[4.9] Dad Loves Sherry, The Boys Just Whine




Dad Loves Sherry, The Boys Just Whine       Written by Joe Keenan
                                            Directed by James Burrows
=====================================================================
Production Code: 4.9
Episode Number In Production Order: 81
Original Airdate on NBC: 
Episode filmed on 
Transcript written on 16th July 2000


Transcript {Iain McCallum}

[Act 1]

[Scene 1 – Café Nervosa.
Niles wanders into the Café saying hello to Frasier and Maureen who 
are sitting down at a nearby table. Niles goes up to order at the 
counter where Roz is already waiting for her order.]

Niles: A non-fat caff please.
  Roz: I'll pay for his too.
Niles: Well thank you. My day started off with good news and it's 
       already getting better. To what do I owe this largesse? 
  Roz: Well I'm having a pretty great day too. You see a few months 
       ago I took my first tennis lesson…
Niles: And you've finally mastered the backhand?
  Roz: No. I haven't played since. But the guy who was teaching me…
Niles: Has won your girlish heart?
  Roz: No, he was a loser. But that day he hit me this little dink-
       shot and I ran for it, stubbed my toe, got this big black 
       toenail, it lasted for like three months and today it finally 
       fell off. [Niles looks thoroughly mystified] I can wear 
       sandals again!

[Meanwhile behind them Maureen gets up to leave as Frasier sees her 
off.]

Maureen: Thanks Frasier.
Frasier: Goodbye Maureen and good luck.
Maureen: Thanks.

[She heads out the door and Niles comes over to join Frasier.]

  Niles: Frasier. May I borrow your spoon?
Frasier: Certainly.
  Niles: [banging the spoon off his coffee cup] I have an 
         announcement.
Frasier: Well frankly so do I. Dad's girlfriend just told me some 
         very big news.
  Niles: Well, unless she's expecting our baby brother, my news takes 
         precedence [A look of panic spreads on Niles' face] She's 
         not is she?
Frasier: No, no. 
  Niles: Guess who just won this year's "Mariett Faspinder Award for 
         Distinguished Contribution to the Literature of Psychiatry"?
Frasier: Well, judging by the canary feathers protruding from your 
         mouth, I'd say you. What article did you win for?
  Niles: A gripping case history of a narcissistic opera singer. I 
         called it "Me Me Me Me Me"
Frasier: Very clever.
  Niles: Thrilled as I am I must admit I'm a tad nervous about the 
         awards banquet.
Frasier: Why? 
  Niles: Dad! I want him there of course, but I'm just dreading a 
         rerun of Aunt Vi's wedding.
Frasier: Yes - the hour he spent regaling the table of Little Niles 
         stories.
  Niles: Exactly. Imagine an entire roomful of trained psychiatrists 
         hearing the story of Sheldon, my imaginary protégé.
Frasier: Ah yes Sheldon. That troublesome little fellow who kept 
         wetting your bed! Well you know – if you're thinking of 
         excluding Dad from the event your timing couldn't be worse. 
         It's his birthday this weekend.
  Niles: Oh right.
Frasier: On top of that Maureen just told me she's decided to break 
         it off with him.
  Niles: No? Oh dear, is it the age difference?
Frasier: No, no. She was quite emphatic on that point. She just 
         thinks they have nothing in common.
  Niles: Oh, poor Dad. I know how much he enjoyed going out with her.
Frasier: Yes. Just the other day he was saying that between her 
         police badge and his handicapped sticker they could park 
         anywhere.

[Scene 2 – Frasier's Apartment.
Frasier is busy cleaning. Daphne comes in.]

