Fran down the most is that it is nearing the first anniversary of her employment in the Sheffield household, and apparently Maxwell has not remembered nor does he seem to really care. On the actual anniversary date, Maxwell and C.C. are supposed to be at a nationally televised awards show in Washington D.C., whereas Fran initially thought Maxwell was planning a first anniversary celebratory party for her. Niles ultimately has to tell Maxwell what is bothering Fran. Maxwell decides to make a grand gesture to make it up to her. Meanwhile, Fran has volunteered to be Gracie's troop mother for the Red Robin girl's club. As a community outreach measure, Fran partners each member of the troop with a senior at Yetta's nursing home. Grace thinks she's a jinx as she is always partnered with... Written by Huggo

Fran is feeling a little under-appreciated in the Sheffield household. She learns that others always try to woo away Niles to other employment, yet no one ever tries to do that with her. But what is bringing Fran down the most is that it is nearing the first anniversary of her employment in the Sheffield household, and apparently Maxwell has not remembered nor does he seem to really care. On the actual anniversary date, Maxwell and C.C. are supposed to be at a nationally televised awards show in Washington D.C., whereas Fran initially thought Maxwell was planning a first anniversary celebratory party for her. Niles ultimately has to tell Maxwell what is bothering Fran. Maxwell decides to make a grand gesture to make it up to her. Meanwhile, Fran has volunteered to be Gracie's troop mother for the Red Robin girl's club. As a community outreach measure, Fran partners each member of the troop with a senior at Yetta's nursing home. Grace thinks she's a jinx as she is always partnered with... Written by Huggo

On the subway, a non-English speaking Russian immigrant woman, harried from overloaded arms, gives her infant boy temporarily to Fran to hold onto after Fran offers assistance. In the crush of traffic, the woman is pushed off the subway. Not seeing this happen, Fran thinks the woman purposely abandoned her son. Fran brings the boy back to the Sheffield house, and intends on bringing the child to the police station but can't make it there because of traffic issues. This may be a good thing as Fran learns that the police are after her for kidnapping. Wanting to do the right thing, Maxwell and Fran do bring the baby to the police station, where Fran is promptly arrested. Fran gets herself out of the bind with the police and the Russian woman by using a mutual cultural reference to her advantage. Back at the house, the Sheffields are mourning the absence of the baby, to whom they were getting attached. Grace comes up with what she thinks is the perfect and most logical solution. Written by Huggo

On the subway, a non-English speaking Russian immigrant woman, harried from overloaded arms, gives her infant boy temporarily to Fran to hold onto after Fran offers assistance. In the crush of traffic, the woman is pushed off the subway. Not seeing this happen, Fran thinks the woman purposely abandoned her son. Fran brings the boy back to the Sheffield house, and intends on bringing the child to the police station but can't make it there because of traffic issues. This may be a good thing as Fran learns that the police are after her for kidnapping. Wanting to do the right thing, Maxwell and Fran do bring the baby to the police station, where Fran is promptly arrested. Fran gets herself out of the bind with the police and the Russian woman by using a mutual cultural reference to her advantage. Back at the house, the Sheffields are mourning the absence of the baby, to whom they were getting attached. Grace comes up with what she thinks is the perfect and most logical solution. Written by Huggo

Phillipe, a producer, is mounting a production of Romeo and Juliet. He wants a fresh voice for the role of Juliet, that voice being Fran. Despite being flabbergasted by the decision, Maxwell allows Phillipe to hire Fran. With all the rehearsal, Fran neglects her nanny duties, which leaves Maxwell to look after his kids. This leaves him frustrated and angry, which he takes out on Fran. C.C. learns, which she tells Maxwell, that Phillipe only hired Fran because he needed a flop as a tax write-off. Maxwell thinks that the less hurtful thing to do is to tell Fran the truth, rather than for her to face the public humiliation of actually going live on stage. Luckily for him, Fran beats him to the punch in coming up with her own different conclusion. Written by Huggo

Phillipe, a producer, is mounting a production of Romeo and Juliet. He wants a fresh voice for the role of Juliet, that voice being Fran. Despite being flabbergasted by the decision, Maxwell allows Phillipe to hire Fran. With all the rehearsal, Fran neglects her nanny duties, which leaves Maxwell to look after his kids. This leaves him frustrated and angry, which he takes out on Fran. C.C. learns, which she tells Maxwell, that Phillipe only hired Fran because he needed a flop as a tax write-off. Maxwell thinks that the less hurtful thing to do is to tell Fran the truth, rather than for her to face the public humiliation of actually going live on stage. Luckily for him, Fran beats him to the punch in coming up with her own different conclusion. Written by Huggo

