Perfect Strangers Episode Guide

EPISODE 20 - Trouble in Paradise

First Air Date: January 21, 1987
Nielsen Rating: 16.8 HH

Co-Producer: James O’Keefe
Created by: Dale McRaven
Written by: Mark Fink
Directed by: Joel Zwick

Cast:
Bronson Pinchot: Balki Bartokomous
Mark Linn-Baker: Larry Appleton

Guest Cast:
Rebeca Arthur: Mary Anne
Melanie Wilson: Jennifer Lyons

Dimitri Appearances: Dimitri can be seen sitting on the end table by the couch having dinner with a female sheep companion!

Balki-isms:
"You can relax and shake off your jest lag."
"We’ll relax, do some kickbacks, we’ll be marshmallows."
"What do you take me for, Bozo the Clone?"
"Everyone know the Cubs have no quarterback!"
"Cousin, why are you getting all poofed out of shape?"

Don’t be ridiculous: Not said in this episode.

Other catchphrases used in this episode:
"Balki, Balki, Balki . . . "
"Hi!" (in stereo)
"But noooooo!"
"Good point, that’s a very good point."

Other running jokes used in this episode:
Larry asking Balki if he’s being silly, emphasizing it with "Aren’t you?  Aren’t you?  Aren’t you?" and finally Balki admitting "Yes, I am"
Larry’s breathy laugh
Balki cries to get something he wants
Balki cooks exotic Myposian dishes
Larry asks "How many times?" to Balki repeatedly, Balki answers with a number and Larry then turns it around so it doesn’t count, and then says, "None as in zero as in never ever have you . . . ?"
Larry sniffs at the air
Larry demands something three times and on the third one Balki answers with "Ha!"
Larry grabs Balki by the shirts
Jennifer leaves without kissing Larry goodnights
Balki and Larry sigh simultaneously

Songs: "I’m So Excited" - sung by Balki as he moves the centerpiece from the table to the coffee table before the girls arrive.

Notable Moments:
Balki makes Ding Ding Machmud in America for the first time.

Interesting facts:
- The episode title, Trouble in Paradise, is the name of a classic 1932 movie directed by Ernst Lubitsch.
- Balki had already cooked a couple of times in the series and would go on to continue cooking, even running a catering service at one point.
- It became a running joke for Larry to sniff at the air, but another more subtle running joke was often associated with this.  When Larry would sniff and ask what a certain smell was often times Balki would turn and look over his shoulder, as if wondering if he had possibly done something offensive to cause a smell.
- Cousin Monika pointed out this interesting connection: The song which Jennifer mentions, Belly Up to the Bar Boys, was from the musical play The Unsinkable Molly Brown, which Melanie's father, Dick Wilson, performed in at one point!
- This was the first episode to really explore the characters of Jennifer and Mary Anne.  We learn they have been friends since they were eight years old and we also learn that their personalities in many ways reflect those of Larry and Balki as well with Jennifer being somewhat uptight and compulsive and Mary Anne being free and unorganized.

Bloopers and Inconsistencies:
- In this episode Balki talks about Ding Ding Machmud as "that old standard" and says "you know it as" even though this is the first time it’s mentioned.  That’s because it had already been mentioned in the episode Up On a Roof, which should have been aired before this one and definitely should have aired before the episode Tux for Two (more about that when we cover the latter episode in two weeks.)
- When Balki is seen in the apartment before Larry comes in, he's moving a floral centerpiece from the dinner table to the coffee table.  But why have a centerpiece on the table at all if it isn't going to be there when the guests arrive?

Synopsis:
The episode begins in the Ritz Discount Store where Larry and Balki are taking inventory.  Larry holds a clipboard and calls out the items, which Balki quickly counts and replies with the total.  "Lone Ranger masks?" Larry asks.  "Two dozen," Balki replies.  "Vulcan ears?"  "Two dozen."  "Dracula teeth?"  "Two dozen."  "Right," Larry says, making a note of the number.  Balki reaches into the box and takes a set of the Dracula teeth, putting them in his mouth and making a ghoulish face.  "Put ‘em back," Larry says flatly and seriously.  "How many Vulcan ears?" Larry asks again.  "Two dozen," Balki repeats.  Larry looks at the clipboard a moment, then sighs and puts it down.  "Balki, I just can't concentrate.  Jennifer's getting back today.  Do you think I should have called her in Rome?  I mean, I don't want to be pushy but maybe she's waiting for me to make the first move."  Balki takes a mask from a box and ducks down behind the counter.  "I . . . I just don't understand exactly what our relationship is," Larry sighs.

