[5.4] The Kid [2]




The Kid [2]                              Written by Jeffrey Richman &
                                                    Suzanne Martin                 
                                         Directed by Jeff Melman
=====================================================================
Production Code: 5.4
Original Airdate on NBC: 4th November 1997
Transcript written on 1st July 2000
Transcript revised on 2nd July 2001
This episode may not be complete because of syndication cuts.

Transcript {mike lee}

[ACT ONE

Scene One – KACL
Frasier comes into his booth.  Roz, standing in the other booth, sees 
him come in, but turns away.]

Frasier: Oh, Roz... how are you?
    Roz: Still pregnant.
Frasier: Look, I-I'm sorry about last night.  I tried to apologize, 
         but you ran out of the party so fast.
    Roz: Oh, I'm sorry!  Was that rude?  You know more about 
         etiquette that I do.  What is the proper length of time you 
         should stay after someone announces to a hundred strangers 
         that you got knocked up?
Frasier: I tried to call.
    Roz: I know, I wasn't answering.  I was up all night thinking 
         about what I want to do.
Frasier: Yes, I suppose a decision of that magnitude would take many 
         sleepless—
    Roz: I'm having the baby.
Frasier: -hours to make.  Are you sure, Roz?
    Roz: I know it seems quick.  But even when I was hoping I wasn't 
         pregnant, I knew if I was, I was keeping the baby.
Frasier: Well, then let me be the first to congratulate you!
    Roz: Oh, thanks.

[They hug.]

Frasier: Oh, Roz, oh God, that's so wonderful!  You're gonna make a 
         great mom!
    Roz: Well, I did the first part pretty well, and I wasn't even 
         trying.
Frasier: So, have you told the father?
    Roz: Yes, I called him at nine o'clock this morning, which was 
         seven o'clock at night, Cairo time.
Frasier: Is that a pertinent fact, or are you just trying to impress 
         me with your mastery of time zones?
    Roz: I mean he moved to Cairo, working on a project.  He's an 
         architect.
Frasier: Oh.  Well, when's he coming back?
    Roz: He isn't. [off his surprised look] But that's perfectly fine 
         with me.  I'm perfectly comfortable raising this baby by 
         myself.
Frasier: And... I'm sure everyone around here will give you plenty 
         of support.

[Bulldog comes in to grab some carts.]

Bulldog: So, Roz, who's the proud papa?  You got it narrowed down 
         yet? [laughs]
    Roz: That's nice, very nice.  Frasier, will you excuse us?
Frasier: Yes, of course.  Just remember the baby's future, Roz.  Try 
         to make it look like an accident.

[Frasier leaves.]

Bulldog: Look, I was just kidding.  I'm sure you probably know who 
         the dad is.
    Roz: Well, that's what I wanted to talk to you about.  Do you 
         remember Janet's party a couple months ago?  You got really 
         drunk and I drove you home?
Bulldog: Yeah... what about it?
    Roz: Well, you invited me up, and I guess I'd had a few myself, 
         because the next thing I knew—
Bulldog: No, whoa — I don't believe this.  I don't even remember us—
    Roz: Now calm down, Bulldog—
Bulldog: No, come on, please, just tell me you're joking.
    Roz: Look, we don't have to get married right away—
Bulldog: Oh, man!  Oh, man!

[He paces, chewing his knuckles.  She caresses his back.]

    Roz: I thought you'd be happy about this.  I mean, we were 
         wonderful together.  When you made love to me, you were so 
         tender and caring—
Bulldog: Hey, whoa!  Ha, ha!  "Tender and caring?"  No way was that 
         me!  Yeah, you almost had me!  Good one, Roz.

[He leaves the booth.  She smiles as yet another round of their never-
ending gamesmanship goes to her.]

[Scene Two – Apartment
Martin is reading the paper in his Armchair.  The doorbell rings.]

Martin: Someone at the door!

[Daphne comes out of the kitchen laden with plates and silverware.]

Daphne: Really?  So that's what that funny chiming sound means.  I'm 
        a little indisposed here, would you mind?
Martin: Oh sure, sorry, Daph. [calls] Hang on, she's coming!
Daphne: [putting the plates down] You take it easy, rest up for that 
        big trek to the dinner table.

[She goes to the door and opens it to Niles.]

