Fran has had a pen pal named Lenny since the first grade. Fran and Lenny, through their letters, get along famously, almost like boyfriend/girlfriend. They agreed early on never to exchange photographs, but Lenny, coming to New York, wants to meet Fran in person. Maxwell is anxious to meet Lenny as he feels he's in competition with Lenny. Fran, on the other hand, is nervous to meet Lenny as she has exaggerated who Fran Fine is in her letters. But Fran agrees to meet Lenny at the Russian Tea Room, each identifying the other by the red rose worn on their lapels. Again, Maxwell is anxious to see Lenny, and accompanies Fran to the Russian Tea Room and stays with her until Lenny shows up. Fran and Maxwell are having a nice enough date of their own while they wait for Lenny, so nice that Fran almost doesn't care if Lenny shows up or not. Lenny does show up, but... Meanwhile, C.C. is expecting a romantic evening with Maxwell herself, but her evening ends up not being exactly as she ... Written by Huggo

Fran has had a pen pal named Lenny since the first grade. Fran and Lenny, through their letters, get along famously, almost like boyfriend/girlfriend. They agreed early on never to exchange photographs, but Lenny, coming to New York, wants to meet Fran in person. Maxwell is anxious to meet Lenny as he feels he's in competition with Lenny. Fran, on the other hand, is nervous to meet Lenny as she has exaggerated who Fran Fine is in her letters. But Fran agrees to meet Lenny at the Russian Tea Room, each identifying the other by the red rose worn on their lapels. Again, Maxwell is anxious to see Lenny, and accompanies Fran to the Russian Tea Room and stays with her until Lenny shows up. Fran and Maxwell are having a nice enough date of their own while they wait for Lenny, so nice that Fran almost doesn't care if Lenny shows up or not. Lenny does show up, but... Meanwhile, C.C. is expecting a romantic evening with Maxwell herself, but her evening ends up not being exactly as she ... Written by Huggo

C.C.'s pretentious professor brother, Noel, comes for a visit. Noel is a male version of C.C. and they have a very competitive relationship. Noel sees Fran as not being in the same intellectual class as himself. As a gag, Noel and C.C. decide to make a bet: that Noel can get Fran on the television game show Jeopardy! (1984) Because of the attention he is paying her, Fran believes that Noel is interested in her intellectually. Although he finds it a difficult task, Noel does manage for Fran to pass the test to get on the show. When Maxwell finds out about the bet, he first wants to rub Fran's nose in it as they had an argument about Noel and their common bond of intellectualism. However, when he see how excited Fran is, Maxwell decides instead to wish her luck on the show and crosses his fingers that she won't embarrass herself on national television. Fran does end up being one of the contestants, although she has a difficult time with the game. At least by the end of Double Jeopardy!,... Written by Huggo

C.C.'s pretentious professor brother, Noel, comes for a visit. Noel is a male version of C.C. and they have a very competitive relationship. Noel sees Fran as not being in the same intellectual class as himself. As a gag, Noel and C.C. decide to make a bet: that Noel can get Fran on the television game show Jeopardy! (1984) Because of the attention he is paying her, Fran believes that Noel is interested in her intellectually. Although he finds it a difficult task, Noel does manage for Fran to pass the test to get on the show. When Maxwell finds out about the bet, he first wants to rub Fran's nose in it as they had an argument about Noel and their common bond of intellectualism. However, when he see how excited Fran is, Maxwell decides instead to wish her luck on the show and crosses his fingers that she won't embarrass herself on national television. Fran does end up being one of the contestants, although she has a difficult time with the game. At least by the end of Double Jeopardy!,... Written by Huggo

Fran has started dating Jules Kimball, a doctor she met at the Hadassah Hoedown. The chemistry between the two is strong and immediate. Maxwell is suspicious about how fast they hit it off. Or is Maxwell just jealous? After dating for two weeks, Jules asks Fran to marry him. Fran is excited and after thinking about it, accepts his proposal. However things quickly go sour when Fran finds out that Jules isn't all that he appears. Unfortunately for Fran, she finds out his true identity when he steals a five-carat diamond ring, leaving Fran high and dry at the jewelry store to face the authorities. Fran learns from the authorities that she is just the latest in a long string of over thirty-something women on which he has used the same modus operandi. Fran blames her situation on Sylvia, who she feels pushed her into getting married. To resolve Fran and Sylvia's differences, Grace suggest they go into joint therapy. The therapist does accurately diagnose Fran's issues, but neither she or... Written by Huggo

Fran has started dating Jules Kimball, a doctor she met at the Hadassah Hoedown. The chemistry between the two is strong and immediate. Maxwell is suspicious about how fast they hit it off. Or is Maxwell just jealous? After dating for two weeks, Jules asks Fran to marry him. Fran is excited and after thinking about it, accepts his proposal. However things quickly go sour when Fran finds out that Jules isn't all that he appears. Unfortunately for Fran, she finds out his true identity when he steals a five-carat diamond ring, leaving Fran high and dry at the jewelry store to face the authorities. Fran learns from the authorities that she is just the latest in a long string of over thirty-something women on which he has used the same modus operandi. Fran blames her situation on Sylvia, who she feels pushed her into getting married. To resolve Fran and Sylvia's differences, Grace suggest they go into joint therapy. The therapist does accurately diagnose Fran's issues, but neither she or... Written by Huggo