Maxwell and C.C. are producing a new musical starring Ben Vereen, and they're looking for investors. A chance meeting with Vereen finds one group of investors: Sylvia and her ladies canasta group, who invest their pinske - their canasta winnings: $25,000. Fran is a little worried for her mother when she later learns from Maxwell that his big talk of a sure-fired hit is his standard spiel to lure investment and that the show is not a guaranteed success. The show may not get off the ground regardless if they can't find other investors. They hit a major snag when their prospective major investor, Charles Haste, happens to be the man who C.C. physically battled with over a cab. Overhearing the story from Haste who fancies himself to be a ladies man, Fran decides to pretend to be a sexy C.C. to Haste. Before investing, Haste wants to take who he knows to be C.C. out on a date, the date to begin at her apartment. Before the date starts, C.C., at her apartment, provides Fran with a crash ... Written by Huggo

Maxwell and C.C. are producing a new musical starring Ben Vereen, and they're looking for investors. A chance meeting with Vereen finds one group of investors: Sylvia and her ladies canasta group, who invest their pinske - their canasta winnings: $25,000. Fran is a little worried for her mother when she later learns from Maxwell that his big talk of a sure-fired hit is his standard spiel to lure investment and that the show is not a guaranteed success. The show may not get off the ground regardless if they can't find other investors. They hit a major snag when their prospective major investor, Charles Haste, happens to be the man who C.C. physically battled with over a cab. Overhearing the story from Haste who fancies himself to be a ladies man, Fran decides to pretend to be a sexy C.C. to Haste. Before investing, Haste wants to take who he knows to be C.C. out on a date, the date to begin at her apartment. Before the date starts, C.C., at her apartment, provides Fran with a crash ... Written by Huggo

While shopping at the local market, Fran meets Glen Mitchell, a well-dressed and handsome man who works on Wall Street. Fran and Glen start dating, the relationship which extends to Maxwell, who also strikes up a friendship with Glen. After Maxwell accepts a stock tip from Glen, Fran learns that Glen, although an employee on Wall Street, is not a stock broker as she inferred, but rather a hot dog vendor. Maxwell, at his men's club, is about to hand over $100,000 to Glen, so Fran has to take some drastic measures to stop the deal. She first tries to appeal to Maxwell's business manager, C.C. Although the $100,000 is company profit and thus partly hers, C.C. would rather see Fran screwed than to save the $100,000. Fran decides she needs to appeal directly to Maxwell, but the men's club does not allow admittance to women. Taking a cue from a pop cultural icon, Fran manages to sneak into the men's club. Once inside, Fran's overall success works as successfully as most of the plans hatched... Written by Huggo

While shopping at the local market, Fran meets Glen Mitchell, a well-dressed and handsome man who works on Wall Street. Fran and Glen start dating, the relationship which extends to Maxwell, who also strikes up a friendship with Glen. After Maxwell accepts a stock tip from Glen, Fran learns that Glen, although an employee on Wall Street, is not a stock broker as she inferred, but rather a hot dog vendor. Maxwell, at his men's club, is about to hand over $100,000 to Glen, so Fran has to take some drastic measures to stop the deal. She first tries to appeal to Maxwell's business manager, C.C. Although the $100,000 is company profit and thus partly hers, C.C. would rather see Fran screwed than to save the $100,000. Fran decides she needs to appeal directly to Maxwell, but the men's club does not allow admittance to women. Taking a cue from a pop cultural icon, Fran manages to sneak into the men's club. Once inside, Fran's overall success works as successfully as most of the plans hatched... Written by Huggo

Two events are supposed to happen simultaneously. First, Sylvia is celebrating her 50th birthday at the Sheffield house (obviously the umpteenth times she's celebrated her 50th), with Fran throwing her a not so surprise party. And second, C.C. is going away for the weekend with Maxwell to an industry function, the weekend which she envisions will be a romantic one with her business partner. The first does happen, but the second hits a snag when C.C. accidentally gets trapped in Maxwell's wine cellar. What's worse is that Fran ultimately gets trapped in there with her. To make the best of a bad situation, Fran treats their captivity much like a slumber party. C.C. doesn't get into Fran's swing of things until she dulls her pain by the copious amounts of wine at her disposal. Fran ultimately becomes C.C.'s confidante, C.C. who finally admits to herself for the first time and to Fran that her feelings for Maxwell are probably unreciprocated. But things go back to normal between C.C. ... Written by Huggo