 Daphne: Evening Dr. Crane.
Frasier: Daphne. Thank God you're home first. Listen, I have to warn 
         you.
 Daphne: About what?
Frasier: Dad and Maureen are on a date. It's not going well. She's 
         telling him she wants to break it off.
 Daphne: Oh. This vision that you're getting – is it a tingly feeling 
         and a picture in your head or more like a husky voice 
         murmuring in your ear?
Frasier: [annoyed] It's not a vision. Maureen told me about this, 
         this afternoon. She's worried about Dad. We need to do 
         everything we can to help him through this.
 Daphne: I wouldn't worry about your father. People are more 
         resilient than you think. When Joe dumped me a few weeks ago 
         I thought I'd lost the love of me life. I figured I'd spend 
         the rest of my years dwelling on what might have been. The 
         home we'd have made. The children running through it. 
         Growing old together…did I mention Joe's getting married?
Frasier: Oh I'm sorry.
 Daphne: No, I'm all right.

[Daphne heads towards the drinks cabinet as she breaks down and grabs 
a bottle of wine. Frasier goes to console her before checking the 
label on the wine.]

Frasier: That'll be fine.

[Meanwhile the scene switches to outside the apartment as Martin and 
Maureen arrive back from their date.]

Maureen: I should have known that you'd hate Indian food.
 Martin: No it was great. It just takes a little getting used to.
Maureen: Yeah it does. You should try it again sometime.
 Martin: [slightly retching] I think I just did. So are you going to 
         come in for some coffee?
Maureen: No. You're not feeling too well. I think I'll just call it a 
         night.
 Martin: But I thought you said in the car there was something you 
         wanted to talk about.
Maureen: It can wait.

[They kiss goodnight as Maureen heads back into the elevator. Martin 
goes into the apartment.]

Frasier: Hi Dad.
 Martin: Hi.
Frasier: How was your date?
 Martin: [with a pained expression on his face] Awful! I never felt 
         this bad in my life. I feel like my guts have been ripped 
         out.
Frasier: Dad let me assure you this has nothing to do with your age.
 Martin: The hell it doesn't. This never would have happened twenty 
         years ago.
Frasier: Well you know Dad, I may be talking out of turn here. 
         Maureen told me about this.
 Martin: What?
Frasier: Yes. She came to me for advice. That's how determined she 
         was not to hurt you. You see, she wanted to make it 
         perfectly clear that her breaking up with you had nothing to 
         do with your age but rather your compatibility. You see, 
         it's not your fault you don't like the same food, music or 
         movies [notices Martin's puzzled expression] and she didn't 
         bring this up did she?
 Martin: No.
Frasier: I'm sorry.
 Martin: She doesn't want to see me again?
Frasier: Oh, I feel so terrible. Listen, Dad I know exactly how 
         you're feeling right now. But believe me the pain will pass. 
         It may take some time.
 Martin: This is great!
Frasier: Or not!
 Martin: Wait till I tell Sherry.
Frasier: Sherry?
 Martin: [holding up the carton of juice he's drinking] This stuff 
         works pretty good. Have we got any pretzels?
Frasier: Dad. Just who is Sherry?
 Martin: She's this great lady I met down at McGinty's. You know –
         I've been trying for weeks to get up the nerve to end it 
         with Maureen?

[The doorbell rings and Frasier goes to answer whilst still 
discussing Sherry with Martin.]

Frasier: Good Lord. I've been worried all afternoon about Maureen 
         breaking your heart and all along you've been two-timing 

[looks through the peek-hole before turning to Martin in panic] 

MAUREEN!

[Frasier opens the door to Maureen while Martin tries not to look too 
guilty.]
 
 Martin: Well hi Maureen. Come in. Did you forget something?
Maureen: Yes I did. Er…[looks at Frasier]
Frasier: Don't mind me I was just going out…[he realises he is in his 
         dressing gown]…to the powder room. [Frasier goes through to 
         the bathroom]
Maureen: There's something that I've been meaning to say to you and I 
         keep putting it off and that's not fair to you.
 Martin: [acting concerned] What is it?
Maureen: I don't think it's working out.
 Martin: [sitting down in fake shock] You don't? Wow. I didn't see 
         that coming.

