Ep 12. Elaine's Secret Admirer

Elaine's Secret Admirer is the twelfth episode of the second season of the television sitcom, Taxi. The show revolves around the lives and misadventures of a group of taxi drivers working for the Sunshine Cab Company in New York City.

In this episode, Elaine Nardo, played by Marilu Henner, receives a mysterious love letter. The letter is unsigned, but the writer professes his love for Elaine and asks her to meet him at a secluded spot in Central Park. Elaine is initially hesitant about going, but she eventually decides to take a chance and meet the mysterious writer.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Sunshine Cab drivers are struggling to stay awake during their night shift. Alex Rieger, played by Judd Hirsch, suggests they play a game to keep themselves entertained. Bobby Wheeler, played by Jeff Conaway, suggests they play a game called "I Never". The game quickly becomes a hit, as each driver takes turns revealing a personal secret.

As the night wears on, the drivers become increasingly tired and start making silly mistakes on the job. Louie De Palma, played by Danny DeVito, berates them for their incompetence and tells them they need to stay focused if they want to make any money. However, when he sees how tired they are, he reluctantly agrees to let them take a break.

Elaine meets her secret admirer in Central Park, only to discover that it is Alex. Alex explains that he has been in love with her for a long time but has been too afraid to tell her. Elaine is initially taken aback but eventually admits that she has feelings for him too. They kiss and make plans to go on a date.

The other drivers are surprised when Alex returns to the garage with Elaine. Alex and Elaine reveal that they are now a couple, and the other drivers congratulate them. However, Louie is less than pleased, as he is worried that their relationship will interfere with their job performance. He tells them that they need to keep their personal lives separate from their work.

The episode ends with the drivers back on the road, more awake and alert than before. They play another round of "I Never", and this time, they reveal some of their deepest, darkest secrets.

Elaine's Secret Admirer is a classic example of the kind of quirky, character-driven comedy that made Taxi such a hit in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The show was known for its sharp writing, memorable characters, and talented ensemble cast, and this episode is no exception. It's a fun, lighthearted episode that showcases the show's strengths and will leave viewers smiling.