Balki pops up from behind the counter wearing a Ronald Reagan mask.  "Well," he says, impersonating Reagan, "Nancy and I have a wonderful relationship."  Larry looks at Balki in exasperation.  Balki lifts the mask and looks at Larry.  "Very sensitive," Larry smirks, "I'm . . . I'm trying to share a personal problem here and . . . and you're being . . . silly."  "No," Balki argues.  "Aren't you?"  "No."  "Aren't you?"  "I . . . "  "Aren't you?" Larry insists.  "Yes, I am," Balki finally admits.  "How am I gonna find out how she feels about me?" Larry asks.  "Cousin, here’s a shot in the dark . . . why don’t you ask her?" Balki suggests.  "Oh, oh, oh!" Larry laughs, "Just ask her?  Oh, Balki, Balki, Balki.  You have to read women.  You have to interpret the subtle nuances of what they say or don’t say, the way they look at you or don’t look at you, the way they touch you or, as in my case, don’t touch you."  "Boy, life is hard work for you," Balki sighs, "Cousin, why don't we just have Mary Anne and Jennifer over for dinner tonight and Mary Anne and I can eat and you and Jennifer can read each other?"  "I'll have to give that some thought," Larry says, picking up the clipboard again.

Jennifer and Mary Anne enter the store wearing their stewardess uniforms and carrying luggage.  "Hi, guys," Jennifer smiles.  "Oh, hi," Larry smiles back.  "Hello!" Balki greets them, "How was your flight?"  "Great," Jennifer and Mary Anne both reply.  "Thanks for the travel alarm, Larry," Jennifer says, handing in back to him.  "Oh, any time, Jennifer," Larry says.  "Boy, working those flights to Rome really plays tricks on your mind," Mary Anne notes, "Is it Friday or Saturday?"  "It's Friday," Larry answers.  "I told you," Jennifer says to Mary Anne.  "I wanted a second opinion, okay?" Mary Anne responds.  "Hey, why don't you come over to our house for dinner tonight?" Balki asks, "You can relax and shake off your jest lag."  Larry is startled.  "That sounds great!  We'd love to!" Mary Anne nudges Jennifer.  "Are you sure it isn't too much trouble?" Jennifer asks.  "Of course not!" Balki insists, "Is it, Cousin?"  Caught off guard, Larry assures them, "Huh, trouble?  Uh, no, no, we’ll just throw something together.  We’ll uncork some vino, kick back, relax, it’ll be very, uh . . . mellow."

"Great," Mary Anne says, "Come on, Jennifer.  We need to get up to the apartment.  I may have left the gas on."  "Mary Anne, if you’d left the gas on the building wouldn’t be here."  Mary Anne eyes the surrounding building and says, "Well, that’s good news!"  The girls leave and Balki waves goodbye to them while Larry says, "Ciao."  As soon as they're gone, Larry eyes Balki with cool anger.  "Why did you do that?"  "Do what?" Balki asks.  "Ask the girls to dinner tonight," Larry says.  "I just did," Balki points out, confused.  "Yes, why?" Larry demands.  "Oh . . . oh, why did I ask the girls to dinner tonight?" Balki finally understands.  "Why?" Larry asks.  "Why not?" Balki asks innocently.  "You just don't get it, do you?" Larry asks, walking to the front door and turning the sign from "Open" to "Closed" then pulling down the shade.  "Cousin, what you doing?" Balki asks.  "Closing early," Larry explains, as he grabs their coats, "We have a lot to do and not enough time to do it."  "But Cousin, it . . . it will be just like you said," Balki points out, "We’ll relax, do some kickbacks, we’ll be marshmallows.  What the big deal is?"

