[11.21] Detour



Detour [a.k.a. Love Maybe]                    Written by Chris Marcil                
                                           Directed by Kelsey Grammer 
=====================================================================
Production Code: 11.21
Episode Number In Production Order: 261
Filmed on:
Original Airdate on NBC: April 27, 2004
Transcript written on May 4, 2004

N.B. The original title of this episode was apparently Love, Maybe, a
reference to Love, Actually, a recent highly acclaimed comedy in which
Laura Linney starred. 

A Personal Note

This will be the last transcript I contribute to "The Frasier Files."  
It has been a joy and an honor to be associated with this wonderful 
site for the past three years, and I would like to thank Nick Hartley 
and Mike Lee for putting up with me when I was late and for the 
opportunity that I was always given to transcribe episodes with my 
personal interpretations and methods.  One gains even more appreciation 
for the writers of this greatest of comedies when actually typing the 
brilliant dialogue and stories they have created.  I am both wistful 
and happy that my last transcript includes one of my favorite 
characters, Charlotte.  Thanks to everybody who gave my work positive 
feedback through Nick or Mike, and I hope that as the DVD's are 
released, the site will continue to grow and become even more thorough 
than it already is.  Mike has worked tirelessly to make this site 
great, and deserves praise for it.  Thank you again — to the 
webmasters, the readers, and of course, to the show for providing me 
this unique opportunity.

- Kelly Dean Hansen

Catch Me A Catch...

Charlotte the matchmaker episodes:
- [11.18] Match Game
- [11.19] Miss Right Now
- [11.20] And Frasier Makes Three

Transcript {Kelly Dean Hansen}

Skyline: A crane is seen on the horizon lifting a load.

ACT I

Scene 1 – Café Nervosa
Frasier enters happily.

Frasier: Can I get my usual, please?

He sits at a table with Roz.

    Roz: Well, you're in a good mood.  What's up?
Frasier: Well, actually... no, I'd better not.  Don't want to jinx it.
    Roz: No problem.
Frasier: Besides, the mark of a-a true gentleman is discretion.
    Roz: [not as interested as Frasier wants her to be] Okay.  Listen, 
         about your dad's bachelor party...
Frasier: Charlotte and I spent the night together.
    Roz: I thought she was seeing that super-hottie Frank.
Frasier: Dumped him, thank you.
    Roz: For you? [then] I mean, wow, way to go!
Frasier: Yes, I know.  It's funny I should end up with my own 
         matchmaker, isn't it?
    Roz: Yeah, I mean that Frank was the whole package.  Those eyes, 
         that chin, that bod that wouldn't quit...
Frasier: Yes, well, it didn't have to quit, it was fired.

Frasier's coffee arrives.

Frasier: Thank you very much. [to Roz] Now, you were saying something 
         about my dad's bachelor party?
    Roz: Yeah.  Weren't you having a problem deciding on the 
         entertainment?
Frasier: Oh, yes.
    Roz: Well, there's this girl in my spin class, and she does it all – 
         strips, lap dances, movies.
Frasier: Really?  Would I be familiar with her work?
    Roz: I don't know, have you seen “Grinding Nemo”?  Anyway, I invited 
         her over here so you could check her out.  She's going to be 
         here any second.  Her name is Amber Licious.
Frasier: Really, well, I'm afraid I can't do it right now.  I'm meeting 
         Charlotte for coffee, uh-
    Roz: Well, you can tell her yourself.  Hey, Amber!

Amber rushes in.  She is a busty blonde with a wide smile.  Roz and 
Frasier rise. 
      
    Roz: How are you?
  Amber: Hi!
    Roz: This is Frasier.

Amber shakes hands with him.

  Amber: Hello.
Frasier: [after mumbling a bit] Hello, uh, how do you do, Miss Licious?  
         Uh, I'm terribly sorry, but I've got something scheduled, so 
         I'll have to postpone our interview.  Perhaps we could meet 
         this evening at my place, around 7:00?  I live at the Elliot 
         Bay Towers.
  Amber: Can we make it 7:30?  I have to go re-dub some groans for 
         “He-Biscuit.”
Frasier: Well, I'll see you then.  Good.