[Frasier is peeking through the bathroom door with a look of 
contempt]

Maureen: Marty, it's not the age difference. It's just, all we ever 
         talk about is the police force and I enjoy that but I just 
         think…
 Martin: No Maureen come on. You don't need to explain. I guess I
         always knew I could never hold onto a prize like you forever 
         [slams the bathroom door shut in Frasier's face with his 
         cane] But at least I did it for a while.
Maureen: So, are you OK?
 Martin: [acting hurt] I will be. It just takes a little time. You 
         take care of yourself.
Maureen: Yeah, you too.

[They kiss goodbye and Maureen leaves. Before the door is barely shut 
Martin is celebrating with his cane in the air and a huge grin. 
Frasier opens the bathroom door holding onto his eye and looking 
highly annoyed.]

Frasier: You old fraud!
 Martin: What?
Frasier: You made her believe that she'd broken your heart.
 Martin: Well of course I did. When a woman breaks up with you, you 
         have to act sad. It's only polite.
Frasier: Polite? My God Dad, guilt is a very destructive emotion.
 Martin: Oh spare me the Ivy League bull. There ain't a dame alive 
         who wouldn't rather break a guy's heart than think she 
         hadn't even made a dent in it. I may not have made it to 
         Harvard but I have been to the College of Love.
Frasier: Apparently on a Spillane Fellowship!

[Scene 3 – Frasier's Apartment]

FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS
[Niles arrives at Frasier's apartment carrying Martin's birthday present. Frasier and Daphne are in the living room whilst Martin is through in the bedroom.] Daphne: Hello Dr. Crane. Niles: Hey Daphne. Frasier: Niles. Niles: Frasier. Where's the birthday boy? Daphne: Oh, he's getting all dolled up for his lady friend. You should see how excited he is. Frasier: Not half as excited as he's going to be when he sees these new videotapes. Twelve cassettes of the history of World War II. Niles: For those who thought the original was fun but too short! Frasier: Well, this year I thought what the hell? Get him something he really wants rather than what I think he needs. Niles: A very commendable sentiment. Daphne: What did you get him? Niles: An Armani tux. Well my banquet's coming up. Martin: [coming through in a suit] Hey Niles. Daphne: Ooh. Don't you look dapper? Martin: Well thanks. Yeah, I heard the door – thought maybe it was Sherry. Niles: Oh, I thought we were joining her and your chums down at the restaurant. Martin: Yeah I changed my mind. I just thought that…I'm just so anxious for you to meet her, I know you're gonna love her. No, no, forget I said that. I mean you will but I just don't want to jinx it. [the doorbell rings] Oh there it is. Frasier answer the door will you? No, no, wait a minute. I'll get it. [Frasier and Niles look on smiling. That is until the door opens to reveal a middle-aged woman wearing a short pink skirt, a pink blouse and carrying a bottle and a present.] Sherry: Happy Birthday! [Sherry practically leaps into Martin's arms and gives him an extremely loud kiss. The boys just look slightly aghast.] Martin: Come in and meet the family. Sherry: [hugging Frasier] Hi. Sherry Dempsey. Now Marty didn't tell me the two of you were so handsome! [she bearhugs Niles who forces a smile] Daphne: Hello. Daphne Moon. Sherry: Ooh – the physical therapist. Don't worry about me honey. I'm not the jealous type. Anybody that keeps my Marty limber is aces in my book. Martin: Hey sit down Sherry. Come on. You know Fraz, Sherry is a big fan of your show. Sherry: Oh yes a big fan. Well as a matter of fact when my friend Donna's marriage was on the rocks, you were the one she called for advice. Frasier: Really? And did my advice prove helpful? Sherry: That's not important. You cared. That's what matters. Daphne: Can we offer you a drink? Sherry: Well, actually, since it's a special occasion I brought some bubbly. Let's crack it open [throws the bottle at Niles who just manages to catch it] Niles: Yes, why not? [forcing a smile] Oh look Frasier – Cold Duck. Sherry: You ever had it? Frasier: Just once! Daphne: I'll do the honours. Sherry: Ooh I love this apartment. Wow, that's some view you've got. Frasier: Thank you. Sherry: Which room's mine? [Frasier and Niles just look at each other] Got ya! Martin: She's always doing stuff like that. Sherry: Oh I love making people laugh. To me humour is like medicine. Niles: Guess we're in the placebo group. Frasier: So. Dad tells me you two kids met at McGinty's. Sherry: That's right. I tend bar there. Saw your Dad there one kind looking kind of lonesome and I said to myself… Daphne: [coming through with the drinks] Bottoms up! Sherry: Well something like that. Daphne: [dishing the drinks out] Here we go. Well Happy Birthday. Sherry: Through the lips and over the gums… Frasier: Look out tastebuds here it comes. Sherry: I never heard that version. [They all take a sip. However Frasier and Niles turn around looking as though they're about to vomit. Both go to recover on the couch while trying to force their now customary smile.] Sherry: I better be careful. Two glasses of that and I'd be dancing on the tables. Martin: Yeah. You know Sherry used to be on the stage. Frasier: On Broadway? Sherry: Las Vegas. Ever been there? Frasier: Just once! Sherry: What a town huh? Great food. Terrific theatre. Just too darned easy to get married. [looks at Niles] You're separated right? Niles: Yes. Sherry: I've been there. Listen, you want my advice? Niles: Well… Sherry: Don't mope! Get right back in the saddle. My Mum always used to say to me "Honey, the only way to get over someone is to get under someone" [Martin laughs hysterically at this joke. Needless to say Niles just looks a bit shocked.] Sherry: Well Momma had lots of sayings like that. Niles: [slipping further down the sofa] I didn't know Mae West had children. Martin: Well, hey, we better get going so if you want to freshen up you better do it now. It's right down there. Daphne: I'll show you the way. Sherry: I know what you're doing here. You just want the reviews. [looking at Frasier and Niles] Talk me up. [Sherry goes with Daphne through to the bathroom.] Martin: That's not it at all. You think you're so smart. [turning to Frasier and Niles] Well what do you think? Frasier: [lost for words] Er…Wow. Martin: Niles? Niles: Er…I see that Wow and raise you a Zowie. Martin: I'm so glad you like her. You really do right? Frasier: Yes Dad. Niles: Absolutely. Martin: That's it. Great. Well, you know we're going to have to spend more time here. You know she's got that fourth floor walk up and its murder on my hip. Not that I wouldn't climb the Space Needle to hear her play that banjo of hers. [Frasier and Niles can't say anything. Instead they simply reach for their Cold Duck and swig it down. Sherry and Daphne come back through.] Sherry: Come on boys. She's back. Daphne: You know I keep meaning to ask. What's that lovely perfume you're wearing? Frasier: Yes I've been wondering that myself. Sherry: It's called M'Lady's Boudoir. [heading out the door followed by Martin and Daphne] You wouldn't believe what a bargain it is. For a hundred bucks I could buy enough to drown myself in. Niles: [slowly walking out the door with Frasier] I've got sixty! [Scene 3 – Café Nervosa]