The family is planning for Maggie's upcoming sweet sixteen party. Instead of having it at the Guggenheim like Maxwell wants, Maggie wants to have something a little more lively. Fran decides to hold the party at her Aunt Freida's discotheque in Queen's. Sylvia isn't too happy as she and Freida, who is Morty's sister, have been feuding forever. Although Maggie likes the idea of holding the party at Tante Freida's, Sylvia won't go or ever speak to Fran again if it's held there. Fran decides to bring her mother and her aunt together in the hope and supposition that neither actually remembers what started the feud. Fran ends up being right, and Sylvia and Freida kiss and make up. The party will go ahead at Tante Freida's with Sylvia's blessing. However at the party, Freida remembers what started the feud which causes the start of a food fight in the middle of the party. Because of it, Maggie and her friends think it's the best sweet sixteen party ever. Written by Huggo

The family is planning for Maggie's upcoming sweet sixteen party. Instead of having it at the Guggenheim like Maxwell wants, Maggie wants to have something a little more lively. Fran decides to hold the party at her Aunt Freida's discotheque in Queen's. Sylvia isn't too happy as she and Freida, who is Morty's sister, have been feuding forever. Although Maggie likes the idea of holding the party at Tante Freida's, Sylvia won't go or ever speak to Fran again if it's held there. Fran decides to bring her mother and her aunt together in the hope and supposition that neither actually remembers what started the feud. Fran ends up being right, and Sylvia and Freida kiss and make up. The party will go ahead at Tante Freida's with Sylvia's blessing. However at the party, Freida remembers what started the feud which causes the start of a food fight in the middle of the party. Because of it, Maggie and her friends think it's the best sweet sixteen party ever. Written by Huggo

Val wants to move out of her parent's house, but needs a roommate to be able to manage it financially. She tries to talk Fran into rooming with her, such a move which would give Fran a little independence as well from Maxwell and the kids. After a series of incidents with Maxwell and the kids, Fran decides some independence might not be such a bad idea and moves in with Val. Val promises that the move will provide Fran with unendless dating opportunities as the neighborhood is crawling with single men. The basement apartment ends up being a lot smaller, dingier and more bug infested than Fran was envisioning, and the single men all happen to be gay. Ultimately, Fran and Maxwell are both miserable in their new situation but refuse to admit that to the other. They both just need to figure out how to get Fran back to living in the house without letting the other know of their independently devised schemes. Written by Huggo

Val wants to move out of her parent's house, but needs a roommate to be able to manage it financially. She tries to talk Fran into rooming with her, such a move which would give Fran a little independence as well from Maxwell and the kids. After a series of incidents with Maxwell and the kids, Fran decides some independence might not be such a bad idea and moves in with Val. Val promises that the move will provide Fran with unendless dating opportunities as the neighborhood is crawling with single men. The basement apartment ends up being a lot smaller, dingier and more bug infested than Fran was envisioning, and the single men all happen to be gay. Ultimately, Fran and Maxwell are both miserable in their new situation but refuse to admit that to the other. They both just need to figure out how to get Fran back to living in the house without letting the other know of their independently devised schemes. Written by Huggo

Val gives Fran some devastating news: Fran's ex-fiancé, Danny Imperiali, is getting married. What's worse, he's getting married to Fran's rival, Heather Biblow. To relieve her depression, Fran goes on a shopping spree. Maxwell is concerned that Fran has a bigger problem of being a shopaholic. Fran finally admits to it when she sees one specific item amongst her many purchases that she never would have bought in her right mind. She decides to attend Shoppers Anonymous, and goes through major shopping withdrawal. She has some good times and bad times during this withdrawal. But she finally admits to Maxwell that the shopping is only a symptom of the want to find some real love in her life. Maxwell inadvertently helps her with this specific problem. Although happy, Fran would be so much happier if she remembered what Maxwell did. Written by Huggo

Val gives Fran some devastating news: Fran's ex-fiancé, Danny Imperiali, is getting married. What's worse, he's getting married to Fran's rival, Heather Biblow. To relieve her depression, Fran goes on a shopping spree. Maxwell is concerned that Fran has a bigger problem of being a shopaholic. Fran finally admits to it when she sees one specific item amongst her many purchases that she never would have bought in her right mind. She decides to attend Shoppers Anonymous, and goes through major shopping withdrawal. She has some good times and bad times during this withdrawal. But she finally admits to Maxwell that the shopping is only a symptom of the want to find some real love in her life. Maxwell inadvertently helps her with this specific problem. Although happy, Fran would be so much happier if she remembered what Maxwell did. Written by Huggo