Charlotte enters the cafe wearing a business suit.

Charlotte: Frasier?

Frasier runs to join her.  Amber sits down by Roz.

  Frasier: Oh, hi!  Listen, I... gosh, I'm sorry I had to dash off this 
           morning.
Charlotte: It's OK.  I have to dash off myself right now.
  Frasier: Oh, I thought we were having coffee.
Charlotte: We were.  I forgot - I have to catch a train to Portland 
           in twenty minutes.  I'm giving a talk to the Northwest 
           Businesswoman's Association.  I'm sorry.
  Frasier: Oh, no, it's all right.  I'm sure you'll be wonderful.
Charlotte: Oh, yeah, it's a good speech.  I gave it last year to the 
           Midwest Businesswoman's Association.  Anyway, I'll be back 
           Sunday night.  We can have dinner then.  I really should 
           catch a cab.
  Frasier: Wait, maybe I could just drive you to the station.
Charlotte: Oh, you don't have to do that.
  Frasier: No, no, I'd like to.  Besides, I've always been a sucker for 
           that romantic movie-ending goodbye - a fog-shrouded train 
           platform, a-a passionate kiss.
Charlotte: [agreeing] With a romantic dip.
  Frasier: Yes, well, maybe I am, but there are damn few of us left.

Charlotte leans back, demonstrating what she meant.

Charlotte: Dip, dip.
  Frasier: Oh!

Frasier takes her hand, getting it.  Charlotte smiles.  

FADE OUT

Scene 2 - On the road in Frasier's car
Frasier is discussing dinner plans.  Charlotte is deep in thought.

  Frasier: So, I could make us a reservation for dinner on Sunday.  
           I would suggest Cucina...
Charlotte: [distracted] Yeah, okay.
  Frasier: Charlotte... you seem a little distracted.  Is there 
           something on your mind?  Charlotte?
Charlotte: Oh, Frasier.
  Frasier: Oh, boy.
Charlotte: Look, I-I really don't want to get into this now.  Why don't 
           we talk about it Sunday night?

He parks the car.

  Frasier: [very worried] Please.  I can't wait till Sunday.  My 
           imagination will torture me.
Charlotte: Okay. [pause] I'm moving back to Chicago in three weeks.
  Frasier: Three weeks?!
Charlotte: It's not you.  I bought my old business back from my ex.  
           I—I know I should have told you sooner, but it was never 
           the right time.  

There is a pause.  She reaches out and touches his shoulder.

Charlotte: Are you okay?

His facial expressions alone are enough to answer that question.

  Frasier: [under his breath] I had to blab to Roz.
Charlotte: What?
  Frasier: [very sad] Nothing.  Are you sure?
Charlotte: This all happened before we got together.
  Frasier: Well, let's look on the bright side.  I mean, Chicago isn't 
           that far away.
Charlotte: I don't want a long-distance relationship.  And neither do 
           you.  You said so on your application.
  Frasier: Okay.  But, you know, we still have three weeks.
Charlotte: Don't be hurt, but... if someone called your show and said, 
           "I'm leaving town in three weeks.  Should I get involved 
           with someone?" what would you say?
  Frasier: I'd say it was foolish to take the plunge and bring up 
           feelings that must be dashed, and so forth.  But what do 
           I know?  I'm not infallible.
Charlotte: [smiling wistfully] Frasier...
  Frasier: [resigned] All right.

He unbuckles his seat belt, and they embrace.  He caresses her gently.  
A train whistle is heard, and the train itself rushes by.

Charlotte: Son of a bitch!
  Frasier: Oh, I'm sorry.  My hand slipped.
Charlotte: No, no, it's my train!  Damn it!      
  Frasier: Oh, dear.  All right, look, the next station isn't too far.  
           I'll bet I can beat the train.

FADE TO:

Scene 3 - Frasier's car
Time fade to another train station.  Charlotte looks on forlornly as 
the whistle is heard and the train rushes by.