Two events are supposed to happen simultaneously. First, Sylvia is celebrating her 50th birthday at the Sheffield house (obviously the umpteenth times she's celebrated her 50th), with Fran throwing her a not so surprise party. And second, C.C. is going away for the weekend with Maxwell to an industry function, the weekend which she envisions will be a romantic one with her business partner. The first does happen, but the second hits a snag when C.C. accidentally gets trapped in Maxwell's wine cellar. What's worse is that Fran ultimately gets trapped in there with her. To make the best of a bad situation, Fran treats their captivity much like a slumber party. C.C. doesn't get into Fran's swing of things until she dulls her pain by the copious amounts of wine at her disposal. Fran ultimately becomes C.C.'s confidante, C.C. who finally admits to herself for the first time and to Fran that her feelings for Maxwell are probably unreciprocated. But things go back to normal between C.C. ... Written by Huggo

Maxwell and C.C. decide to hire precocious, not-very-talented 12-year-old TV star Jack Walker to star in their stage production of Oliver!, hiring him solely for his marquee value. His TV series, Royal Flush, seems oddly familiar to the Sheffields. Jack is staying with them until his parents can join him in New York, and his bossy, entitled behavior soon riles Fran. She tells him he should act like a normal kid and makes him realize that he has no real friends. He decides to quit show business altogether as it's the cause of his life problems, but that means quitting Maxwell's show. Maxwell furiously tells Fran that she must convince him that show business is his life and that he should do Oliver. When Jack breaks down with some true emotion about wanting to be a regular kid, Maxwell lets him out of his contract. Jack is relieved--just not for the reason Maxwell and Fran think. Written by Huggo

Maxwell and C.C. decide to hire precocious, not-very-talented 12-year-old TV star Jack Walker to star in their stage production of Oliver!, hiring him solely for his marquee value. His TV series, Royal Flush, seems oddly familiar to the Sheffields. Jack is staying with them until his parents can join him in New York, and his bossy, entitled behavior soon riles Fran. She tells him he should act like a normal kid and makes him realize that he has no real friends. He decides to quit show business altogether as it's the cause of his life problems, but that means quitting Maxwell's show. Maxwell furiously tells Fran that she must convince him that show business is his life and that he should do Oliver. When Jack breaks down with some true emotion about wanting to be a regular kid, Maxwell lets him out of his contract. Jack is relieved--just not for the reason Maxwell and Fran think. Written by Huggo

Maggie is reaching that stage in her life where she becomes an activist against all the issues in the world, including environmentalism and animal rights. She butts heads with Maxwell when he won't let her go to an all night poetry campaign supporting the environment. Really, the all-nighter is a date with a boy she likes. Meanwhile, Fran's Aunt Mima Fageh passes away at age 104, and she wills her famous and much desired mink coat to Fran. But Fran doesn't want it since she too believes in animal rights and she wants to show Maggie that she can stick to her convictions. This stance goes against everything that Sylvia believes in, which places a strain between the two. Sylvia slowly but methodically gets to a point where Fran is almost ready to accept the coat. But ultimately, C.C. unwittingly solves the problem between the Fine women. Written by Huggo

Maggie is reaching that stage in her life where she becomes an activist against all the issues in the world, including environmentalism and animal rights. She butts heads with Maxwell when he won't let her go to an all night poetry campaign supporting the environment. Really, the all-nighter is a date with a boy she likes. Meanwhile, Fran's Aunt Mima Fageh passes away at age 104, and she wills her famous and much desired mink coat to Fran. But Fran doesn't want it since she too believes in animal rights and she wants to show Maggie that she can stick to her convictions. This stance goes against everything that Sylvia believes in, which places a strain between the two. Sylvia slowly but methodically gets to a point where Fran is almost ready to accept the coat. But ultimately, C.C. unwittingly solves the problem between the Fine women. Written by Huggo