"Look, I’ll tell you what the big deal is," Larry begins, then turns his eyes upward in exasperation and moans, "Oh . . . no wonder parents in Mypos have to buy wives for their sons!  Balki, Jennifer is a sophisticated woman.  She's been in every airport in the world.  If I'm going to impress her I have to have the right food, the right wine, the right lighting.  This evening has got to be very carefully orchestrated."  "Cousin, you're taking this too seriously," Balki notes, "You're going to get simple nervous tension."  "Do you know that you're getting on my nerves?" Larry warns, "I have to plan what could be the most important dinner of my life and I've only got three hours."  "Well, don't worry, I can help," Balki says.  "Oh I think you’ve helped quite enough," Larry says.  "But . . . but I want to help cook," Balki says.  "No!" Larry insists.  "I want help cook," Balki repeats.  "No, you can't help cook!"  "I want to help cook," Balki begins to cry.  "Oh!" Larry sighs with frustration, then gives in, "All right, all right . . . you can help cook."  "Okay," Balki brightens a bit.  "Look," Larry says, making out a list, "You get the stuff for the appetizers and the salad . . . "  "And what else?" Balki asks excitedly.  "Look, just get the appetizers and the salad and while you're doing that I'll go to the butcher," Larry says, "Let's go!"  They grab their coats and start to exit the store.

That evening, Balki is moving a centerpiece from the dinner table to the coffee table.  The table has been moved over near the fireplace and has a nice white tablecloth over it.  As he works, he sings "I’m So Excited" and gyrates to the song.  "I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it . . . I'm about to lose control and I think I like it . . . "  Larry enters from his bedroom, wearing a dress jacket over his sweater.  "I shouldn't have used a new cologne," Larry says worriedly, "I should have stuck with the Old Spice.  It's safe."  Larry turns to Balki to present himself and asks, "Well?  What do you think?"  "About what?" Balki asks.  "No, I mean how do I look?" Larry asks. "You look like you just stepped off the cover of IQ."  "GQ," Larry corrects.  "You’re welcome," Balki smiles, then he asks, "What about me?"  Balki poses for Larry.  "You think Mary Anne will like this outfit?"  "Yeah, sure," Larry says quickly, not really paying attention, "You don't think I'm overdressed, do you?"  "Well, of course not," Balki answers.  "Well, I don't want to make the girls uncomfortable," Larry explains, "What if they dress casual?"  "Then you’ll look like a big jerk," Balki offers.  "Maybe the jacket is too much," Larry decides, taking it off, "She’ll think I’m trying too hard."  "She’ll be right," Balki confirms.

Larry sets the jacket on the back of a chair and walks into the kitchen where he lifts the lid off of a pot on the stove.  He leans down to smell the contents and starts coughing.  "These aren’t the carrots," he coughs.  "Well, of course not," Balki confirms, "They're wild olives."  "What are wild olives doing here?" Larry asks.  "Well, they’re just lying there . . . marinating," Balki smiles, "They're for the salad.  Come, I show you!"  Balki takes Larry by the hand and hurries him over to the table, tapping a glass bowl sitting there.  "This is the salad?" Larry asks.  Balki nods.  "I can't help but notice there's no lettuce in there," Larry observes.  "Well, you said we should impress the girls so I thought . . . "  Balki looks thoughtful.  " . . . leaves?  That's not very impressive.  So I decided to make Mama's special salad.  Wild olives, ginkgo root, mustard curd, onions, and a dash of liver oil to keep the gingko root down."  "You didn't get the lettuce, did you?" Larry asks.  "No, I didn’t," Balki admits.  "It was on my list and bean and curd things were not!" Larry snaps.  "Well, pardon me for saying so but your list was boring," Balki points out.  "My list was food," Larry explains.  "Yes, but not fun food!" Balki smiles, "And that's why Balki made a few things to spice the menu up."