  Frasier: Well.  Round two to Amtrak.  I could drive us to the next 
           station?
Charlotte: All right, but, you do know you're going to have to drive a
           little faster.  You do realize we got passed by a school bus 
           and a prefab home.
  Frasier: Point taken.

Frasier starts to drive again.

Charlotte: I really do appreciate this.
  Frasier: [clearly still smarting] Oh, it's all right.  Didn't have 
           anything else to do. [then, realizing] Oh, dear.  I've got 
           to make a call.  Could you hold the wheel, please?

She does.  Frasier fumbles around with the wires and earpiece of a  
phone unit.

Frasier: I just got this.  It's a... it's a hands-free unit.  It's, uh, 
         much, uh, much, much safer.

He finally gets the unit in his ear and retakes the wheel, but the 
mouthpiece is pointing straight up.

CUT TO:
Cafe Nervosa, where Daphne and Niles are speaking.

 Daphne: Can't we just meet her?  Everyone in Frasier's building raves 
         about her, and I hear she's unhappy.

Niles's coffee arrives.

  Niles: I just hate the idea of poaching the Steingartens’ nanny.
 Daphne: I seem to recall you poaching another man's fiancée once.
  Niles: Oh, Daphne, I was in college.  I... [off her look] oh, you 
         mean...

His cell phone rings. 

 Daphne: Well, who did you mean?
  Niles: I'm sorry, I have to get this.  Hello?
Frasier: [v.o.] Niles.
  Niles: Frasier!

CUT back to the car.

Frasier: Listen, you remember that idea we proposed about Dad's party?

Charlotte somewhat playfully moves the mouthpiece down to its proper 
place.

Frasier: The, uh, the entertainer. [To Charlotte] Oh. 

CUT back to Café.

  Niles: The klezmer band?

CUT back to car.  Charlotte's hand is still flirtatiously near 
Frasier's face after moving the mouthpiece.

Frasier: No, no, the stripper.

He chuckles at Charlotte.  She smiles and moves back her hand.

Frasier: Uh, well, I found one!

CUT back to Cafe.

  Niles: [nervously] Daphne's fine, thank you for asking!  She's right 
         here beside me.

He gestures his head toward her.  CUT back to car.

Frasier: Niles, I'm supposed to interview her this evening at 7:30 at 
         my place.  I can't make it.  Something came up.  You'll have 
         to do it for me.

CUT back to Cafe.

  Niles: Oh, no thank you!

He smiles stupidly and winks at Daphne.  CUT back to car.

Frasier: Niles, if you're worried about Dad being there, he's got a 
         date with Ronee tonight.

CUT back to Cafe.  Niles chuckles nervously.  CUT back to car.

Charlotte: Don't we want south?
  Frasier: Listen, Niles, I-I know that you get nervous around fan 
           dancers and their ilk, but you have got to conquer your 
           fear...

CUT back to Café.  Niles looks resigned.

Frasier: [v.o., continuing] Thank you!  I'll talk to you later.  
         Goodbye.

He cuts off the call.  CUT back to car.

Charlotte: [nervously] South!
  Frasier: What, I'm sorry?
Charlotte: South!!  South!!
  Frasier: What?  What?
Charlotte: [craning her neck as they pass the turnoff] SOUTH!! 
  Frasier: Oh, dear, uh, you know, perhaps it would be best if you just 
           said left or right.  It's not like there's a compass in the 
           car.

She looks at the dashboard.

Charlotte: What's that?
  Frasier: Oh, well, I'll be damned.
Charlotte: [notices something else] What's that red light?
  Frasier: Oh, that.  Uh, that's nothing to worry about.  It's been on 
           for months.  I think there's something wrong with the bulb.

DISSOLVE TO:

Scene 4 - Dissolve to night
The "door open" warning beeps.  Charlotte looks forlornly at her cell 
phone.  Frasier enters the car.

Charlotte: [with an ironic smile] Cell phones don't work here.  Please 
           tell me you know what's wrong with the car?
  Frasier: Not a clue.  I opened the hood as a mere formality.