Daphne: Hello, Dr. Crane.
 Niles: Daphne, before I even come in, I just have to say I am 
        mortified by my behavior last night.  Honestly, I don't know 
        what got into me.
Martin: About a quart of vodka, for starters.
Daphne: There's no need for an apology.  I thought what you did was 
        very chivalrous.
 Niles: Well, I happen to believe that if a woman finds herself in 
        such a predicament, a man of honor has an obligation to step 
        forward and do the right thing.
Daphne: Now poor Roz really is in that predicament.
 Niles: Do I smell chicken?

[Frasier comes out of the kitchen.]

Frasier: Yes, Niles.  We'll be serving dinner just as soon as Roz 
         gets here.  I didn't think she should be alone this evening.
 Daphne: How's she doing?
Frasier: Oh, O.K., I guess, considering she's decided to have the 
         baby by herself.
 Martin: Boy, things have really changed since my day.  Back then, if 
         a girl got in trouble, her family would send her away to 
         relatives in another state, and if anybody asked, just lied 
         and said she went to Europe.  Then when she came back, 
         they'd raise the baby as a little sister.  Not like today — 
         we had morals and values back then.
  Niles: I always assumed I'd have children, but if Maris and I don't 
         reconcile soon, the issue will be moot.  She's a tad older 
         than I am, and her biological clock is winding down.
Frasier: Luckily, she flies to Zurich twice a year to have it reset.
 Daphne: Babies are wonderful, but Roz does have a tough road ahead 
         of her.
  Niles: It can never be easy balancing a career with motherhood.
 Martin: Well, the big question is where's she going to find a 
         husband?  I mean, a little kid needs a mother and a father.

[Doorbell.]

Frasier: That's Roz!  Just remember, she came here tonight to have a 
         quiet little evening, not to be reminded of the difficult 
         situation she's in. We'll just take our cue from her.  If 
         she doesn't bring it up, we won't discuss it!  Agreed?

[Everyone agrees.]

Frasier: Daphne, you may answer the door.
 Daphne: Well, thank you! [goes to the door] Why don't I just get a 
         feather duster and a French maid's uniform?
  Niles: That would teach them, wouldn't it, Daphne, and I would pick 
         it out for you!

[Frasier gives him yet another "knock it off" bat on the arm.  Daphne 
opens the door to Roz.]

Daphne: Hello, Roz.
   Roz: Hi.

[Everyone greets Roz warmly.]

Frasier: Dinner's almost ready, make yourself comfortable.
    Roz: Thanks.

[She hangs up her coat and purse, and sits on the couch.  Silence.]

Daphne: So... that's such a cute skirt.
   Roz: I just got it.

[Silence.]

Martin: I just got these pants.
   Roz: They're nice.

[Silence.]

   Roz: I got some interesting news!  Well, last night, I — and a 
        large portion of Seattle — found out I was pregnant!  Don't 
        you guys want to ask me about it?
Daphne: Sure, we all do!  But we were told not to.
Martin: Yeah, Frasier's afraid we might say something to make you 
        uncomfortable.
   Roz: Oh, that's silly.  I want to talk about it.  I'm really 
        excited, I'm going to be a mom!  I've got a lot to do.  I'll 
        tell you one thing I'm gonna need, pronto—
Martin: A husband!
   Roz: I was going to say a bigger apartment.
Martin: Oh.  Well, maybe the husband'll have one.

[Frasier comes out with some appetizers.]

 Daphne: So, how did the father take it? [off Frasier's glare] Don't 
         worry, she brought it up!
    Roz: He actually took it really well.  He's not going to be that 
         involved, though.  He moved to Cairo.
  Niles: Where would he have moved to if he'd taken it badly?
    Roz: No, he's working in Cairo on a project, he's an 
         archaeologist.
 Daphne: Oh.
Frasier: Roz, can I get you a drink?
    Roz: O.K., do you have any mineral water?
Frasier: Yes, I have eight different kinds.  Why don't you come into 
         the kitchen and pick one?

[Roz gets up and follows Frasier into the kitchen.]

Martin: Yeah, he's got room for eight different kinds of water in 
        that fridge, and I have to keep my can of spray cheese under 
        the sink.

[In the kitchen, Roz pours herself some mineral water.]