Maxwell is simultaneously going through a personal and professional crisis. On the personal front, he feels like he should get out more socially and romantically but doesn't want to forget the memory of his wife. On the professional front, he is still feeling in the shadow of Andrew Lloyd Webber. C.C. suggests he hire a publicist, Sydney Mercer in particular. Sydney Mercer Jr. shows up instead. The senior Mercer is a old man, but the junior Mercer is a beautiful young woman with the killer instinct of her father. Perhaps Sydney can solve both his professional and personal problems. On the professional side, Sydney transforms Maxwell into a hipper, jeans/leather jacket clad version of himself. On the personal side, Maxwell does think Sydney may be the one. But Fran learns that Sydney isn't attracted to Maxwell that way as she's a lesbian, and is really attracted to Fran. But for Sydney to keep Maxwell as a client, for Sydney not to hurt Maxwell emotionally and for Fran to get what ... Written by Huggo

Maxwell is simultaneously going through a personal and professional crisis. On the personal front, he feels like he should get out more socially and romantically but doesn't want to forget the memory of his wife. On the professional front, he is still feeling in the shadow of Andrew Lloyd Webber. C.C. suggests he hire a publicist, Sydney Mercer in particular. Sydney Mercer Jr. shows up instead. The senior Mercer is a old man, but the junior Mercer is a beautiful young woman with the killer instinct of her father. Perhaps Sydney can solve both his professional and personal problems. On the professional side, Sydney transforms Maxwell into a hipper, jeans/leather jacket clad version of himself. On the personal side, Maxwell does think Sydney may be the one. But Fran learns that Sydney isn't attracted to Maxwell that way as she's a lesbian, and is really attracted to Fran. But for Sydney to keep Maxwell as a client, for Sydney not to hurt Maxwell emotionally and for Fran to get what ... Written by Huggo

Fran and Val are lamenting their current and in the foreseeable future single status. To rectify this problem, they decide to hold a singles party at Benny's Clam Bar. It looks like it's going to be a success for the two as the registered list is fifteen men for every woman. When they hear that Benny's Clam Bar has burned down, Fran, against her better judgment, takes the opportunity of Maxwell and C.C.'s business trip to Boston (with Brighton and Grace in tow) to hold the party at the house. Unfortunately for Fran, the men are mostly losers. Unfortunately for Fran, the one man she is interested in, Jeff, is a police officer who arrests her for not having a business license. And unfortunately for Fran, Maxwell comes home early to find the obvious remains of a wild party at the house, which he strictly forbade prior to leaving. He assumes that Maggie was the one who held the party. Although Fran tries to correct Maxwell's misassumption, Maggie takes the blame to save Fran's job. ... Written by Huggo

Fran and Val are lamenting their current and in the foreseeable future single status. To rectify this problem, they decide to hold a singles party at Benny's Clam Bar. It looks like it's going to be a success for the two as the registered list is fifteen men for every woman. When they hear that Benny's Clam Bar has burned down, Fran, against her better judgment, takes the opportunity of Maxwell and C.C.'s business trip to Boston (with Brighton and Grace in tow) to hold the party at the house. Unfortunately for Fran, the men are mostly losers. Unfortunately for Fran, the one man she is interested in, Jeff, is a police officer who arrests her for not having a business license. And unfortunately for Fran, Maxwell comes home early to find the obvious remains of a wild party at the house, which he strictly forbade prior to leaving. He assumes that Maggie was the one who held the party. Although Fran tries to correct Maxwell's misassumption, Maggie takes the blame to save Fran's job. ... Written by Huggo

Maxwell's judgmental mother Elizabeth visits, but before she arrives at the house she and Fran have an altercation at a flower shop. Upon meeting (again) at the Sheffields', Elizabeth has a feeling, supported by stories from C.C., that Fran means more to Maxwell than just being his children's nanny. Elizabeth wants Maxwell to fire Fran, but he shows her he'll do whatever he wants without interference from her: he goes the extreme opposite way and proposes to Fran in front of Elizabeth, immediately regretting this. After initially thinking the proposal is sincere, Fran quickly realizes that it was merely an act of defiance against Elizabeth. Fran does the most prudent thing: in her own words, she plans to screw with Maxwell's head. But in the end this brings Maxwell and Elizabeth closer together. Written by Huggo

Maxwell's judgmental mother Elizabeth visits, but before she arrives at the house she and Fran have an altercation at a flower shop. Upon meeting (again) at the Sheffields', Elizabeth has a feeling, supported by stories from C.C., that Fran means more to Maxwell than just being his children's nanny. Elizabeth wants Maxwell to fire Fran, but he shows her he'll do whatever he wants without interference from her: he goes the extreme opposite way and proposes to Fran in front of Elizabeth, immediately regretting this. After initially thinking the proposal is sincere, Fran quickly realizes that it was merely an act of defiance against Elizabeth. Fran does the most prudent thing: in her own words, she plans to screw with Maxwell's head. But in the end this brings Maxwell and Elizabeth closer together. Written by Huggo