Balki walks back to the kitchen and Larry follows, asking, "Just how spicy are we getting?"  "Well," Balki says, opening a cupboard, "I thought we'd treat ourselves to that old standard, ding ding machmud."  He pulls a casserole dish out of the cupboard to show Larry.  "You know it as pig snout with saffron.  And then I thought we'd go to that traditional Mypos courtship dish, batbatmichi . . . eel wrapped in grape leaves.  I was going to surprise you but you forced me!"  "Balki, think," Larry urges.  Balki gets a look of extreme concentration on his face.  "Two girls that we like and desire are coming to dinner," Larry points out, "What possible advantage can be gained from poisoning them?"  "Oh, Cousin!" Balki says in a hurt tone, taking the dishes to the table, "These are the staples of the Myposian diet.  They make me into the big, strong man I am today."  "I don’t want Jennifer to be a big, strong man!" Larry argues, taking the dishes from the table and carrying them back to the kitchen, "I want her to like me.  I want her to be impressed.  I want her to survive long enough to bear my children.  Therefore, this food is out!"  "Well, Mary Anne is my date and I want her to try it," Balki insists, grabbing the dishes and taking them back to the table.

"All right, all right, all right," Larry softens his tone, "Look, I tell you what.  We'll have my dinner tonight and we'll save your food for another special occasion, say when the Cubs win the World Series."  "Oh po!" Balki scoffs, "What do you take me for, Bozo the Clone?  Everybody knows the Cubs have no quarterback!  Cousin, why are you getting all poofed out of shape?"  "I am not getting poofed out of shape," Larry insists, then asks, "Balki, how many times have you served dinner to two beautiful women?  Hmm?"  "I . . . I . . . " Balki scoffs.  "Hmm?  How many?  How many?"  "Oh . . . "  "How many times?"  "I . . . "  "How many times have you served dinner to two beautiful women?"  "Three!"  Balki answers.  Larry is surprised, then adds, "In America?"  "None," Balki admits.  "None?  None, as in zero, as in never, as in no times, never ever have you . . . ?"  Larry takes the food from the table again.  "Look, I know what I'm doing.  Let's just go with my plan so I can save this evening."  "But I went through so much trouble!" Balki cries, "I had to find ginkgo root and pig snout!  They make fun of me at the market!  They said, ‘Price check on pig snout!’  And now you won’t let me serve it!  You’re squeezing all the fun out of this date!"

"Balki, I am squeezing all the fun out of this date for a very good reason," Larry insists, "A casual dinner is nothing to be taken lightly!"  Larry emphasizes each word by jabbing his finger into Balki’s shoulder.  Balki jabs his finger back at Larry.  Larry gives Balki's shoulder a shove.  Smiling, Balki playfully shoves Larry hard.  Larry prepares to give Balki a large shove in return when he stops and sniffs at the air, asking "What’s that smell?"  Balki turns and looks behind himself  Larry runs to the kitchen with Balki close behind and opens the oven.  "My duck is burned!" Larry shouts, grabbing a towel and using it to take the smoking pan out of the oven.  "Ow!  Hot!" Larry cries, telling Balki to, "Take it!  Take it!"  Balki picks up the burnt duck from the pan and starts to cry, "Ow!  Ow!" as he throws it to Larry.  Larry catches it and yells, "Ow!  Ow!" as Balki grabs the lid from the stereo and runs over to catch the burnt duck as Larry tosses it away.  "Why is the oven turned to five hundred degrees?" Larry asks.  "Well, that's the temperature I need for my sheepherder's bread," Balki explains.  Larry looks into the oven again and asks, "Where did sheepherder's bread come from?"  "Well, I think its origins are a little island off the coast of . . . " Balki begins to explain.  "I don't care where it came from," Larry moans.  "Well, why did you ask?" Balki wonders.

"Look at my duck!" Larry cries, "It's drying out even as we speak.  How am I going to serve this?"  "Well, how about with two little white hats on the feet?" Balki asks, then not covering his enthusiasm very well, he offers, "Oh Cousin, cheer up.  I made enough ding ding machmud for a whole village."  Balki carries the pig snout back to the table with Larry following.  "I am not letting you serve that food," Larry states.  "Well, maybe you can stop me," Balki says.  "Oh well, maybe I can!" Larry agrees, "Give my the ding ding machmud."  "No!"  "Give my the ding ding machmud."  "No!"  "Give my the ding ding machmud."  "Ha!"  There is a knock at the door and they both gasp.  "The girls!" they both realize.  "All right, look . . . let's put aside our petty little differences and your food," Larry suggests, taking the pig snout back to the kitchen again, "and try to get through this thing!"  "Well, I'm not the one with the problem!  You're the one with the problem!" Balki says.  "Yes!  I'm the one with the problem and you're the problem," Larry counters, "I'm just trying to show a lady a good time."  "I'm just trying to show a lady a good time!" Balki cries.  "Well, fine!  Have a good time!" Larry says, heading for the door.  "Oh, have a good time!" Balki shouts in return.  "Have a ball!" Larry snarls.  "Knock yourself out!" Balki yells.  "Have a wonderful time!" they shout at each other.  Larry opens the door to reveal the girls and the guys nicely say, "Hi!"  The scene fades to black.