NO GIRLS ALLOWED
[Niles and Frasier are sitting down at a table drinking their coffees.] Niles: Again, I'm sorry for not making it over for dinner last night but you know, I had this tickle in my throat… Frasier: Spare me your lame excuses Niles. We both know why you weren't there. Niles: How was Sherry? Frasier: Colourful as ever. Last night she treated us to a selection of her unpublished volume of Limericks for Lovers. The last several were about a well-travelled man fortuitously named Horatio! [Niles takes a second before he realises and just looks disgusted. Suddenly panic spreads on his face.] Niles: Oh dear God. Don't turn around. Frasier: Who is it? Niles: It's Dad and he's brought Sophie Tucker! Frasier: Oh God. But this is our place. Niles: Don't look. [Martin and Sherry walk in and needless to say Sherry sees the boys immediately and knocks loudly on the window to them.] Sherry: Hey! Look who's here? Wow, what a cute place this is. I walk by here all the time and never popped in. Martin: Yeah, well the boys love it here. Sherry: Well we should start coming here. Now make room at that table. We'll be right back. We're gonna go get a cuppa. Frasier: [forlorn] Quick Niles, pull up the ladder. She found our clubhouse! Niles: This cannot go on. Frasier: You're right. Dad has to be politely told that even though he may enjoy her company he has no right to…what's the polite word for inflict? Niles: Well I don't know, but I'm sure you'll find one. Frasier: Me? I have to do this alone? I thought the two of us would sit him down… Niles: No, no, no. Frasier: …both of us. Niles: No, no. I'm afraid you're the one who's going to be making that little speech. Frasier: But Niles, both of us have a problem. Niles: Ah, ah, ah, ah. She's not invading my apartment. I can afford to be patient. Frasier: You are a little weasel aren't you? Niles: A little weasel whose Daddy loves him. Sherry: [coming to the table] Niles before I forget. About your banquet. Are we talking fancy-schmancy? Niles: Well it's not exactly the way it's worded on the invitation but yes [the cold dawn of realisation hits] Why? Martin: Well Daphne's got a cold so Sherry's going to use her ticket. Frasier: What fun. That's coming up soon isn't it. Maybe you should start working on that little speech. Sherry: So fancy dress huh? Good. I got a backwards leopard skin number that's gonna knock your eyes out. [Niles looks ready to explode] Sherry: Got ya! [Sherry and Martin both laugh hysterically. Niles forces a laugh while looking annoyed. Frasier is getting bumped into by Sherry as she laughs.] Sherry: Oh, I'm sorry. I'm smooshing you. Frasier: No it's all right. We were just leaving. Sherry: Oh, you gotta go? Well Niles, don't worry about your banquet. I'll wear a nice dress and put on my best dancing shoes. Niles: Oh, well, there won't be dancing. Sherry: You just leave that to Sherry! [Sherry and Martin both laugh again. So does Niles before rushing outside to join Frasier who has already escaped.] Frasier: Well your little banquet should prove quite amusing. I hope Dr. Geudfreund doesn't aggravate his hernia when he goes underneath the limbo pole! Niles: I have to talk to Dad. I can't let her ruin the most important evening of my life. What do I say to him? Frasier, you've got to help me. Frasier: Well. Prepared though you were to abandon me and let me handle all the dirty work alone I will swallow my resentment, confront it with you tonight and take my share of the heat. Niles: Thank you. Frasier: [smiling] Got ya! [Act 2] [Scene 1 – Frasier's Apartment. Martin is in his chair deciding over the night's entertainment. Niles is pacing the floor behind him.] Martin: So Niles, what are you in the mood for? Normandy or The Battle of the Bulge? Niles: Whatever. Martin: You've been fidgeting around all night. Something on your mind? Niles: Ah, yes actually. It's about my awards banquet. Martin: Yeah? Niles: Dad this is very difficult to say. I would really rather you didn't…[chickens out]…wear those pants. Martin: Well I'm not. I'm wearing that fancy tux you gave me. What's your problem? Niles: I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I guess I'm just nervous about tomorrow night. God knows why? [sees Sherry's banjo lying on a chair and strums it before going outside onto the balcony.] Frasier: [coming in] Evening Dad [notices Niles on the balcony and Martin in a foul mood] Something