With news that Danny Imperiali - Fran's ex-fiancé - has sired a baby, Fran is thinking that she too wants to have a baby, regardless of the fact that she is not married. Her first thought is to go to a sperm bank. There, she finds who she thinks would be the perfect sperm donor - Number 41. When she tells Maxwell, he thinks that she is asking him to donate his sperm to the cause. To get out of a potential mess in having to answer Fran, he recruits Sylvia to talk Fran out of the whole idea. Meanwhile, movie star Monica Baker is looking for a babysitter for her newborn, Zach, and Fran thinks this would be a good opportunity to test her newborn mothering skills. Fran has a great time with Zach. So, will this experience change Fran's mind? Written by Huggo

With news that Danny Imperiali - Fran's ex-fiancé - has sired a baby, Fran is thinking that she too wants to have a baby, regardless of the fact that she is not married. Her first thought is to go to a sperm bank. There, she finds who she thinks would be the perfect sperm donor - Number 41. When she tells Maxwell, he thinks that she is asking him to donate his sperm to the cause. To get out of a potential mess in having to answer Fran, he recruits Sylvia to talk Fran out of the whole idea. Meanwhile, movie star Monica Baker is looking for a babysitter for her newborn, Zach, and Fran thinks this would be a good opportunity to test her newborn mothering skills. Fran has a great time with Zach. So, will this experience change Fran's mind? Written by Huggo

Fran has been the type of person who has always survived on her correct instincts. Much to her dismay, those instincts seem to be failing her of late. First, she secretly reads and sends to several publishers a manuscript of Maxwell's first novel, which he wanted no one - let alone publishers - to read. They all reject it, using such strong words as hate. And second, Fran thinks that Brighton should have career goals rather than rely on living on his trust fund. She thinks he should strive to be a director, with his first job being to film Sylvia's cousin Susan's baby's bris using his new video camera. Brighton agrees, but faints before the taping as he had no idea what a bris was before agreeing to do it. This has placed Fran and Sylvia in the bad books of the rest of the Fine family. But Fran feels she's back on track when she submits what footage Brighton filmed to America's Wackiest Home Videos, the footage which is accepted. With free tickets in hand, the Sheffields plus Fran... Written by Huggo

Fran has been the type of person who has always survived on her correct instincts. Much to her dismay, those instincts seem to be failing her of late. First, she secretly reads and sends to several publishers a manuscript of Maxwell's first novel, which he wanted no one - let alone publishers - to read. They all reject it, using such strong words as hate. And second, Fran thinks that Brighton should have career goals rather than rely on living on his trust fund. She thinks he should strive to be a director, with his first job being to film Sylvia's cousin Susan's baby's bris using his new video camera. Brighton agrees, but faints before the taping as he had no idea what a bris was before agreeing to do it. This has placed Fran and Sylvia in the bad books of the rest of the Fine family. But Fran feels she's back on track when she submits what footage Brighton filmed to America's Wackiest Home Videos, the footage which is accepted. With free tickets in hand, the Sheffields plus Fran... Written by Huggo

To get her away from boys - Eric in particular - Maxwell decides to send Maggie to a convent in Switzerland for a study vacation over the Christmas holidays. Although Fran disagrees with Maxwell's strategy, Fran does believe that a trip would be beneficial for Maggie at this age, much like Fran's own time at a kibbutz in Israel at that age. That's enough to convince a previously skeptical Maggie - she's decided to go to a kibbutz. Fran does talk Maxwell into letting Maggie go. However, Fran changes her mind when she remembers back to why she had so much fun on her trip: that's when she lost her virginity. Fran tells Maxwell the truth. But Maxwell has the perfect solution: the entire family will commune on the kibbutz. However, Yossi, the boy to whom Fran lost her virginity, is still working on the kibbutz, as is his son, who does not fall far from the tree. Written by Huggo

To get her away from boys - Eric in particular - Maxwell decides to send Maggie to a convent in Switzerland for a study vacation over the Christmas holidays. Although Fran disagrees with Maxwell's strategy, Fran does believe that a trip would be beneficial for Maggie at this age, much like Fran's own time at a kibbutz in Israel at that age. That's enough to convince a previously skeptical Maggie - she's decided to go to a kibbutz. Fran does talk Maxwell into letting Maggie go. However, Fran changes her mind when she remembers back to why she had so much fun on her trip: that's when she lost her virginity. Fran tells Maxwell the truth. But Maxwell has the perfect solution: the entire family will commune on the kibbutz. However, Yossi, the boy to whom Fran lost her virginity, is still working on the kibbutz, as is his son, who does not fall far from the tree. Written by Huggo

Grace has a violin practicing play-date with Frankie Tatorri. Frankie's handsome and rich father, Tony, decides to have a play date with with an excited Fran. He quickly lavishes Fran with expensive gifts. Like Fran, Tony is another Queen's to Manhattan transplant with Queen's still deeply embedded into his personality. On their date, Fran realizes that Tony's personality traits similar to that of Vito Corleone are no coincidence. Because of who Tony is, Fran wants to break it off with him. However because of who he is, Fran is afraid that if she breaks it off with him, she may end up wearing a pair of cement boots at the bottom of the East River. Without knowing Tony's background, Maxwell inadvertently breaks up with Tony for Fran. But Maxwell ends up saving Fran's day when they all discover Tony has other aspirations rather than being a gangster. Meanwhile, Brighton makes Maggie his slave when he gets a hold of her diary. Written by Huggo