Maxwell and Fran face a difference in opinion on how to raise the children when Maxwell reverses a decision Fran made regarding not allowing Brighton to go to the mall. Fran makes Maxwell realize that Brighton was using the old ploy of dividing and conquering. Another difference they face is during the party following the opening on Maxwell and C.C.'s new play, a musical version of Norma Rae (1979). The busboys at the hotel where the reception is being held are on strike. Fran refuses to cross the picket line, which makes Maxwell try to forcibly make her cross. The media has a field day with the issue, especially considering the irony with regard to the subject matter of Norma Rae. Maxwell and C.C. decide to diffuse the issue by presenting their side of the story on Sally Jessy Raphael's talk show. But Sally's show offers Fran a counterpoint argument. Realistically, this forum allows both Fran and Maxwell to discuss deeper feelings around the issue. Written by Huggo

Maxwell and Fran face a difference in opinion on how to raise the children when Maxwell reverses a decision Fran made regarding not allowing Brighton to go to the mall. Fran makes Maxwell realize that Brighton was using the old ploy of dividing and conquering. Another difference they face is during the party following the opening on Maxwell and C.C.'s new play, a musical version of Norma Rae (1979). The busboys at the hotel where the reception is being held are on strike. Fran refuses to cross the picket line, which makes Maxwell try to forcibly make her cross. The media has a field day with the issue, especially considering the irony with regard to the subject matter of Norma Rae. Maxwell and C.C. decide to diffuse the issue by presenting their side of the story on Sally Jessy Raphael's talk show. But Sally's show offers Fran a counterpoint argument. Realistically, this forum allows both Fran and Maxwell to discuss deeper feelings around the issue. Written by Huggo

Maxwell brings a celebrity back to the house to recuperate following some plastic surgery. The celebrity's face is wrapped in bandages, so her identity is a mystery, which is killing Fran as Maxwell won't tell her who she is. Not even C.C. knows who it is. The guest bedroom is off limits to everyone in the house except Niles, who Fran learns knows who it is. Fran breaks into the guest bedroom, but soon gets caught by Maxwell. But the bedridden guest reveals her identity. Although Fran is sworn to secrecy, she tells Val, who in turn tells her confessor priest. News leaks out to the media, who stake out the house, leaving the celebrity a virtual prisoner in the house. Fran devises a plan to get the celebrity out of the house. Although the plan is a bad one, it is at least a long enough diversion to accomplish the goal. Although the celebrity manages to get away, Maxwell is still mad a Fran for the leak. But he has to eat his words when they all find out how the information got leaked. Written by Huggo

Maxwell brings a celebrity back to the house to recuperate following some plastic surgery. The celebrity's face is wrapped in bandages, so her identity is a mystery, which is killing Fran as Maxwell won't tell her who she is. Not even C.C. knows who it is. The guest bedroom is off limits to everyone in the house except Niles, who Fran learns knows who it is. Fran breaks into the guest bedroom, but soon gets caught by Maxwell. But the bedridden guest reveals her identity. Although Fran is sworn to secrecy, she tells Val, who in turn tells her confessor priest. News leaks out to the media, who stake out the house, leaving the celebrity a virtual prisoner in the house. Fran devises a plan to get the celebrity out of the house. Although the plan is a bad one, it is at least a long enough diversion to accomplish the goal. Although the celebrity manages to get away, Maxwell is still mad a Fran for the leak. But he has to eat his words when they all find out how the information got leaked. Written by Huggo

Fran is invited to Camp Kindervelt's reunion, but doesn't want to go unless she can get a date with a rich, successful man. This date is only to show up her long running camp rival, Judy Silverman. She first tries to get Maxwell to go with her, but he balks at the idea. Niles talks Maxwell into doing Fran this favor, but she has since found another date: actor Erik Estrada. As a lark, the kids sent in Fran's old win a date with Erik Estrada contest form from 1979, Erik who thought a date, albeit fifteen years late, a good publicity stunt. Fran is thrilled, whereas Maxwell is quietly dejected. Erik does take Fran to the reunion but has to leave early before Judy Silverman arrives. Fran is left in the lurch without a date, but a knight in shining armor comes to her rescue. Written by Huggo

Fran is invited to Camp Kindervelt's reunion, but doesn't want to go unless she can get a date with a rich, successful man. This date is only to show up her long running camp rival, Judy Silverman. She first tries to get Maxwell to go with her, but he balks at the idea. Niles talks Maxwell into doing Fran this favor, but she has since found another date: actor Erik Estrada. As a lark, the kids sent in Fran's old win a date with Erik Estrada contest form from 1979, Erik who thought a date, albeit fifteen years late, a good publicity stunt. Fran is thrilled, whereas Maxwell is quietly dejected. Erik does take Fran to the reunion but has to leave early before Judy Silverman arrives. Fran is left in the lurch without a date, but a knight in shining armor comes to her rescue. Written by Huggo

