[1-12] Criss Cross

Writers: Brian Buckner & Sebastian James
Producers: Jeff Lowell & William Barnett
Director: Lee Shallat Chemel

Episode Length: 22:00

Guest Stars:

Taylor Stanley: Karen

James Murtough: Show Moderator

Paul Reggio: Bartender

John Scarti: Reporter

Rating:#18 16.62 million viewers 11.1 rating 17share

First Broadcast: December 17, 1996

Opening sound: Coughing

Storyline #1: The Competitiors
The Mayor is scheduled to debate Charlie Morris on the rise of superstores and their effect on the economy and community. However, Charlie falls ill as well as the Mayor so Mike and Ashley are scheduled to combat. Mike spends most of the episode trying to one-up Ash in an attempt to prove something to himself. However, once they start the debate, Mike takes the Mayor's advice and lays off in attempt to prove that they do not need competition to make their relationship work. Ashley laughs at this so Mike begins to wale away. Eventually, they also fall ill and debate which one is sicker.

Storyline #2: The Mis-Match Game
Throughout this episode, many of the staff approach Carter about how to handle problems in their personal lives. Nikki is having trouble with her current boyfriend, Jeff. James admits to Carter he has taking a liking to Nikki. And Karen professes her love of James to Carter. Eventually, they all meet in a bar and awarkdly express their feelings for each other. Everyone is uncomfortable with this new found knowledge, especially Carter.

Review: "Criss Cross"

Overall, a classic send-off episode. What better way for Ashley to finish her tour of duty than to put in the performances she has put in the past two episodes. It is a shame now that she is leaving when only now the writers know what to do with her. This page has been critical not of Carla Gugino's performances, but of what the writers have been having her do. For the most part, her storylines have been throwaways, things any cast member could have been going through. But this episode, combined with Dog Day Afternoon have been the best Ashley plots since Pride and Prejudice.

As for the rest of the episode, it was decent enough, a little more clever than usual. I'm a little worried about the whole love-triangle plot. If it becomes prevelant later, I'm worried it might splinter the staff and cause more departures out of necessity OR it could become farcical like Melrose. Only time will tell.

Rating [5 pt. scale]: 4.0

Did you notice ...

The show now lists Gary Jacobs as an Executive Consultant in the beginning credits?

Stuart's Birthday is May 24, 1964?

Nikki's mother's maiden name is Schaunesse?

James is once again guilty of messing up the Mayor's speeches?

James's old girlfriend gave him his sweater? (Possibly Betsy.)

Helen is mentioned again?

The Mayor's old flame's name was Valerie Horn?

Top 10 Lines

10. Ashley: "I love that you don't feel threatened by a strong women."
Mike: "And I'm love that you believe that."

9. Mike: (on Ashley's TV appearances) "I taped them and I'm planning on loving them."

8. Stuart: "I'll take 'Things I don't care about' for $100, Alex."

7. Carter: "Sensitive. That's heterospeak for gay."

6. The Mayor: (on a former girlfriend) "She went on to become the most famous lesbian tennis player on the eastern seaboard."

5. Mike: "What am I going to do? Criticize her for having an opinion?"
Moderator: "Well, that's kind of what we do on this show."

4. James: "She said suprise her."
Carter: "Give it to her naked."

3. Nikki: "What is it about men James?"
James: "You're gonna have to be more specific."

2. Mike: "Perhaps they could visit one of the other 700,000 Santa Clauses in New York City."

1. Stuart: "I take over 40 vitamins and minerals a day."
Mike: "It's called a bowl of Total."

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