Act two begins with Jennifer and Mary Anne seated at the table.  A fire is burning in the fireplace.  Balki is helping to move in Jennifer's chair.  "Thank you, Balki," she says.  "This is just like one of those fancy restaurants," Mary Anne observes.  Balki walks to Mary Anne and picks up her napkin, asking, "May I?"  "May you what?" Mary Anne asks.  Balki unfolds the napkin and then tucks it, gently and sensually, into the top of her blouse, enjoying every second of it.  Once done, he starts to round the table toward Jennifer.  She quickly grabs her napkin and places it across her lap.  Balki sits down at the table as Larry approaches carrying a tray with the food on it.  "Dinner is served," Larry says, setting the tray on the edge of the table and asking Jennifer, "Did I mention how lovely you look?"  "Yes, you did," Jennifer replies, then asks, "What are we having?"  Larry explains the dishes as he sets them on the table.  "Glazed carrots, wild rice and my specialty . . . duck ala orange."  The girls stare at the blackened bird on the cutting board.  "But the best things aren't even on the table," Balki says.  "Ooh, there’s more?" Mary Anne asks hopefully.

"Uh, yes, well, uh . . . Balki thought there might not be enough so he cooked, too," Larry explains, "But as you can see I think there's plenty for everybody.  Just dig in."  Larry picks up a pronged fork and carving knife and starts to work on the duck, sawing at it like it were a piece of wood.  Mary Anne picks up the bowl of rice as Larry continues to saw away, not making any progress.  Larry strikes the knife on the cutting board and laughs, saying, "Darn dull knives.  Balki, I told you to get these sharpened."  "I'll get them sharpened," Balki threatens.  Mary Anne attempts to get some rice only to have it come out of the bowl in one big piece.  "Why is the rice all clumped together?" she asks.  "Well, girls, you're in luck," Balki says, getting up from the table, "because silly Balki has food in the kitchen."  "Keep eating, keep eating," Larry encourages the girls, setting down the carving knife and fork and backing toward the kitchen, "Enjoy.  Enjoy."  Larry approaches Balki at the counter.  "Balki, you are not serving them that . . . that . . . that . . . that . . . that stuff!"  "Why don't we ask them if they want to try that . . . that . . . that stuff," Balki suggests, then he calls to the table, "Who would like to try Myposian food?"  "I would!" Jennifer says.  "Sound great!" Mary Anne agrees.

Balki gives Larry a smug smile and then carries the dish to the table, serving out portions for the girls.  "I've never had Myposian food before," Mary Anne says, "This is exciting."  "This looks interesting," Jennifer notes.  Larry is seated at the table, looking angry.  "This looks incredible," Mary Anne says.  "Balki, what do you call this?" Jennifer asks.  "Ding ding machmud," Balki answers.  "Oh, well, what does that mean?" Jennifer asks as she takes a bite.  "Pig snout with saffron," Balki explains.  Jennifer acts as if she’d like to take it back out of her mouth immediately, but refrains.  Larry gets up from the table and tells the girls, "Excuse us."  Larry looks at Balki and slightly but seriously tilts his head toward the kitchen.  Balki simply tilts his head the same way in reply as if Larry meant the gesture as an insult.  Larry uses his thumb to motion that he wants Balki to come with him now.  Balki lifts his fingers beside his head and wiggles them like antenna while making a face at Larry.  Larry slowly walks over to Balki and rubs his shoulder, easing Balki into sense of security before grabbing him by the shirt and dragging him into the kitchen.