Maxwell wants Brighton to partake in a typical boy's activity like baseball instead of spending so much time in front of the television. He had no idea that Fran would introduce him to canasta instead. On a visit to Sylvia's, Brighton proves himself to be a natural canasta player, which is good for the Fines because Yetta's team needs a fourth (the other two being Sylvia and Fran) for an upcoming tournament in Atlantic City since their regular fourth player, Gwen, has moved away. Maxwell is initially crushed to learn this news, especially since the team is called the Flushing Queens, but Niles convinces him to support his son in whatever endeavor he chooses to partake. So Maxwell decides to take the entire family to Atlantic City to support Brighton, Fran, Sylvia and Yetta. However Fran seems to be the odd person out when Gwen returns, and Sylvia and Yetta decide to drop Fran from the team in favor of Gwen and Brighton. Fran is devastated. But Brighton decides to take one for the ... Written by Huggo

Maxwell wants Brighton to partake in a typical boy's activity like baseball instead of spending so much time in front of the television. He had no idea that Fran would introduce him to canasta instead. On a visit to Sylvia's, Brighton proves himself to be a natural canasta player, which is good for the Fines because Yetta's team needs a fourth (the other two being Sylvia and Fran) for an upcoming tournament in Atlantic City since their regular fourth player, Gwen, has moved away. Maxwell is initially crushed to learn this news, especially since the team is called the Flushing Queens, but Niles convinces him to support his son in whatever endeavor he chooses to partake. So Maxwell decides to take the entire family to Atlantic City to support Brighton, Fran, Sylvia and Yetta. However Fran seems to be the odd person out when Gwen returns, and Sylvia and Yetta decide to drop Fran from the team in favor of Gwen and Brighton. Fran is devastated. But Brighton decides to take one for the ... Written by Huggo

In part because of an impending medical check-up, Maxwell begins to think about what to do with the children if he were to pass away prematurely. He decides to have it written into his will that Fran continue to be their nanny. Following that, Fran stumbles upon a heart healthy diet sheet in the kitchen, which she thinks belongs to Maxwell. She infers that the check-up did not go well, and that he has a major heart problem. She further thinks he is near death when he rushes her into the change of will proceedings. In reality, the diet sheet belongs to Doug Emerson, a new investor who Maxwell is having over for dinner. Doug is recovering from heart bypass surgery. At that dinner, Fran does whatever she can to sabotage Maxwell eating anything full of fat, salt or processed sugar. In doing so, she passes all the heart unhealthy food to Doug. Fran learns the truth about the diet sheet, but not before a trip to the hospital for their dinner guest. Meanwhile, Brighton is the object of ... Written by Huggo

In part because of an impending medical check-up, Maxwell begins to think about what to do with the children if he were to pass away prematurely. He decides to have it written into his will that Fran continue to be their nanny. Following that, Fran stumbles upon a heart healthy diet sheet in the kitchen, which she thinks belongs to Maxwell. She infers that the check-up did not go well, and that he has a major heart problem. She further thinks he is near death when he rushes her into the change of will proceedings. In reality, the diet sheet belongs to Doug Emerson, a new investor who Maxwell is having over for dinner. Doug is recovering from heart bypass surgery. At that dinner, Fran does whatever she can to sabotage Maxwell eating anything full of fat, salt or processed sugar. In doing so, she passes all the heart unhealthy food to Doug. Fran learns the truth about the diet sheet, but not before a trip to the hospital for their dinner guest. Meanwhile, Brighton is the object of ... Written by Huggo

Maxwell is trying to secure the rights to the latest yet unfinished offering by renowned playwright Dakota Williams, thinking that this play will be his breakout hit. Maxwell is competing with Andrew Lloyd Webber for the rights. Williams is an older Southerner who talks tough, lives hard and lives fast. In Maxwell's words, he's a real man's man. Maxwell decides to ply Williams with food, drink and a vivacious fast woman, his first thought for that last position being Cindy Crawford. After hearing about Williams, Fran thinks she knows of someone more perfect to fill that position than Cindy. Little does Maxwell know that Fran is talking about Yetta. When Yetta arrives for dinner and the meeting with Williams, Maxwell is furious with Fran as he feels Yetta will ruin his chances of getting Williams to sign a contract. However Williams and Yetta hit it off and Williams does sign with Maxwell in large part because of Yetta. In her new intimate relationship with Williams, Yetta learns and ... Written by Huggo