Charlotte sighs.  

FADE TO:

NEIGHBORS DESCRIBED JONATHAN AS A NICE BOY WHO KEPT TO HIMSELF
Scene 5 - A country home A knock. A rustic, pleasant woman opens the door to Frasier and Charlotte. Sue: Hello? Frasier: We're terribly sorry to bother you, but, uh, our car has broken down. Sue: Well, come on in out of that cold! She escorts them in. The husband is seated at the table. Sue: My husband knows everything about cars. Harbin, these people's car broke down. Go take a look at it for them. Harbin! Harbin looks up with rather wild eyes. He crashes something on the table and heads outside, mumbling unintelligibly under his breath. Frasier: [as he passes] Thank you! Thank you very much. We certainly appreciate that. Sue: Well, just have a seat and have a cup of coffee and warm up. I'm Sue, by the way. Charlotte: Thank you. You're very kind. Frasier: Yes, yes, indeed. Charlotte: I'm Charlotte. Frasier: And I'm Frasier. She starts to pour them some coffee. Frasier: Gosh, you seem to be preparing for some sort of party. Sue: Well, Harbin's mother passed away, so people will be coming over tomorrow. Charlotte: Oh, my God! I'm-I'm so sorry. We should get out of your hair. She and Frasier rise and head for the door. Sue: Oh, no, please! The company will do us good. I mean, Harbin really perked up when you came in. Charlotte: [looking out the door] Really? Because he seems to be crying in our car. Sue walks toward the door. Sue: Excuse me. She opens the door and shouts to her husband. Sue: Harbin! For goodness sake, pop the hood! She shuts the door and sighs with her hand to her head. Sue: You will have to excuse him. He was very attached to his mother. A little too attached for my tastes. [Then] Hi, baby! Hi! She walks to greet her son, who has entered. Jonathan is dressed in a "stalker" type outfit of thermal underwear under a short-sleeve shirt. He has a bald head, walks leaning backward with a sort of "reverse" hunchback, and is very creepy. Jonathan: Who are these? Charlotte and Frasier exchange a glance. Sue: Their car broke down. This is my son, Jonathan. [She caresses him.] Isn't he handsome? Jonathan, this is Frasier and Charlotte. Jonathan: How do you do? Frasier: Yes, nice to meet you... Frasier holds out his hand, but Jonathan walks right past him and extends his hand to Charlotte, who reluctantly shakes it. Sue: How is your project today, baby? Jonathan: [impatiently] Fine, mother. [To Charlotte] You want a butterscotch? He reaches inside his pocket. Charlotte: No, I-I'm good. I'm good. So, what are you making? A long beat. Sue: Art. He won't let any of us see it until it's finished. Harbin re-enters. Frasier: Oh. So, uh, how's our car? Can we just scoot right away from here? Harbin: No. I'll-I'll have to drive to town tomorrow for the parts. So, what happened? Frasier: Well, we were just, uh, driving along the highway, and then suddenly the engine just died. Harbin: [sobbing] Excuse me. He walks out of the kitchen and exits to the living room, crying. Sue: Excuse me. She follows her husband. Jonathan looks on from the doorway. Frasier and Charlotte are increasingly uncomfortable. Sue: [o.s.] Will you please cut out the hangdog bit, Mr. Welcome Wagon? We've got company! Get in there, show them some manners. Offer them a place to stay for the night. Jonathan: You're not going to like it here. Harbin and Sue re-enter. Harbin: Of course, uh, of course you'll have to spend the night. Frasier: We couldn't. Charlotte: No, we really, really couldn't. There must be a hotel in town. They start to exit. Jonathan: What does this look like, Lancaster? Sue laughs. Frasier and Charlotte look at each other in horror. Sue: It's no problem. You could bunk with Jonathan, and Charlotte, you could have the fold-out. Jonathan: [suggestively] I'll help make up your bed... Charlotte: No, that's OK! We'll-we'll stay together. Frasier: Yes, that's right, together. Sue: Oh, well, are you married? Because we don't want to set a bad example for... [motions with her head toward Jonathan] Frasier: Oh yes, yes. Charlotte: We're married! Frasier: Yes, married. Sue: