Ep 5. The Ex-Niles

Fran is excited when she discovers that her ex-boyfriend, Danny, is coming to town. She reminisces about the good times they shared in high school and hopes that they can rekindle their old flame. However, she soon realizes that her feelings for Danny may not be as strong as she initially thought.

Meanwhile, Niles, the Sheffield family's butler, finds himself in an awkward position when his ex-wife, C.C., starts dating a wealthy businessman named Richard. Niles is still secretly in love with C.C., but he knows that pursuing a romantic relationship with her is futile. He decides to put on a brave face and support C.C. in her new relationship, even though it tears him apart inside.

As Danny arrives in town, Fran tries her best to impress him and show him how successful she has become. She plans a romantic dinner for the two of them and even hires a famous chef to cook their meal. However, Danny seems more interested in catching up with old friends and reminiscing about their high school days than pursuing a romantic relationship with Fran.

Feeling disappointed and rejected, Fran confides in her best friend Val about her mixed emotions. Val encourages her to be true to herself and not settle for someone who doesn't appreciate her. Fran takes this advice to heart and decides to confront Danny about their relationship.

In the midst of Fran's love woes, Niles finds himself becoming closer to C.C.'s new boyfriend, Richard. Richard appreciates Niles' impeccable service and witty humor, and the two develop a friendship. However, this only adds to Niles' internal struggle, as he is torn between his loyalty to C.C. and his own feelings for her.

Back at the dinner, Fran confronts Danny about his lack of interest in pursuing a romantic relationship with her. Danny admits that he has moved on and is now happily married. Fran is initially heartbroken, but she soon realizes that this revelation is a blessing in disguise. She realizes that she deserves someone who will love and appreciate her for who she is, and she lets go of her past feelings for Danny.

As the episode comes to a close, Niles must make a difficult decision between his own happiness and his loyalty to C.C. He realizes that he can no longer hide his feelings and decides to confess his love to her. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the next episode to see how C.C. will react to Niles' confession.

"The Ex-Niles" is an emotional episode that explores themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery. It provides a heartfelt look into the complexities of relationships and reminds viewers of the importance of staying true to oneself. With its relatable characters and compelling storyline, this episode is sure to captivate fans of The Nanny.