Grace has a violin practicing play-date with Frankie Tatorri. Frankie's handsome and rich father, Tony, decides to have a play date with with an excited Fran. He quickly lavishes Fran with expensive gifts. Like Fran, Tony is another Queen's to Manhattan transplant with Queen's still deeply embedded into his personality. On their date, Fran realizes that Tony's personality traits similar to that of Vito Corleone are no coincidence. Because of who Tony is, Fran wants to break it off with him. However because of who he is, Fran is afraid that if she breaks it off with him, she may end up wearing a pair of cement boots at the bottom of the East River. Without knowing Tony's background, Maxwell inadvertently breaks up with Tony for Fran. But Maxwell ends up saving Fran's day when they all discover Tony has other aspirations rather than being a gangster. Meanwhile, Brighton makes Maggie his slave when he gets a hold of her diary. Written by Huggo

An animated Christmas special. Brighton is acting very selfishly, and Fran wishes he could learn that Christmas is not about what you get but what you give. On their way to help at a homeless shelter a gust of wind whisks Fran, Brighton, and Chester to the North Pole where they meet Santa Claus, who looks a lot like Mr. Sheffield, and learn that Santa might not make it this year because of an entity called the Amazing Babcock. Written by rcs0411@yahoo.com

An animated Christmas special. Brighton is acting very selfishly, and Fran wishes he could learn that Christmas is not about what you get but what you give. On their way to help at a homeless shelter a gust of wind whisks Fran, Brighton, and Chester to the North Pole where they meet Santa Claus, who looks a lot like Mr. Sheffield, and learn that Santa might not make it this year because of an entity called the Amazing Babcock. Written by rcs0411@yahoo.com

Maxwell rushes Fran out of the house so that they can get to a premier on time. Maxwell regrets this decision as he has to endure the wrath of Fran when she is featured in Gloss magazine as a fashion don't solely because of the handbag Maxwell grabbed for her as they were leaving the house. To make it up to her and to prove that she does have fashion sense, Maxwell hires her as costume designer for a one-scene benefit production he is mounting of Our Town. After a business meeting with Fran - which includes a game of footsie - Maxwell is concerned that perhaps he did let his unspoken romantic feelings for Fran get in the way of his professional judgment. With some help from her cousin Toddy, Fran reinvents the look of Our Town, much to Maxwell's chagrin. However cousin Toddy has a few fans of his own that may help Fran and Maxwell over the risky move. Written by Huggo

Maxwell rushes Fran out of the house so that they can get to a premier on time. Maxwell regrets this decision as he has to endure the wrath of Fran when she is featured in Gloss magazine as a fashion don't solely because of the handbag Maxwell grabbed for her as they were leaving the house. To make it up to her and to prove that she does have fashion sense, Maxwell hires her as costume designer for a one-scene benefit production he is mounting of Our Town. After a business meeting with Fran - which includes a game of footsie - Maxwell is concerned that perhaps he did let his unspoken romantic feelings for Fran get in the way of his professional judgment. With some help from her cousin Toddy, Fran reinvents the look of Our Town, much to Maxwell's chagrin. However cousin Toddy has a few fans of his own that may help Fran and Maxwell over the risky move. Written by Huggo

When Fran catches Maggie and her boyfriend smoking (which Maggie does not know), Fran decides that either telling Maxwell or getting mad at Maggie herself would not be an effective way to get Maggie to stop. Instead, Fran decides to get caught smoking herself in front of Maxwell and Maggie, Maxwell who will get mad at Fran, thereby scaring Maggie into stopping herself. The unintended result of this plan is that Maxwell calls Fran stupid, which if he will not take back, she threatens to quit. He doesn't so she does. The ploy does however work on Maggie. Maxwell overhears Maggie and realizes that Fran was indeed smarter than he in this situation. Maxwell just has to find where Fran has stormed off to and convince her to come back. She couldn't have found another nanny job yet - or could she? Written by Huggo

When Fran catches Maggie and her boyfriend smoking (which Maggie does not know), Fran decides that either telling Maxwell or getting mad at Maggie herself would not be an effective way to get Maggie to stop. Instead, Fran decides to get caught smoking herself in front of Maxwell and Maggie, Maxwell who will get mad at Fran, thereby scaring Maggie into stopping herself. The unintended result of this plan is that Maxwell calls Fran stupid, which if he will not take back, she threatens to quit. He doesn't so she does. The ploy does however work on Maggie. Maxwell overhears Maggie and realizes that Fran was indeed smarter than he in this situation. Maxwell just has to find where Fran has stormed off to and convince her to come back. She couldn't have found another nanny job yet - or could she? Written by Huggo