"I hope you're happy," Larry says, "You are making me look bad in front of Jennifer."  "I think you were doing that yourself," Balki notes.  "None of this would have happened if you had followed a few simple instructions, but noooo," Larry complains, "You had to be creative.  You had the wonderful idea to serve the girls pig parts!"  "You’re just jealous because I need a chainsaw to cut your duck!" Balki snaps.  "Well, in case you haven’t noticed they’re not exactly scarfing up the snout!" Larry counters.  "It’s an acquired taste," Balki defends himself.  "Oh, oh . . . " Larry begins.  Jennifer gets up from the table and walks to them, asking, "Uh, maybe this isn't a good time for us to be here."  "Oh, why?" Larry asks, "Because Balki is acting like a five year old?"  "Me?" Balki cries, "You're the one that's acting like a yak's behind!"  "Oh!  A yak's behind?" Larry asks.  "Yes, a big fat one!" Balki adds, "With all types of hair . . . "  "Balki, Larry, stop!" Jennifer cries.  From the table, Mary Anne asks, "Do you have any ketchup?"  They all look at her.  "Come on, Mary Anne," Jennifer says, walking over to lead Mary Anne from the table, "I think we'd better go."  "Oh, is dinner over?" Mary Anne asks.

"No, no, don't go!  Don't go!" Larry begs as he and Balki head them off, "We'll be good."  "No, no, you have to stay," Balki agrees, "We have pie!"  "I know it’s good," Larry smiles, "I didn’t make it."  "You guys have to work this thing out, whatever it is," Jennifer says as she sits back down, "Arguments happen between roommates.  Believe me, I understand.  Well, Mary Anne and I get on each others’ nerves sometimes."  "Like when?" Balki asks.  "Like when she spends three hours in the bathroom putting on her makeup," Jennifer offers as an example.  "Oh, yeah, she hates when I do that," Mary Anne laughs, as does everyone else, then she counters with, "And I hate when she rearranges my closet without asking me."  "Well, I wouldn't have to if you'd keep your things in order," Jennifer explains.  "Well, everyone has their own way of doing things," Larry smiles.  "Maybe the way I keep my things is my business," Mary Anne notes.  "Good point . . . that's a very good point," Balki says.

"Fine . . . I won't touch your things," Jennifer states in a cool voice, "Just don't come begging me to borrow a clean uniform because you didn't realize yours were at the cleaners."  "Well," Larry interrupts, picking up his wine glass to try to diffuse the situation with a toast, "Here's to good friends."  "Once, just once, I borrowed a uniform and got a spot on it and you've never let me forget it," Mary Anne says angrily.  "Maybe if you were more careful on the job you wouldn't have spilled anything," Jennifer scolds.  "Ooh, so now you're going to tell me how to do my job?" Mary Anne asks, standing up.  "Who wants pie?" Balki asks, getting up.  "Well, somebody should tell you how to do your job!" Jennifer cries, jumping up from the table and walking around to Mary Anne, "While I'm working my tail off trying to make the flight a safe and pleasant experience, you're serving drinks singing 'Belly Up the the Bar, Boys.'"  Larry gets up and grabs Jennifer's arm, saying, "All right, Jennifer . . . "  Balki grabs Mary Anne's arm as well and they pull the girls further apart.

"Well, excuse me for being nice to the passengers," Mary Anne says, "At least when we're about to land I don't tell them, 'Return you seat to the upright position or I'll call the authorities.'"  "Those are the rules," Jennifer states in defense.  "You were a pain in high school and you’re a pain now," Mary Anne complains, "Everything has to be perfect . . . perfect hair, perfect clothes, perfect manners . . . it’s like living with a Barbie doll."  Jennifer steams over this a moment, then says, "Now I’m mad."  They lunge at one another and Balki and Larry have to keep them apart.  "Oh!  Oh!" Balki cries with shock, "Mary Anne!  Jennifer!  You shouldn't talk to each other like that!  You're friends!"  "Look, this is . . . this is all my fault and I'm sorry," Larry stammers, "I . . . I burnt the duck, the rice stuck together, nothing worked . . . "  "Cousin," Balki says gently, "You’re not helping."  "Sorry," Larry offers.  "Shame on you," Balki tells Jennifer and Mary Anne, "How long have you known each other?"  "Too long," Mary Anne replies curtly.  "How long?" Balki asks.  "Since we were eight years old," Mary Anne answers.  "And now you want to throw your friendship away because you think she’s too perfect and you think she’s not perfect enough?" Balki scoffs, "Mary Anne, tell Jennifer that you're sorry and if it's really that important to her you'll try to be a little more organized."

