"Oy to the World" is the fourteenth episode in the third season of the CBS television series The Nanny, which was aired on December 18, 1995.
Synopsis[]
Brighton is acting very selfishly, and Fran wishes he could learn that Christmas is not about what you get but what you give. On their way to help at a homeless shelter a gust of wind whisks Fran, Brighton, and Chester to the North Pole where they meet Santa Claus, who looks a lot like Mr. Sheffield, and learn that Santa might not make it this year because of an entity called the Amazing Babcock.
Plot[]
This episode does not have a cold open and begins with "The Nanny Named Fran". The opening in this episode bears a distinct Christmas overlay, beginning with a cartoon Christmas tree and a red and green frame. The cartoon itself has several additions, those being Chester (C.C.'s dog) running into the last frame, and rather than the camera exploding, the pictures displayed are of the Sheffield's in Christmas hats, Chester running with a fur scarf, and Fran attempting to kiss Mr. Sheffield by holding mistletoe above is head.
The episode opens with an outdoor shot of the Sheffields home done in a technicolor, Frosty-esque style. Fran and Brighton are watching the live-action show on the television as this episode is done completely in a cartoon style. Unlike the sit-com style of the proper show, this episode has a unique score, and there is a distinct lack of a laugh track or the reaction of a live studio audience. Despite these changes, hallmarks of the show are still present, Niles mocking C.C., Fran's frequent outfit changes, and Chester destroying the house.
The main premise of this episode is spurred on by C.C. complaining about the holidays when Brighton interjects his father to agree with her. Fran and Mr. Sheffield of course try to remind Brighton of what Christmas is about (Family, friends, and bonuses). Fran, as a result, decides to take Brighton to a homeless shelter to volunteer to learn what it feels like to give instead of receive. Unfortunately, Chester has other plans as Grace throws a ball that lands on a cat (the cat's presence is unexplained). Chester takes after the cat, his leash wrapping around Fran's legs. Taking Brighton with her, the two are pulled through the house, landing outside in front of a donation bucket. The woman ringing the bell for the bucket ends up hitting Fran in the head and she passes out, not before putting her spare change in the bucket.
Fran awakes when she, Brighton, and Chester, are picked up in a strong gust of wind and they land in a huge pile of snow. Fran is shocked to hear Chester speak and see a snowman speaking (voiced by Daniel Davis). They take off after him and fall into a river of hot chocolate. They climb onto a marshmallow and travel down a waterfall, landing in Candyland.
Again, they find another character (voiced by Daniel Davis) this time an elf named "Elfis". He informs them they are standing in front of Santa's castle. They are interrupted by "The Abominable Babcock" (voiced by Lauren Lane) who comes through blowing a gust of cold air. Fran goes to confront her and she blows Fran into the lap of "Kris Kringle" (voiced by Charles Shaughnessy). Fran begins to flirt but is interrupted by Elfis and Brighton. Fran encourages Kris to teach Brighton the meaning of Christmas. Thus begins a musical number where the elves in their workshop sing about their job ("Oy to the World").
The clock strikes 10 and Fran asks why Kris hasn't left yet. Kris says that because of the snow storm from Babcock he won't be able to give out presents this year. This causes some upset in the factory and Fran comes up with a solution.
Fran and Chester leave to Babcock's castle. They climb in through the window and Fran searches for a thermostat to rise the heat and melt C.C.'s cold attitude. Babcock approaches behind Fran when she isn't looking. C.C. freezes them into an ice-cube.
Somehow, Fran and Chester's ice-cube ends up back in Santa's Castle and Brighton is show attempting to chisel her out. After looking at a picture of Mel Gibson, Fran melts the ice-cube without issue. Brighton tells Fran he wants to go home but because of the storm they end up stuck at the castle. Everything begins to freeze in the castle and again Fran concocts another plan to warm C.C.'s heart.
Fran plans a party for C.C. but she interrupts with another gust of wind. Fran begins to provoke C.C. by asking what her "secret admirer" sees in her. C.C. is thrown off by this and asks Fran to clarify. Fran says she'll introduce them as long as C.C. behaves for Christmas. Fran introduces her to "The Rain Man". C.C. is flattered and they leave together, saving Christmas and stopping the storm. Santa thanks Fran and asks Chester if he'll step in for Rudolph. Fran and Brighton hitch a ride on the sleigh and they fly across the world delivering gifts.
When they land at the homeless shelter the children are delighted to see Santa but unfortunately he's run out of gifts. Brighton does the right thing and offers up the gifts he'd been hoarding all night and Fran voices her pride that he's learned the meaning of Christmas.
Santa lets Fran drive the sled back to the Sheffield's home and she and Brighton end up falling out after a minor mishap, landing at the Sheffield's door. The girls and Mr. Sheffield come out to help Fran, and she tells them of their story and of course no one believes her as she hit her head earlier, including Brighton. Despite this, he says he still has to go shopping because "us kids have to look out for each other". Everyone goes inside and of course Fran is shocked to find that Chester is still speaking. It fades to credits as Fran tells Chester about the press circuit they'll be doing together to show off his talent.
Cast[]
Starring[]
- Fran Drescher as Fran Fine
- Lauren Lane as C.C. Babcock
- Daniel Davis as Niles
- Charles Shaughnessy as Maxwell Sheffield
- Nicholle Tom as Margaret Sheffield
- Benjamin Salisbury as Brighton Sheffield
- Madeline Zima as Grace Sheffield
Guest Starring[]
Co-Starring[]
Quotes[]
- Well, it's a wonderful feeling ♪
- ♪ So we won't ever grow ♪
- ♪ But we're working out three
- feet of fun for Mr. Ho! Ho! Ho! ♪
- ♪ Making toys ♪
- ♪ Making toys ♪
- ♪ For girls and boys ♪
- ♪ For girls and boys ♪
- ♪ We're bringing joy to the world ♪
- ♪ I call it "Oy to the world" ♪
- ♪ Oh, that's nice ♪
- ♪ I like it ♪
- ♪ Oh, yeah ♪
- ♪ She calls it "Oy to the world" ♪
- ♪ Yeah, oy to the world ♪
- ♪ Say, you'd be a good elf ♪
- ♪ You're cute as can be ♪
- ♪ And I hear you're a
- graduate of the nasal academy ♪
- ♪ But I'm too big ♪
- ♪ No, you're just right ♪
- ♪ That's not a wig ♪
- ♪ Oh, what a sight ♪
- ♪ You're like the seven dwarfs ♪
- ♪ And I'm Snow White ♪
- ♪ Let's bring some joy to the world ♪
- ♪ I call it "Oy to the world" ♪
- ♪ Oy to the world ♪
- Elfis, you're such a mensch.
- ♪ Oh, yeah
- Oh, wonderful, wonderful.
- Elfis has left the building.
Trivia[]
- This episode is the first to feature the Christmas edition of "The Nanny Named Fran" theme song. This is ironic considering the main character and actress is Jewish.
- Like the intro, this special was directed by Lauren MacMullan, who was more well-known for her work on the WB sitcom Mission Hill.
- This is the only episode to not have a laugh-track.