Frasier: You know, this morning you told me the father was an 
         architect.
    Roz: I did?  Oh, that was a slip of the tongue.
Frasier: Ah.  And, uh, how did you two meet again?
    Roz: In a bar.
Frasier: This morning you told me it was on a double-date.
    Roz: Oh, that's right, it was!  It was on a double-date.
Frasier: This morning you told me nothing! [Roz flinches] What is 
         going on, Roz, you're obviously hiding something. [Niles 
         comes in] Niles, please, would you excuse us?
  Niles: Oh, by all means.  I just came in to open a bottle of wine. 
         [takes one down] Sorry. [leaves]
Frasier: All right, what's going on?  Is it that you don't know who 
         the father is?
    Roz: Of course I know!
Frasier: Well, then why don't you tell me?
    Roz: I haven't even told him yet.  
Frasier: Oh?
    Roz: And I'm not sure I'm going to tell him.  It's a little 
         complicated—
Frasier: Look, Roz, I don't care who the father is.  The man has a 
         right to know that he's going to have a child.
    Roz: Frasier, this really isn't any of your business.
Frasier: Yes, well, it's certainly his business.  You have an 
         obligation to let this man know that you're having his baby! 
         [Niles comes in again] Niles, do you mind?  It's impossible 
         to have a conversation here with you constantly 
         eavesdropping.
  Niles: I don't know what you two are talking about, but I resent 
         the implication that I have nothing better to do than to spy 
         on you like a nosy teenager.  I came in for a corkscrew. 
         [gets it and walks out]
Frasier: Oh Niles, I-I'm sorry—

[In the living room:]

Niles: All I could get was that she hasn't told the father yet.

[Martin shakes his fists with frustration, Daphne just licks her lips 
at the scoop.]

[Scene Three – Café Nervosa
Frasier gives his order to Rick, the young counter waiter.]

Frasier: Double latte, please.
   Rick: Coming right up.  I'll bring it to your table.
Frasier: Thank you.

[Frasier goes to his table.  Roz comes in.]

Frasier: Morning, Roz!
    Roz: Frasier?  What are you doing here?
Frasier: Oh, I realize it must be a shock to see me here in this 
         place I come to every day of my life.
    Roz: You had a dental appointment!
Frasier: Well, I rescheduled it for tomorrow.
    Roz: Thanks for telling me!
Frasier: What's going on?
    Roz: All right, [lowers voice] I came here to talk to him — 
         the father, yes.
Frasier: Really?  Well, I'm proud of you!
    Roz: Well, thank you very much, now get out of here!
Frasier: All right, just wait one second. [Rick brings his coffee] 
         Excuse me, may I have that to go, please?
   Rick: Oh sure, Dr. Crane.
Frasier: Thank you.
   Rick: Hey, Roz!  How you doing? 
    Roz: Fine, thanks.
   Rick: Well, what can I get you?
    Roz: Uh, I'll have a decaf.
   Rick: Be right back.

[Rick goes to the counter.]

Frasier: He's a nice kid, Rick.
    Roz: Yes, he is.
Frasier: Working here to put himself through school, right?
    Roz: Yes, he is.
Frasier: He's the father, isn't he?
    Roz: Yes, he is.

[And with that, Frasier leaving is out of the question.]

[END OF ACT ONE]

[ACT TWO]