Fran thinks that Maxwell is predictable. Upon reflection, Maxwell tends to agree, but doesn't exactly know what to do about it. On Fran's side, she thinks his predictability is taking the spark out of their relationship. Concurrently, Fran is feeling of no use when Grace shows how grown up she's getting and wants to do things without Fran. And Sylvia and Morty have broken up after having a fight. Fran enlists the help of her grandmothers, Yetta and Nettie, to get her parents back together. Sylvia and Morty don't need anyone's help as they reconcile on their own. With this turmoil over but still reeling over the Grace situation, Fran needs some stability in her life and turns to her Rock of Gibraltar, Maxwell. However, Maxwell surprises her. Now all Fran needs to do is get Maxwell back to a state where he doesn't surprise her. Written by Huggo

Fran thinks that Maxwell is predictable. Upon reflection, Maxwell tends to agree, but doesn't exactly know what to do about it. On Fran's side, she thinks his predictability is taking the spark out of their relationship. Concurrently, Fran is feeling of no use when Grace shows how grown up she's getting and wants to do things without Fran. And Sylvia and Morty have broken up after having a fight. Fran enlists the help of her grandmothers, Yetta and Nettie, to get her parents back together. Sylvia and Morty don't need anyone's help as they reconcile on their own. With this turmoil over but still reeling over the Grace situation, Fran needs some stability in her life and turns to her Rock of Gibraltar, Maxwell. However, Maxwell surprises her. Now all Fran needs to do is get Maxwell back to a state where he doesn't surprise her. Written by Huggo

Just as she is lamenting her single status, Val is approached by Paulie, who quickly becomes her boyfriend. Although Fran is happy for Val, she's also sad for herself as she's still single and misses her girlfriend with whom she did her typical girlfriend things. She goes through Brighton and Maxwell as a surrogate girlfriend, but it's just not the same. Meanwhile, C.C. and Maxwell have an argument when Maxwell won't make C.C. an equal business partner. C.C. decides to quit. Although he thought he would be happy with this new situation, Niles is facing a household devoid of anyone upon he can throw insults. Maxwell too finds that C.C. actually was a valuable business asset to him. What happens is that Fran and C.C., both alone, end up being girlfriends. Fran ends up helping C.C. get her job back, much to Maxwell's relief. But Fran may also end up getting her old girlfriend back when she thinks that Paulie made a pass at her. Written by Huggo

Just as she is lamenting her single status, Val is approached by Paulie, who quickly becomes her boyfriend. Although Fran is happy for Val, she's also sad for herself as she's still single and misses her girlfriend with whom she did her typical girlfriend things. She goes through Brighton and Maxwell as a surrogate girlfriend, but it's just not the same. Meanwhile, C.C. and Maxwell have an argument when Maxwell won't make C.C. an equal business partner. C.C. decides to quit. Although he thought he would be happy with this new situation, Niles is facing a household devoid of anyone upon he can throw insults. Maxwell too finds that C.C. actually was a valuable business asset to him. What happens is that Fran and C.C., both alone, end up being girlfriends. Fran ends up helping C.C. get her job back, much to Maxwell's relief. But Fran may also end up getting her old girlfriend back when she thinks that Paulie made a pass at her. Written by Huggo

When Fran finds a Valentine's Day card in her purse she thinks it's from Maxwell and she puts a big billboard up in Times Square asking him to be her valentine. When she's wrong Fran tries to get rid of the sign, gets in trouble and Maxwell comes to the rescue. Written by laird-3

When Fran finds a Valentine's Day card in her purse she thinks it's from Maxwell and she puts a big billboard up in Times Square asking him to be her valentine. When she's wrong Fran tries to get rid of the sign, gets in trouble and Maxwell comes to the rescue. Written by laird-3

After accompanying Sylvia to the plastic surgeon's office, Fran learns that human parts get larger with age. And after a trip to the shoe store, Fran finds out that her feet have grown a whole size from 7 to 8 since her foot modeling days. This news is the end of the world for Fran, who is about to attend her foot modeler's ten year reunion, as that extra size means that she and her feet are getting old. Maxwell is less than sympathetic about her plight, yet he is obsessing about everyone telling him that his hair is starting to thin. To put the stress of the reunion out of her mind, Fran tries to dream more pleasant thoughts. But will Fran's dreams become reality? Written by Huggo

After accompanying Sylvia to the plastic surgeon's office, Fran learns that human parts get larger with age. And after a trip to the shoe store, Fran finds out that her feet have grown a whole size from 7 to 8 since her foot modeling days. This news is the end of the world for Fran, who is about to attend her foot modeler's ten year reunion, as that extra size means that she and her feet are getting old. Maxwell is less than sympathetic about her plight, yet he is obsessing about everyone telling him that his hair is starting to thin. To put the stress of the reunion out of her mind, Fran tries to dream more pleasant thoughts. But will Fran's dreams become reality? Written by Huggo

