623/The Finale

Show Outline

Paul is making a documentary ("The Making of The Making of Titanic") and Jamie is trying to manage a "meltdown" at work between James Carville and Mary Matalin, and the director who "runs out of nice". What this produces is a situation where both Paul and Jamie desperately need someone else to watch the baby. Luckily for Paul, the inept caterer (Nancy) on his set does great with babies. So, after she's fired for setting the sprinkler system off because she left a burner on while tending Mabel, Paul feels bad and hires her. Jamie who finally agrees they could use a nanny, doesn't so much agree Nancy's right for the job - until she gets Mabel to finally laugh, for the first time.

Commentary

I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by the strength of Ellen Degeneras' performance as the nanny, Nancy. I can't help but think that if she'd stayed with the type of humor displayed here, instead of turning her show into a political statement, she'd still have a show. Her lines were quick, snappy, and most of all, funny. I didn't care much for the office scene where Jamie works. I realize it was intregal to this episodes' plot, but it could've been done better. Ellen helped save an otherwise pointless episode. I can't dislike an episode of Mad About You, but this one only ranked a 5.5.