LET'S SEE ALEC GUINESS BLOW UP ONE OF THOSE
[Scene Four – Café Frasier and Roz sit back down at his table.] Frasier: The father of your child is a teenager! Roz: Well, of course he is not a teenager anymore! He had a birthday three weeks ago! Look, uh, you know, we just went out for a couple of weeks, and then it was over, there were no hard feelings. It is a little embarrassing, though, him being seven years younger than I am— [off Frasier's look] oh, put your eyebrows down! I've seen your driver's license, and you don't weigh no "One-Seventy!" Now you know what I'm talking about. I don't want to ruin his whole life. Frasier: He still has a right to know. Roz: I know that. But it's not gonna be easy. When you were a junior in college, if a woman came to you and told you she was carrying your child, wouldn't you have been devastated? Frasier: In my case, I would have been mystified. Roz: How do I even begin to tell him? Frasier: Yes, something like that is never easy. [Rick brings their coffees.] Rick: So, Roz, what made you switch to decaf? Frasier: Then again, sometimes a natural opening does present itself. Roz: I'm just trying to stay healthy. Listen, Rick, I've been trying to call you, but your number wasn't working. Rick: Oh yeah, I'm not in the dorms anymore. Roz: Oh, you got your own place? Rick: No, I moved back in with my parents. Roz: Frasier, isn't that your dad over there waving to you? Frasier: Oh yes, of course. My dad is over there waving to me. [turns and sees Martin in the doorway] Oh look — my dad's over there waving to me! [Martin sits at a corner table. Frasier goes over. Rick sits down with Roz.] Rick: So, you look incredible. Roz: Thanks. [At the other table:] Frasier: Dad, what are you doing here? Martin: Oh, Sherry took her sister to that store across the street to buy some foundation garments. Frasier: I think they call them "bras" now. Martin: Not these, you don't. You could cross the River Kwai on one of those babies. [At the first table:] Roz: So, I have some news for you— Rick: Oh, I've got some news too! You remember I was telling you about that Junior Year Abroad Program? I'm in! I leave next fall and I will be spending the rest of the year in Paris! Roz: Oh, I'm so happy for you! Rick: Yeah, I'm thinking, first my soccer team wins the championship, then I ace my finals, now I'm going to Paris! I'm wondering, "What next!" Roz: Funny you should ask... [Frasier is trying to watch Roz, but Martin is trying to get his attention.] Martin: I'm telling you, there's something in my eye! Frasier: I don't see anything. Martin: Are you sure? Frasier: I don't see anything! Martin: Well, you're not even looking! Frasier: [reaches his hand out] Well then, here, let me— Martin: No, don't touch! Don't touch! [Frasier turns to see Rick get up and storm out of the café.] Frasier: Listen, Dad, I've got to go talk to Roz, just go into the bathroom and wash it out with cold water. Martin: Oh, yeah, I'm sure glad I worked all those extra shifts to put you through medical school, it really paid off! [Martin goes to the bathroom. Frasier walks over.] Frasier: Roz? Roz: Don't worry, I told him. Frasier: How'd he take it? Roz: Well, he was pretty freaked out, actually. But I assured him that I didn't need anything from him, and I was going to raise the baby by myself. Anyway, he's gonna be fine. [checks her watch] Oh my God, I'm late for a doctor's appointment. Frasier: Are you gonna be all right? Roz: Yeah. Frasier: Can I take you to dinner tonight? Roz: Oh, thank you, Frasier, that would be nice. Frasier: O.K. [He kisses her cheek, and she leaves. Martin comes back.] Martin: Boy, I can't stand these yuppie joints. Some bozo went through the men's room, correcting all the grammar in the graffiti with a red pen. Frasier: Yes, I noticed. Martin: I mean, who'd have that much time on his hands? Frasier: Unbelievable. Martin: It was Niles, wasn't it? Frasier: I'll talk to him again. [Scene Five – Roz's Apartment Roz is sitting on her bed looking at a sonogram picture. Someone knocks.] Roz: It's open, Frasier. [Rick comes in with a bouquet of roses.] Rick: Hi. I'm sorry, I probably should have called first— Roz: No, it's all right! I'm just kind of surprised to see you here. Rick: I'm kind of surprised to be here. Oh, these are for you. Roz: [takes the flowers] Thank you. Rick: There was a card, too, but it kind of blew off on the way over here. I rode my bike. [Roz absorbs yet another reminder of how young he is.] Rick: I acted like an idiot today. Roz: It's O.K.— Rick: No, it's not! I mean, when you told me, all I could think about was myslef and how it was going to affect me. Then I started thinking about you, and the, uh... Roz: The baby. Rick: Right. That's the other reason I'm here. I'm not going to Paris. I'm not going anywhere. I'm quitting school, and I'm going to work at the Café full time! Roz: So you've come to tell me you've lost your mind. Rick: No. I came here to ask you to marry me. [Roz is overwhelmed for a moment.] Roz: Oh, Rick... that's so... wrong. Rick: Oh yeah, that's right! [kneels down] Roz, will you marry me? Roz: No, no! The proposal was fine, it was lovely. Rick: Listen, I have been thinking about this all afternoon. I could fall in love with you. I could be a good husband, and a good father. Roz: Rick, that's the whole point of being twenty. You could be anything. I'm much older than you, I am