For how long? Frasier/Charlotte: [simultaneously] Oh, two years./Eighteen months. FADE OUT END OF ACT I ACT II Scene 6 - Frasier's apartment Martin is speaking on the phone. Martin: Hey, Ronee. It's me. Uh, I've got to interview a new physical therapist to fill in for Daph, so pick me up fifteen minutes later, OK? [Pause] Just have a drink. [Pause] Well, have another one. [Pause, concerned look] Really? Maybe I'll pick you up. He hangs up. CUT to Niles in the elevator, also on the phone. Niles: [stiltedly] Frasier? You're too busy to answer the phone – but I'm just about to interview this... stripper, and I have no idea what to ask. He exits the elevator and heads toward the apartment. Niles: I just hope Dad doesn't walk in and spoil the surprise. I'm Already developing some sort of aversion-based mouth dryness as we speak. [Then] This is Niles, by the way. He enters the apartment. Martin emerges from the kitchen. Martin: Hey, Niles! Niles: [nervous] Oh! Martin: What's up? Niles: [stilted again] Frasier is going to split a case of oloroso with me because we both like oloroso, but he's not here, so I'll stop bothering you. Nice chatting. He blocks his nostril and sniffs, his characteristic "nosebleed of untruth" about to set in. He exits. Martin looks after him with puzzlement. Reset to: Hall In the hall, Niles runs into a young woman (Becky) wearing a sweat outfit, and carrying a manila folder. Niles: Oh! Are you here for the interview? Becky: Yes. Crane, right? Niles: Um, yes. [He gasps a bit with mouth dryness.] Um, the place is a mess. Do you - do you mind if we talk in the lobby? Becky: I guess that's okay. He escorts her into the elevator. As it starts to go down, she smiles a bit uncomfortably. Niles becomes very stilted now. Niles: Um, so, um, how – uh - how long have you been doing what you do? Becky: Oh, years now. At first I just did it for friends, but then I thought, "Why am I giving this away when I can make money at it?" Niles nods nervously. She hands him a paper. Becky: Here are my references. Niles: Oh, uh, I – ahem - didn't know you people had references. Let alone... the mayor? Becky: Yeah. I started with him, and now I do most of the city council. Niles again gasps a bit with the mouth dryness, and hands her back the list. Niles: Well...uh, that--that's good enough for me. You're hired. Becky: Shouldn't your dad meet me before you decide? Niles: Oh, no, no. We--we don't want him to see you till you're taking off your clothes. Becky: What are you talking about? And why are you sweating so much? Niles: I'm sorry. I'm just--I'm just a little ill-at-ease around... Becky: What? Niles: [fighting the mouth dryness mightily and finally stammering] Sex workers. Becky: Ew! Get away from me, you freak! The elevator reaches the lobby, and she rushes out. Daphne is waiting. Niles sees her and immediately tries to compose himself. Niles: Hi. Daphne: [not expecting to see him] Hi. What are you doing here and why are you so sweaty? Niles: [sniffing again] I was talking to Dad about my case of oloroso. Daphne: Oh. Well, if it doesn't clear up by tomorrow, you should call a doctor. Niles: I will. [N.B. Oloroso – a variety of sherry.] He rushes away, holding the nostril tightly. Daphne enters the elevator, talking on her cell phone. Daphne: Oh! Hello, Kathy? Yeah, it's Daphne Crane. Listen, I'm going to be up in 1901, and I was wondering if we could finally meet. Oh, that's wonderful! Don't even call it an interview. Everyone says you're the best nanny in Seattle. Good, I'll see you up there then. The door closes. Upon her arrival, Daphne exits to find Amber waiting at the door. Daphne: Oh, wow, that was fast. Come on in. Amber: [confused] All right, what happened to Dr. Crane? Daphne: He's not feeling well. They enter. Daphne: Thanks for coming. I know you're busy. Please, have a seat. Amber: Oh, thanks. Teah, right after this I have to go pick up a new teddy. Daphne: Oh, that's so sweet. They both giggle as they sit down. Daphne: Well, I'll make this quick then. We're not expecting anything fancy. Just the basic burping, diapering, and