Maxwell is trying to secure the rights to the latest yet unfinished offering by renowned playwright Dakota Williams, thinking that this play will be his breakout hit. Maxwell is competing with Andrew Lloyd Webber for the rights. Williams is an older Southerner who talks tough, lives hard and lives fast. In Maxwell's words, he's a real man's man. Maxwell decides to ply Williams with food, drink and a vivacious fast woman, his first thought for that last position being Cindy Crawford. After hearing about Williams, Fran thinks she knows of someone more perfect to fill that position than Cindy. Little does Maxwell know that Fran is talking about Yetta. When Yetta arrives for dinner and the meeting with Williams, Maxwell is furious with Fran as he feels Yetta will ruin his chances of getting Williams to sign a contract. However Williams and Yetta hit it off and Williams does sign with Maxwell in large part because of Yetta. In her new intimate relationship with Williams, Yetta learns and ... Written by Huggo

Grace has a new friend, Willie, who is accompanied by his nanny, Kurt Jacobs, on any play dates between the two kids. Although Fran thinks Kurt is handsome, she knows that he's gay and thus she doesn't hit on him. Kurt displays many of the gay stereotypes: he works in a traditionally female-dominated profession, he's good looking and obsessed with his looks and is an aspiring Broadway actor. Because Kurt's gay, Maxwell allows Kurt many liberties - such as allowing him into Fran's room - that he would not not allow any other man. And also because Kurt is gay, Fran treats him just like one of the girls and doesn't put on any false impressions of herself. What Fran comes to realize is that Kurt is actually straight, which she figures out when he hits on her. This realization changes both the way Fran and Maxwell see Kurt. Fran and Kurt start dating, whereas Maxwell can't figure out why he is concerned that Fran and Kurt are dating. Although things don't work out between Fran and Kurt, ... Written by Huggo

Grace has a new friend, Willie, who is accompanied by his nanny, Kurt Jacobs, on any play dates between the two kids. Although Fran thinks Kurt is handsome, she knows that he's gay and thus she doesn't hit on him. Kurt displays many of the gay stereotypes: he works in a traditionally female-dominated profession, he's good looking and obsessed with his looks and is an aspiring Broadway actor. Because Kurt's gay, Maxwell allows Kurt many liberties - such as allowing him into Fran's room - that he would not not allow any other man. And also because Kurt is gay, Fran treats him just like one of the girls and doesn't put on any false impressions of herself. What Fran comes to realize is that Kurt is actually straight, which she figures out when he hits on her. This realization changes both the way Fran and Maxwell see Kurt. Fran and Kurt start dating, whereas Maxwell can't figure out why he is concerned that Fran and Kurt are dating. Although things don't work out between Fran and Kurt, ... Written by Huggo

Maxwell and C.C. get into the movie producing business when C.C. buys the rights to Lamb Chop: the Movie. As with many of his clients, Maxwell invites Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop to stay at the house rather than putting them up at a hotel. They are only the latest house guests as Fran earlier agreed to look after C.C.'s dog, Chester. Shari is the perfect house guest. Lamb Chop however is a little diva-ish. But Lamb Chop is no problem compared to Chester, who has been chewing things and leaving little presents behind in all the worst places. Chester takes a little present for himself, namely a napping Lamb Chop. Evidence on Chester's face indicates that he ate Lamb Chop. Maxwell is furious at both Fran and C.C. Fran thinks she can fix the situation by creating a new Lamp Chop. Fran's reincarnation of Lamb Chop isn't exactly that of Shari's original. Lamb Chop is ultimately found, a little worse for wear but all right. But because of her experience, she threatens to cancel the movie ... Written by Huggo

Maxwell and C.C. get into the movie producing business when C.C. buys the rights to Lamb Chop: the Movie. As with many of his clients, Maxwell invites Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop to stay at the house rather than putting them up at a hotel. They are only the latest house guests as Fran earlier agreed to look after C.C.'s dog, Chester. Shari is the perfect house guest. Lamb Chop however is a little diva-ish. But Lamb Chop is no problem compared to Chester, who has been chewing things and leaving little presents behind in all the worst places. Chester takes a little present for himself, namely a napping Lamb Chop. Evidence on Chester's face indicates that he ate Lamb Chop. Maxwell is furious at both Fran and C.C. Fran thinks she can fix the situation by creating a new Lamp Chop. Fran's reincarnation of Lamb Chop isn't exactly that of Shari's original. Lamb Chop is ultimately found, a little worse for wear but all right. But because of her experience, she threatens to cancel the movie ... Written by Huggo