wrong? Martin: That brother of yours can be downright insulting. He's so afraid that someone's going to embarrass him at his fancy dinner. Frasier: Er…you know Niles told me about what he was going to say to you tonight. And I must say that in his defence it is an important evening for him and well, let's face it, Sherry can be a bit much. Martin: She can, huh? Frasier: Well, I don't mean it as a criticism mind you some people like that. But now that Niles has broached the subject I must say that I too find Sherry a bit brassy and flamboyant…[notices Martin's puzzled look]…he didn't say a word to you did he? Martin: I don't believe this. You got a problem with Sherry? Niles: [coming back in] That delightful woman? Frasier: Oh knock it off. I see you're still waiting on that spine donor! Dad, there is no reason to labour this point… Martin: No, no. You got something to say let's hear it. You don't like her? Frasier: Please understand Dad as happy as we are that you've found someone… Martin: But you don't like her? Niles: No, no. We're not saying that. She's just not the sort of person that we would normally choose to spend time with. Martin: In other words you don't like her? Come on we're all grown- ups here. Tell me the truth. Frasier: [pausing] All right Dad we don't like her. Martin: Fine! That's the way you feel about it? Don't worry, I won't bring her back here any more. I guess it's too much to expect my own family to make a person I care about feel welcome [heads off to the kitchen] Frasier: WAIT A MINUTE! When did you ever make any of the women we were involved with feel welcome? Niles: Ooh Frasier you're right. He almost got away with that! Frasier: When did Lillith ever set foot in your house and you didn't make her feel as wanted as a fungus? Niles: Not to mention my Maris. Martin: You're comparing a warm lady like Sherry to Frosty the Snow- Wife? Frasier: That is exactly what I'm talking about. Oh why don't we just face facts? I mean since when has any of us ever from Sherry to Lillith to Maris to Diane has ever been able to pick one woman that the other two could stand the sight of? Martin: I picked your mother! Frasier: [awkwardly] I'm sorry Niles. I've been hogging the floor. Niles: Er… Martin: Ah, forget it. You're right. Why should I expect you to make the effort when I'm no better? Hell, you probably got it from me. You sure didn't get it from your mother 'cos she was great that way. Anytime she ever met anybody she could always find something to like about them. One of the things I loved her for. It's one of the things I love Sherry for. She's a lot like your mother that way. She'll always find something – even with you two. Frasier: Well I suppose we could all afford to be a bit more open minded when it comes to each other's mate's. Martin: Well at the very least, if we can't say anything nice we shouldn't say anything at all. [The doorbell rings] Niles: I'm having some quiet thanksgivings, but fine with me. [Frasier opens the door to Sherry] Frasier: Hi Sherry Niles: Hi. Frasier: Don't you look nice? Come on in. Sherry: Well thank you Frasier. Oh Marty, I brought you one more little gift [hands over a parcel] Martin: Another one? Sherry: Well I wanted to give it to you on your birthday but it took me a while to find the right size. Martin: Really? I'm usually a pretty easy fit. Sherry: Who said it's for you to wear? Martin: Ho-ho. I like it already. [Niles and Frasier just roll their eyes slightly and look at each other. Sherry notices their discomfort] Sherry: Oh I should stop. I'm embarrassing your boys. Martin: No you're not. [looks at them both] Is she? Niles: [clearly faking] Nooooo! Frasier: Party on! Martin: [holding Sherry's hand] Well I think we should go and unwrap this. Frasier: Oh Dad. Lilith mentioned that she was going to be joining Frederick on his next visit. You don't mind if she stays here do you? Martin: [clearly faking] Oh Lilith. No. Great. I love Lilith. That's terrific. She's welcome here any time. Sherry: Honey, you're hurting my hand [Frasier and Niles smile at each other] Sherry: [to Niles and Frasier] Oh listen I should mention I'm kind of a sleepwalker so if you get up in the night and find me in here naked just give me a good hard shake. I'll come to in a jiff. [Frasier and Niles both laugh at this but notice that Martin and Sherry aren't laughing. When the boys stop and look at each other worryingly then Martin and Sherry burst out laughing. As they head off to the bedroom Niles reaches for the Ballantine's.] Credits: [Frasier and Niles are sitting on the couch looking dumbstruck. Meanwhile Eddie and Martin are sitting in their usual places. Martin notices the boys' faces and waves his cane at them to cheer up. Frasier and Niles immediately force a smile and try to clap their hands in delight. Eventually we see what they are being treated to – Sherry on her banjo!]

Legal Stuff

 This episode capsule is copyright 2000 by Nick Hartley & Iain McCallum. 
 This episode summary remains property of Frasier, Copyright of 
 Paramount Productions and NBC. Printed without permission. 

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