When Fran finds out that Elizabeth Taylor is stopping by the house (as much as Maxwell, C.C. and Niles tried to prevent her from knowing), she does whatever she can to spend some alone time with her. After spending such time, Elizabeth still asks her if she would telephone a bonded courier company to deliver a string of black pearls she will be using for a photo shoot to promote her new fragrance. Sylvia convinces Fran that a courier company screams rob me, so Fran decides to hand deliver them herself. When the taxi in which Fran is traveling gets into a fender bender, Fran suffers a concussion resulting in some short term memory loss. Included in that memory loss is any knowledge of black pearls. As Maxwell waits desperately for Fran to regain her memory, that memory loss which results in some personal complications (much to Niles' delight), Maxwell tries to avoid the wrath of Elizabeth Taylor. Written by Huggo

When Fran finds out that Elizabeth Taylor is stopping by the house (as much as Maxwell, C.C. and Niles tried to prevent her from knowing), she does whatever she can to spend some alone time with her. After spending such time, Elizabeth still asks her if she would telephone a bonded courier company to deliver a string of black pearls she will be using for a photo shoot to promote her new fragrance. Sylvia convinces Fran that a courier company screams rob me, so Fran decides to hand deliver them herself. When the taxi in which Fran is traveling gets into a fender bender, Fran suffers a concussion resulting in some short term memory loss. Included in that memory loss is any knowledge of black pearls. As Maxwell waits desperately for Fran to regain her memory, that memory loss which results in some personal complications (much to Niles' delight), Maxwell tries to avoid the wrath of Elizabeth Taylor. Written by Huggo

Fran starts dating New York Ranger Mike LaVoe. Maxwell is almost more excited than Fran is. Like many athletes, Mike is highly superstitious. Fran can't handle Mike's not so little eccentricities surrounding his superstitions and is about to break up with him, but Maxwell convinces her to wait until after the hockey game, for which Mike got him, Brighton and Fran ice level tickets. Mike thinks that Fran's his lucky charm until the Rangers start losing. Mike is in horror when he sees that Fran's wearing red shoes, which he considers bad luck. He shouts to the world that Fran is a jinx. Fran is despised by all of New York City. Fran threatens to break all of Mike's most heart held superstitions unless he publicly apologizes to her. It works, but Mike's superstitions might not be as bogus as Fran thinks. Written by Huggo

Fran starts dating New York Ranger Mike LaVoe. Maxwell is almost more excited than Fran is. Like many athletes, Mike is highly superstitious. Fran can't handle Mike's not so little eccentricities surrounding his superstitions and is about to break up with him, but Maxwell convinces her to wait until after the hockey game, for which Mike got him, Brighton and Fran ice level tickets. Mike thinks that Fran's his lucky charm until the Rangers start losing. Mike is in horror when he sees that Fran's wearing red shoes, which he considers bad luck. He shouts to the world that Fran is a jinx. Fran is despised by all of New York City. Fran threatens to break all of Mike's most heart held superstitions unless he publicly apologizes to her. It works, but Mike's superstitions might not be as bogus as Fran thinks. Written by Huggo

Maxwell's latest play is a flop. He lost a tennis match to just learning tennis player Fran. He has been biting everyone's heads off at the smallest little issues. These issues makes Maxwell reflect on his life, which he thinks has been a total failure. On false pretenses, Fran manages to get Maxwell to see a psychologist to talk about his problems. With the regular psychologist away, Maxwell sees the substitute psychologist, Dr. Joyce Brothers. Her diagnosis of Maxwell: midlife crisis. Her diagnosis is accurate as Maxwell changes his attire from suits and ties to jeans, t-shirts and leather jackets, he buys a Porsche sports car, he dyes the gray streak out of his hair and he wants to quit working. Fran has to figure out how to convince him that his life is a total success. Although she manages to do so, it's not before there's a major failure just before a climax. Written by Huggo

Maxwell's latest play is a flop. He lost a tennis match to just learning tennis player Fran. He has been biting everyone's heads off at the smallest little issues. These issues makes Maxwell reflect on his life, which he thinks has been a total failure. On false pretenses, Fran manages to get Maxwell to see a psychologist to talk about his problems. With the regular psychologist away, Maxwell sees the substitute psychologist, Dr. Joyce Brothers. Her diagnosis of Maxwell: midlife crisis. Her diagnosis is accurate as Maxwell changes his attire from suits and ties to jeans, t-shirts and leather jackets, he buys a Porsche sports car, he dyes the gray streak out of his hair and he wants to quit working. Fran has to figure out how to convince him that his life is a total success. Although she manages to do so, it's not before there's a major failure just before a climax. Written by Huggo

Fran starts dating Gary Isaacs, the handsome new cantor at Sylvia's temple. On a chance meeting with Burt Bacharach at the Sheffield household at which Gary wows Bacharach with his singing, Maxwell and C.C. hire Gary as a performer for their new Bacharach penned musical. Gary credits Fran for changing his life, this change which includes leaving his position as cantor at the temple for good. This announcement puts Sylvia and Fran in the temple's bad books, but more importantly in what they believe God's bad books. Fran tries to talk Maxwell into reneging on his contract with Gary, however Maxwell goes in the other direction by promoting Gary to star of the show when an accident sidelines the original lead actor. But the temple, Fran and Maxwell are all eventually left out in the cold when Gary gets a more lucrative job offer in a Hollywood movie. But Fran still has to make restitution to God before life between the Fines and the Jewish religion get back to normal. Written by Huggo