so forth. Amber: O-kay, I guess I'm game for that. Daphne: Oh, wonderful! Why don't I make some tea and we can talk. She rises and moves toward the kitchen. Amber: Great! Uh, did you want me to wear something special? Daphne: Oh! Since you asked, I've always been partial to a simple white nurse's uniform. Amber: It's a classic. She exits. Martin emerges from the rear. Martin: Oh, hi, I thought I heard some talking out here! I'm Marty Crane. Amber: Hi. Martin: How you doing? Amber: Great. She rises to shake his hand. Martin: So, Daphne give you the third degree? Amber: Oh, not really. Martin: Oh, well, that's good. I think she's a little sensitive, you know, about being replaced. She's been doing me for ten years. Amber: Oh! But then she got pregnant. Martin: Right, right. But you know, lately, she's been having me up on the table. I like it better on the floor. The floor all right with you? Amber: It's your dime. Martin: Well, uh, maybe you could show me your stuff. Amber: Oh... Martin: I'll, uh, never hear the end of it if I don't take you out for a spin. Amber: Oh, sure. I just need to change. Martin: Oh, yeah, the powder room's right there. Amber: Here? Okay. She goes in the room to change. Daphne re-enters. Daphne: Where did she go? You didn't drive her off, did you? Martin: No, not at all. I like her. What do you think about her? Daphne: I like her a lot. Martin: Good. Of course, we won't really know until we see her in action. Amber now enters, wearing a red lingerie outfit and posing. Amber: Ta-da! Martin: [grinning broadly] You're hired! FADE TO: Scene 7 - The country home Charlotte is seated at the table with Sue and Jonathan. Frasier enters with Harbin, carrying Charlotte’s suitcase. Charlotte: [desperately, forcing a smile] Hi, sweetie! You've been gone for twenty minutes! Frasier: Yes. Well, uh, Harbin was just giving me a tour of my engine. Harbin: You've got either a blown rod bearing or a loose pin. If we had a stethoscope, I'm sure we could tell the difference. Frasier: Yes, well, you know, I'm so hopeless with cars. I know I would just misdiagnose it. Harbin: Wouldn't be the first misdiagnosis that ever happened. He exits to the living room. Jonathan: Friend Charlotte. Where's your ring? Charlotte: Excuse me? Jonathan: I thought most married women wore a ring, yet your hand is bare and white. She takes Frasier's hand, looking up at him pleadingly for help. Frasier: Yes, it-it is. That's because this is the hand that I fell in love with. A hand too... too perfect for, uh... the profanity of gold or-or platinum. [He sits, looking at her face.] After all, what diamond could possibly rival the sparkle in those eyes? During this speech, it is very clear the most of the sentiments he expresses are real, and not just spoken for Jonathan's benefit. Charlotte's flattered response to his words is also natural. The moment they share is very brief, but palpable. Harbin suddenly enters. Harbin: I'll take my coffee in the living room, you don't mind! He returns there. Sue: If that will make you happy, Harbin. Shall we? Sue and Jonathan follow to the living room. Frasier and Charlotte share a look of great trepidation. They follow... and stop dead in their tracks when they see a coffin in the living room. Jonathan: [presenting the coffin, matter-of-factly] This is Grandma. Frasier: We... had no idea. Sue: We... are having the wake here tomorrow. Harbin: [sobbing] Mama... loved to party. He collapses in tears on a chair. Sue rolls her eyes. Sue: Excuse me again. She returns to the kitchen. Sue: [o.s.] Yeah, she loved to party all right. With me as her personal slave and handmaiden, doing all the cooking and the cleaning and the wiping her sorry... [re-entering, changing her tone] Sugar? Frasier: You know, we're a bit tired, really. Maybe we could just turn in? Harbin: Well, help me get the cushions off the fold-up. We'll make up the bed. He and Jonathan begin to remove the cushions from the couch in that room. Frasier: You mean we're-we're sleeping in here? Sue: [deadpan] Well, there's Mama's bed. [then] But that's in our room. Frasier: This'll be fine. Charlotte nods her agreement. FADE TO: Scene 8 - Later that night Frasier and Charlotte are in the hide-a-bed. Frasier has dozed. Charlotte is sitting up, staring at the casket. Then she hears an electric buzzing sound from somewhere in the house. Charlotte: Did you hear that? Frasier: [waking] What? The buzzing again. Charlotte: That! What do you think he's doing down there? Frasier: Well, how should I know, he's your friend. Charlotte: Shh! But they chuckle. Despite everything that’s happened to them that day, they are still easy enough with each other to laugh about it. Footsteps are heard approaching the room. They assume a sleeping position and close their eyes. Jonathan enters and checks that they are asleep. Then he opens the casket. Frasier and Charlotte, watching him, are both horrified and amused. Jonathan: [sotto voce] Grandma? It's Jonathan. I just wanted to tell you that our little secret is still safe. He closes the casket softly. Frasier and Charlotte again feign sleep as Jonathan checks them again, then exits. They then sit up. Charlotte: Well, this tops anything that would have happened at the Portland Radisson. They begin to laugh again. Footsteps are again heard, and they re- assume the sleeping position. Harbin enters, and opens the casket. Harbin: [voice breaking] Hi, Mama! I can't believe I'm not going to get one more hug. [leans in] What's that? One more? Ohhhhh... He picks up the corpse and embraces it. Frasier and Charlotte can barely contain themselves, quivering in bed and desperately muffling their laughter. He glances their way and they "sleep" again. Harbin: I better go, Mama. I'm sorry I scraped your head with my watch. He closes the lid, then kisses his fingers and puts them on the coffin. Frasier and Charlotte exchange another look, then resume their position before Harbin exits. After he is gone, they break out in unrestrained, but quiet laughter. Frasier: You know... he said the same thing to my engine when he opened the hood. Charlotte laughs. Frasier joins her. The mood between them is very playful and comfortable. They lie facing each other. Frasier: Charlotte... I'm afraid we're making a terrible mistake. Charlotte: Frasier, I'm not switching sides again. Frasier: No. I mean writing off these three weeks just 'cause you're moving. I had a great time with you today, and with somebody else it would have been a disaster. Charlotte: With somebody else, I would have been in Portland. Frasier: Come on, you know what I'm talking about. We have a lot of Fun together. And why deny ourselves the chance to have even more? I know the sensible thing would be to just end it now, and walk away. And normally that's what I would do, but... I don't want to be sensible. Charlotte: [with emotion] But we'd only have three weeks. Frasier: I know. It'd be like a summer fling. Charlotte: But wouldn't we be sad when it ended? Frasier: Of course we would. That's what happens. You-you're sad When summer's over. [then] Well, I... never was. I always looked forward to the new school year, when I would buy my books... She puts a hand to his mouth. Charlotte: [lovingly] Are you going to talk all summer? They start to kiss. The buzzing is heard again, and they sit up, smiling. FADE OUT END OF ACT II Credits: It is morning. Frasier and Charlotte are asleep. Sue enters the room carrying a breakfast tray. She sets it down and opens the casket. She looks at the corpse, and laughs gleefully. Frasier and Charlotte wake up and watch as Sue tauntingly waves goodbye to the corpse and dances with joy. She closes the casket and brings the tray to them as they "wake up."

Guest Appearances

 Special Guest Star
 LAURA LINNEY as Charlotte

 Guest Starring
 CELIA WESTON as Sue
 STEPHEN ROOT as Harbin
 TODD LOUISO as Jonathan
 CADY HUFFMAN as Amber Licious
 BLAKE LINDSLEY as Becky

Legal Stuff

 
 This episode capsule is copyright 2004 by Kelly Dean Hansen. 
 This episode summary remains property of Frasier, Copyright 
 of Paramount Productions and NBC. Printed without permission. 
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