Episode Report Card Gwen: D+ | Grade It Now! YOU GRADE IT The Man With The Bag
By Gwen | Season 4 | Episode 8 | Aired on 12.10.2000
Elaine wears a big fake flower under her collar while Mark asks her to accompany him to the company party. She asks if he won't be too ashamed of her and her promiscuity. He says he won't. She asks if he'd mind her wearing her Vibra. She's already wearing it and she demonstrates the way it now jiggles to an electronic rendition of "Jingle Bells." The understated look of horror on Mark's face is reminiscent of Harrison Ford in his younger years.
Ally sits on the floor in her office cleaning out a box of files. In the background there's a goofy-looking print of an old barn house or other building with a weathervane. It looks like something from a clinic waiting room. Larry walks in with a big Santa hat and thanks Ally for being such a good sport about Jamie. Then he drops a bomb: Jamie's flight isn't leaving until midnight, so Larry invited her to the F&C party. Ally uses CGI to imagine herself flinging Larry out the window. Then she plays it off like she doesn't mind that he invited Jamie along. She stipulates that Larry won't dance with his ex. Larry tells Ally that Jamie was the dumper in their relationship, so she can't be jealous of Ally. The piano cranks up as Ally turns away and Larry notes, "Not the answer you were looking for." I have to say that I'd be pretty fricking annoyed if I were Ally. Then again, if I were Ally, I would have had sex with Larry by now and the point would be moot.
The principal or someone is on the stand, and John is asking him in what way Nelle's father's delusion could be harmful. John's making his point pretty well until a little toy train rolls by.
Afterwards, John bitches out Nelle's father for bringing in the train. I guess the train wasn't as clever as John's water-pouring schtick or his cymbal-clashing monkey.
Next we see Daddy Claus's doctor on the stand. He claims that Nelle's father seems to have most of the symptoms of "schizophrenoform." That's like schizophrenia, but it only lasts for a little while. The good doctor tells us that Nelle's dad has suffered from this disorder during the holidays ever since his wife died. John ascertains that Mr. Nelle's Dad is not violent. The doctor says that his symptoms are increased generosity and kindness. "He's been more loving," testifies the MD. I wait for opposing counsel to object to such ridiculous, non-objective testimony, but they don't. Oh, well. Maybe I should register for that correspondence-course law degree program, after all. ["Hey, if Rosie O'Donnell can go to law school, you sure as hell can." -- Wing Chun] The doctor admits to the defense attorney that his patient's disorder isn't predictable. He reveals that one day last June, Nelle's dad thought he was Alvin of the popular '70s rock cover band Alvin and the Chipmunks. Nelle makes a face as if she just remembered leaving her oven on.