Fran starts dating Gary Isaacs, the handsome new cantor at Sylvia's temple. On a chance meeting with Burt Bacharach at the Sheffield household at which Gary wows Bacharach with his singing, Maxwell and C.C. hire Gary as a performer for their new Bacharach penned musical. Gary credits Fran for changing his life, this change which includes leaving his position as cantor at the temple for good. This announcement puts Sylvia and Fran in the temple's bad books, but more importantly in what they believe God's bad books. Fran tries to talk Maxwell into reneging on his contract with Gary, however Maxwell goes in the other direction by promoting Gary to star of the show when an accident sidelines the original lead actor. But the temple, Fran and Maxwell are all eventually left out in the cold when Gary gets a more lucrative job offer in a Hollywood movie. But Fran still has to make restitution to God before life between the Fines and the Jewish religion get back to normal. Written by Huggo

Because Brighton is failing French, Maxwell decides to hire a French tutor for him, leaving the decision of tutor to Fran. Fran lets her hormones take over as she hires Philippe, a young, handsome native Frenchman. There is an instant attraction between Fran and Philippe, who is the epitome of the Latin lover. Maxwell and Philippe don't really care for each other, partly because of the English/French divide, but also because Philippe is moving in on Maxwell's territory, namely Fran. Philippe quickly proposes to Fran, who accepts without reservation despite their short courtship. Maxwell is a bit skeptical that Philippe's motives are pure. He thinks that Philippe is only wanting a quickie marriage so that he can get a green card. But C.C. finds out what Philippe's true motivations in life are, which puts a kibosh on Fran and Philippe's relationship for good. Written by Huggo

Because Brighton is failing French, Maxwell decides to hire a French tutor for him, leaving the decision of tutor to Fran. Fran lets her hormones take over as she hires Philippe, a young, handsome native Frenchman. There is an instant attraction between Fran and Philippe, who is the epitome of the Latin lover. Maxwell and Philippe don't really care for each other, partly because of the English/French divide, but also because Philippe is moving in on Maxwell's territory, namely Fran. Philippe quickly proposes to Fran, who accepts without reservation despite their short courtship. Maxwell is a bit skeptical that Philippe's motives are pure. He thinks that Philippe is only wanting a quickie marriage so that he can get a green card. But C.C. finds out what Philippe's true motivations in life are, which puts a kibosh on Fran and Philippe's relationship for good. Written by Huggo

Fran and Val are going on a Caribbean cruise for vacation. Fran is particularly excited because her psychic told her she would dance on water with the man of her dreams. Maxwell is a bit concerned because if her destiny does come true, he may never see her again. Meanwhile, Brighton is reaching his confirmation. Fran talks Maxwell into throwing Brighton a big party for the confirmation. To kill two birds with one stone, Maxwell decides for Brighton's confirmation that he will take the entire family on Caribbean cruise - Fran's cruise to be more precise. On the cruise, Maxwell vows to leave Fran alone since it is her vacation, but he does everything he can to ensure he and the kids are around her every minute. This doesn't stop her from meeting Steve Goodman, who sweeps Fran off her feet. He could be the man of her dreams as he wants to enter the mambo contest with her. Just before the contest, Fran's dance partner changes. Was her psychic correct? Elsewhere on the cruise, Niles has a ... Written by Huggo

Fran and Val are going on a Caribbean cruise for vacation. Fran is particularly excited because her psychic told her she would dance on water with the man of her dreams. Maxwell is a bit concerned because if her destiny does come true, he may never see her again. Meanwhile, Brighton is reaching his confirmation. Fran talks Maxwell into throwing Brighton a big party for the confirmation. To kill two birds with one stone, Maxwell decides for Brighton's confirmation that he will take the entire family on Caribbean cruise - Fran's cruise to be more precise. On the cruise, Maxwell vows to leave Fran alone since it is her vacation, but he does everything he can to ensure he and the kids are around her every minute. This doesn't stop her from meeting Steve Goodman, who sweeps Fran off her feet. He could be the man of her dreams as he wants to enter the mambo contest with her. Just before the contest, Fran's dance partner changes. Was her psychic correct? Elsewhere on the cruise, Niles has a ... Written by Huggo

When Maxwell takes the wrong bag for his flight to Paris (he has taken a bag containing C.C.'s dog, Chester), Fran rushes to the airport to catch him. She manages to get on board, and inadvertently stows away in the closet as the plane takes off. In Paris, Fran is forced to share a room with Maxwell since the city is busy with tourists in town to see the latest Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. But Maxwell has business to take care of, namely to talk his freewheeling younger brother, Nigel, out of buying a Parisian nightclub. Instead, Nigel shows Maxwell that he has lost his joie de vivre. Maxwell decides he needs to take life by the horns. He and Fran grab the next available flight back to New York. That may have been a mistake as the plane develops some technical problems and it looks as if it may go down. Maxwell takes this end of life possibility to say something important on his mind to Fran. Written by Huggo