"I'm sorry," Mary Anne tells Jennifer, "Perhaps I am a little messy."  "Jennifer, tell Mary Anne you're sorry and you'll try to take things a little less seriously," Balki says.  "I'm sorry," Jennifer says, loosening up a bit, "Sometimes I get all worked up over things that aren't very important . . . "  She suddenly becomes enraged again, shouting, " . . . but that Barbie doll line really hurt!"  "I'm sorry!" Mary Anne offers.  "Now . . . hug each other," Balki instructs.  The girls reluctantly come together and give each other a half-hearted hug.  "Like you mean it," Balki insists.  The girls finally give each other a genuine hug.  "I'm sorry, Mary Anne," Jennifer says.  "Oh, me too," Mary Anne agrees.  "Now hug me," Balki instructs as he walks between them.  They give him a light hug so he adds, "Like you mean it!"  They hug him tighter.  "Yes, well, uh . . . now that we have that settled, uh . . . why don't we get back to dinner?" Larry suggests.  They all sit down at the table again.  After a moment, Larry says, "Well, who are we kidding?  All those in favor of ordering pizza . . ?"  They all raise their hands and Mary Anne adds, "Might as well . . . my ding ding’s cold."

Later that night, Larry and Balki are seeing the girls to the door.  "Do you really have to leave?" Larry asks, "It's only one o'clock."  "I'm exhausted," Jennifer explains, "We're still on Rome time.  To us it's seven o'clock in the morning."  "Good night, Balki," Mary Anne says, kissing him on the cheek, which Balki responds to in awe.  "I had a nice time," Jennifer tells Larry, "I'm really glad I got to know you better."  She smiles at him but doesn't kiss him, instead turning to Mary Anne and saying, "Let's go, Mary Anne."  "Oh, good night!" Mary Anne offers as Jennifer hurries her out the door.  Larry closes the door and he and Balki stand with their arms folded.  "Did you hear that?" Larry asks, "She knows me better."  After a beat, Balki asks, "Better than what?"  "Let’s not analyze it," Larry suggests, "I just want to enjoy the moment."  They stand and sigh in unison, enjoying the moment.  "Well, it was really rough going there," Larry says as he and Balki walk over to clear the table, "If we hadn’t been there they’d probably still be fighting."  "Yes, but if we hadn’t have been there they probably wouldn’t have fought at all," Balki observes.  "Well, you know, I . . . I didn't know Jennifer could be that way," Larry says.  "What way?" Balki asks.

"Well, so . . . nitpicky," Larry answers, "I mean, I know Mary Anne's no rocket scientist but Jennifer shouldn't be so hard on her."  "Well, I had no idea Mary Anne could be that way!" Balki says.  "What way?" Larry asks.  "Cousin . . . the wires up here don’t connect," Balki says, motioning to his head, "I mean, uh . . . Jennifer is a little crazy about being neat but Mary Anne was pretty hard on her.  It must be difficult for them to live together when they’re so different."  "Well, if they’re going to stay best friends and still live together they’re going to have to learn to compromise," Larry notes, "Good friends are hard to come by."  They start to pick up the things from the table then stop, realizing what they are saying and how it applies to themselves.  "Mary Anne could be a little more organized," Balki admits.  "Yeah, and . . . Jennifer could loosen up a bit," Larry says, "I'm sorry I made fun of your food."  "That's okay," Balki assures him, "I'm sorry I invite the girls without asking you."  "That's okay," Larry says, "If I had to wait to get up the nerve think how tense I’d be."  "That’s a scary thought," Balki agrees.  Larry picks up the ding ding machmud.  "Well, I guess I can throw this out," he notes.  "No, don't throw that out!" Balki says, taking it from him, "I'm gonna freeze the ding ding machmud."  "Why?" asks Larry.  "You haven’t lived until you’ve had snout on a stick," Balki insists.

Continue on to the next episode . . .