"Smoke Gets in Your Lies" is the second episode in the first season of the CBS television series The Nanny which was aired on November 10, 1993.
Synopsis[]
When Brighton is caught smoking at school, Fran thinks it might be her fault.
Plot[]
Fran wants Maxwell to be more involved in his children's lives. The latest request Fran puts in front of Maxwell is for him and the entire family to attend a carnival at Brighton's school. Maxwell declines because of work commitments. However, Fran is relieved that Maxwell will not be going when Brighton is caught smoking at school. What's worse for Fran is that Brighton got the idea to smoke from a story she told him? Brighton originally decides to blackmail Fran into not telling Maxwell, but ultimately Fran feels she needs to tell Maxwell. First however, Maxwell is too busy to listen to anything Fran has to tell him about his children.
However, when Maxwell decides to go to the carnival where he would be speaking to Brighton's principal, Fran has no choice but to tell him about Brighton being caught smoking. Brighton, however, does not tell on Fran. Later, Fran does tell Maxwell that she inadvertently gave Brighton the idea. Maxwell is initially angry with Fran, but he also realizes that Brighton did not tell on Fran, meaning that he has bonded with his new nanny, a first for him. Although, they still need to show Brighton the hazards of smoking. Fran decides to pull out the big guns: a meeting between Brighton and Fran's chain smoking grandma, Yetta.
Cast[]
Starring[]
- Fran Drescher as Fran Fine
- Charles Shaughnessy as Maxwell Sheffield
- Daniel Davis as Niles
- Lauren Lane as C.C. Babcock
- Nicholle Tom as Maggie Sheffield
- Benjamin Salisbury as Brighton Sheffield
- Madeline Zima as Grace Sheffield
Guest Starring[]
- Carol Channing as Herself
- Rachel Chagall as Valerie Toriello
- Ann Guilbert as Yetta Rosenberg
Co-Starring[]
- Jonathan Baker as Composer
- Esther Lapiduss as Auditioner
- Michael McCarthy as Assistant
- Blanche Rubin as Elderly Lady
- Timothy Thompson as Pianist
Quotes[]
- Fran: (to Brighton) Honey, I am so far ahead of you, we're in different time zones.
- (The doorbell rings at the Sheffield mansion)
Fran: Oh, that's Val. You know, it's her first time to the mansion and she's my best friend, so I just want her to drop dead.
Niles: How thoughtful. I'll leave, you pose.
(as Niles gets and opens the door, Fran strikes a pose for Val)
Val: (with a look of amazement on her face as she enters the mansion) I'm droppin' dead.
Niles: (to Fran) Mission accomplished. - (Maxwell and Fran are talking alone)
Maxwell: Brighton's mother was the only one who could handle him. They had a special kind of relationship... He feared her! - Fran: He's gonna fire me. I'd fire me. Just when I figured out the bidet is not a water fountain.
- Maggie: Dad's too busy. He doesn't have time to spend with us.
Grace: Maybe Daddy's seeing other children! - (Fran and Maxwell are in the middle of an argument)
Fran: Well, it's very easy for you to find faults. You're off all day with the glamorous theater people while I'm stuck at home working like a dog raising the kids.
Maxwell: You're the nanny. It's your job.
Fran: (exasperated) Well, you're the father, it's your job too... (lowering her voice and looking down) Mr. Sheffield, sir.
Maxwell: Just, go to your room. (heads for the door before turning back to Fran) Yes, you. (leaves)
Fran: (to Niles) Can you believe he sent me to my room?! He is so adorable sometimes. - Brighton: Hey, Maggs, wow! You look really beautiful.
Maggie: And...?
Brighton: And, nothing...You look really good!
Maggie: Shut up, Brighton!
Fran: Why are you being so nice to your sister? Who'd you kill?
Brighton: Why does everyone assume the worst of me?
Fran: It saves time.
Trivia[]
- This episode marks the first appearance of Fran's grandmother, Yetta Rosenberg
- This is one of many episodes where Fran smokes.
- Fran references the 1992 film, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle. Madeline Zima, who plays Gracie, played Emma in the film.
- This is Yetta's first appearance on the show.
- In this episode we learn that Brighton's middle name is Milhouse.
- Timothy Thompson makes a small appearance in this episode. He's also the musician for some episodes.
- The layout of the house has changed from the pilot. The staircase and the front door are now on the right side of the house (in the pilot they were on the left). Also, the "library" was eliminated and turned into the living room mirror.
Gallery[]