C.C. is taking a cooking class. Anyone who eats her cooking is taking their life in their own hands. It looks like Maxwell might have come down with food poisoning from her cooking. Meanwhile, Fran thinks that Maggie should start working to learn some responsibility. Despite thinking she is still a little too young, Maxwell allows her to do so but doesn't want her to take a paying job that someone who needs the money would be better suited. So she ends up getting a volunteer job candy striping. At first, Maggie is nervous about causing anguish to sick patients (as is Maxwell), but Maggie ends up loving the job. But when Maggie's boyfriend wants to go out on one of Maggie's volunteer nights, Maggie co-opts Fran to work for her. Neither Fran or Maggie tell Maxwell that Maggie is shirking her responsibility in this matter. But they may not need to tell him as he is admitted to the hospital - apparently not with food poisoning but appendicitis - into the exact room where Fran is hiding ... Written by Huggo

C.C. is taking a cooking class. Anyone who eats her cooking is taking their life in their own hands. It looks like Maxwell might have come down with food poisoning from her cooking. Meanwhile, Fran thinks that Maggie should start working to learn some responsibility. Despite thinking she is still a little too young, Maxwell allows her to do so but doesn't want her to take a paying job that someone who needs the money would be better suited. So she ends up getting a volunteer job candy striping. At first, Maggie is nervous about causing anguish to sick patients (as is Maxwell), but Maggie ends up loving the job. But when Maggie's boyfriend wants to go out on one of Maggie's volunteer nights, Maggie co-opts Fran to work for her. Neither Fran or Maggie tell Maxwell that Maggie is shirking her responsibility in this matter. But they may not need to tell him as he is admitted to the hospital - apparently not with food poisoning but appendicitis - into the exact room where Fran is hiding ... Written by Huggo

Fran finagles it so that her sister Nadine, who was just dumped by her husband Barry, can stay at the house for a few days. This invitation may have been an error on Fran's part as Nadine is driving her crazy. Nadine wants whatever Fran has, the latest possession they are fighting over being Maxwell. A caterer by trade, Nadine plans to cook her way into Maxwell's heart. Fran figures the only way to get Nadine out of the house is to reunite her with Barry. Meanwhile, after hearing Niles sing, Fran convinces Maxwell and C.C. to use Niles in a backer's audition when their original singer becomes unavailable. Maxwell unwittingly psyches Niles out just before the audition. The audition has its bumps but ends with mixed results. Written by Huggo

Fran finagles it so that her sister Nadine, who was just dumped by her husband Barry, can stay at the house for a few days. This invitation may have been an error on Fran's part as Nadine is driving her crazy. Nadine wants whatever Fran has, the latest possession they are fighting over being Maxwell. A caterer by trade, Nadine plans to cook her way into Maxwell's heart. Fran figures the only way to get Nadine out of the house is to reunite her with Barry. Meanwhile, after hearing Niles sing, Fran convinces Maxwell and C.C. to use Niles in a backer's audition when their original singer becomes unavailable. Maxwell unwittingly psyches Niles out just before the audition. The audition has its bumps but ends with mixed results. Written by Huggo

Despite a lack of self-esteem, Maggie wants to enter a kissing contest for the chance to appear on the cover of Billy Ray Cyrus' latest CD. Both Maxwell and Sean - Maggie's boyfriend - are against it. But Fran convinces the ultimate decision maker, Maxwell, to let her do it. At the contest, Maggie talks Fran into entering the contest as well. Maggie regrets telling Fran to do it as Fran wins. After speaking to Maxwell, Fran decides not to accept the offer as it would shatter Maggie's self esteem. It's Fran's self-esteem that's shattered when she learns she won because she was older which would appeal to lucrative baby boomer generation. Ultimately, Maxwell is the one who has to cheer Fran up. Written by Huggo

Despite a lack of self-esteem, Maggie wants to enter a kissing contest for the chance to appear on the cover of Billy Ray Cyrus' latest CD. Both Maxwell and Sean - Maggie's boyfriend - are against it. But Fran convinces the ultimate decision maker, Maxwell, to let her do it. At the contest, Maggie talks Fran into entering the contest as well. Maggie regrets telling Fran to do it as Fran wins. After speaking to Maxwell, Fran decides not to accept the offer as it would shatter Maggie's self esteem. It's Fran's self-esteem that's shattered when she learns she won because she was older which would appeal to lucrative baby boomer generation. Ultimately, Maxwell is the one who has to cheer Fran up. Written by Huggo