things. Rick: I'm not too young for this! You know, my mom was only seventeen when she had me. Roz: [worst one so far] Your mother's only thirty-seven? Rick: Yeah. And, boy, would you two hit if off! I mean, you have a lot in common. In fact, you sort of even look like— Roz: Stop right there! Listen, your proposal was so sweet. It's my first, actually. Rick: Yeah, mine too. Roz: Oh... I hope that you can understand why I can't possibly marry you. When I get married, it's going to be to someone I love, and to someone who loves me, and someone who can legally drink champagne at my wedding! [Rick realizes that's her final answer.] Rick: O.K. I understand. [notices picture] So, is this—? Roz: Yeah, it's the sonogram picture. It came this morning. [shows him] Right there. Rick: Wow... that dot's my kid. Roz: No, that dot's just a dot. That dot's your kid. You can have it. And I could send you photos, updates, that sort of thing? Rick: I would like that. Thank you. Roz, are you sure—? Roz: Yeah, I am. I think this is the right thing, for you and for me. Now go. Go to Paris! Go learn, go have fun! Just don't come back wearing a beret! [They go to the door. He hugs her.] Rick: O.K. Take care of yourself. Roz: You too. [She brushes his shoulder as he leaves. She closes the door goes to the kitchen to put the flowers away. Someone knocks.] Roz: I said go! Frasier: [o.s.] But I just got here! [Roz runs back and opens the door.] Roz: I'm sorry, Frasier, come in! Frasier: [coming in] I ran into Rick in the hall. Roz: Yeah. He asked me to marry him. I said no. Frasier: Well, that was very sweet of him. [From the kitchen, a kettle whistles.] Roz: Oh, I was just making some tea, do you want some? Frasier: Yeah, sure, thanks. With milk, please. [she goes to the kitchen] Well, you've had quite a day, haven't you? You all right? Roz: I'm fine. Frasier: You know, it's O.K. to not be fine. Roz: Is it O.K. just to be O.K.? Frasier: Yeah, sure. [She comes back with a tea tray.] Frasier: Thanks, Roz. [notices] Oh, oh, this milk's expired. Roz: Oh. [reads] Whoa, it has. Frasier: It's O.K., I can drink the tea straight. [She takes the milk toward the kitchen, then stops.] Roz: I had no idea I let this milk expire. Frasier: It's really all right, Roz. Roz: [breaking down] I can't take this. Damn it, how could I let this happen?! Frasier: Are we still talking about the milk? Roz: Don't you see? Milk is a staple! I let a staple go bad! Good mothers don't let staples go bad! How can I be responsible for a child when I can't even keep fresh milk in the house? Kids need milk! Frasier: Roz, if it helps, kids don't even drink milk for the first year. Roz: Oh, see? I didn't even know that! [She collapses onto her bed.] Frasier: I didn't know that either until I was a parent. Roz: Don't you understand? I have to know everything. You can know half of everything. You can know about the milk, and Lilith can know about the booties and the snugglies— Frasier: You never met Lilith, did you? [He sits her down on her bed, and sits opposite her on the doorstep.] Frasier: Just forget the milk, and forget the tea. Talk to me. Roz: I don't even know where to start. Everything in my life is about to change. My body, my love life... Frasier: Yes, but it's also going to change in fantastic ways. I remember the first night I brought Frederick home from the hospital. You put this tiny thing into a tiny little bed, and you look around and you realize that the entire house has changed. Roz: I know. I want that. But, God, the responsibility... Frasier: Well, yes. But it's all worth it. You get to share your life with a remarkable little creature... who only lives in the present, runs around naked without the slightest bit of shame, and can entertain himself for hours just staring at a shiny object. Isn't that wonderful? Roz: Isn't that Bulldog? Frasier: Well, technically, yes. [they laugh] Roz, I'm going to tell you something I didn't find out until I became a father. You don't just love your children... you fall in love with them. Roz: Oh my God... I'm gonna have a baby. Someone is gonna cry out for "Mom" and it's gonna be me! [laughs, then cries] I'm really scared. What if I can't do this by myself? Frasier: But, Roz, you're not all by yourself. I'm here. Roz: Oh, thank you, Frasier. [hugs him] Frasier: And I'll be available for you whenever you wish, from taking you out to dinner tonight, to that moment in the delivery room when you say, "Welcome to the world little Jimmy," or "little Sally," or... dare I hope "little Frasier?" Roz: Oh my God, I think I'm gonna be sick. Frasier: I guess I got a little carried away there. Roz: No, I mean I'm gonna hurl! Frasier: Oh dear God! [She runs to the kitchen.] Frasier: I'll wait here! [Scene Z – Roz's Apartment Roz studies herself in the mirror. She takes a large pillow and stuffs it under the front of her sweatshirt, simulating a bulging belly. She thinks, "hey, not bad," and does a few dance moves, still every inch the swinging bachelorette.] [Getting into it, she takes another pillow and stuffs it down the back of her pants, anticipating the size of her rear end. She keeps dancing, then the force of what she's done hits her and she topples onto her bed crying.]

Guest Appearances

 Guest Starring
 TODD BABCOCK as Rick
 

Legal Stuff

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

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