Fran's nanny colleague, Mona, is retiring. Upon reflection, Fran realizes that Mona is an older version of herself, and Fran doesn't like what she sees in her future. The worst vision is that she has no nanny career once Grace graduates from high school. Fran decides to drown her sorrows, and upon arriving back at the house in a drunken stupor, she stumbles into the wrong bedroom and the wrong bed. Although Niles and C.C. find Fran in Maxwell's bed, Maxwell himself, while still concerned about why and how Fran got there, is more concerned about what he learns is her worries for the future. Two things end up cheering Fran up. First, Mona announces that her boss is marrying her, again which Fran foresees as her possible future. And second, Maxwell offers her lifelong security, but not quite in the form she was expecting. Written by Huggo

Fran's nanny colleague, Mona, is retiring. Upon reflection, Fran realizes that Mona is an older version of herself, and Fran doesn't like what she sees in her future. The worst vision is that she has no nanny career once Grace graduates from high school. Fran decides to drown her sorrows, and upon arriving back at the house in a drunken stupor, she stumbles into the wrong bedroom and the wrong bed. Although Niles and C.C. find Fran in Maxwell's bed, Maxwell himself, while still concerned about why and how Fran got there, is more concerned about what he learns is her worries for the future. Two things end up cheering Fran up. First, Mona announces that her boss is marrying her, again which Fran foresees as her possible future. And second, Maxwell offers her lifelong security, but not quite in the form she was expecting. Written by Huggo

Maggie is invited to her first Sweet-16 party and Fran escorts her to her favorite salon, The Chatterbox, to get her hair done. The salon is owned by Mr. Anthony, a handsome New Yorker who wears his T-shirts and jeans a couple of sizes too small and serenades his swooning female customers with songs popularized by heartthrobs. Working for him are boisterous Chinese manicurist Kim and flamboyantly-gay second-hairstylist Claude. The Chatterbox needs a shampoo girl and Fran brings along Mary Ruth, a slightly-simple actress she met at one of Maxwell's auditions, who has just been dumped by her boyfriend, has nowhere to stay, and desperately needs a job. Mr. Anthony hires Mary Ruth and even lets her stay in the salon's back room. But he regrets hiring her when she finds a photo of his ex-wife that his 13-year-old son Mimo has been hiding. She thinks it represents something missing in Mr. Anthony's life and tries to use it to bring father and son together, but Mr. Anthony threatens to fire ... Written by Huggo

Maggie is invited to her first Sweet-16 party and Fran escorts her to her favorite salon, The Chatterbox, to get her hair done. The salon is owned by Mr. Anthony, a handsome New Yorker who wears his T-shirts and jeans a couple of sizes too small and serenades his swooning female customers with songs popularized by heartthrobs. Working for him are boisterous Chinese manicurist Kim and flamboyantly-gay second-hairstylist Claude. The Chatterbox needs a shampoo girl and Fran brings along Mary Ruth, a slightly-simple actress she met at one of Maxwell's auditions, who has just been dumped by her boyfriend, has nowhere to stay, and desperately needs a job. Mr. Anthony hires Mary Ruth and even lets her stay in the salon's back room. But he regrets hiring her when she finds a photo of his ex-wife that his 13-year-old son Mimo has been hiding. She thinks it represents something missing in Mr. Anthony's life and tries to use it to bring father and son together, but Mr. Anthony threatens to fire ... Written by Huggo

Fran, with Brighton in tow, is mugged in the park. Although they're physically unharmed, they're both traumatized. In the process, Fran's purse was stolen. Maxwell and C.C. also end up being traumatized because Fran mistook a priceless piece of Shakespeare's notebook on Maxwell's desk for her errand list, the parchment which ended up being in her stolen purse. Maxwell was intending on loaning the parchment to a museum for a sold out benefit. They may all be in luck when the police catch who they believe to be the mugger. Despite the mugger having a stocking over his head at the time, Fran is able to identify him in a line-up. But her purse and its contents are gone forever. Further to Fran's horror, the mugger is ordered to do community service and is let go. But in another run-in with the mugger at the park, Fran finds a more caring individual who returns the Shakespeare parchment. But does he have ulterior motives? Meanwhile, Brighton needs to get a pair a glasses. Written by Huggo