10 Underrated Episodes Of Frasier That Deserve More Love

There are many overlooked episodes in the series “Frasier” that deserve more recognition. While some episodes are justly celebrated as classics, others like “The Ski Lodge” from Season 5, “Dinner Party” from Season 6, and “Moon Dance” from Season 3 stand out for their exceptional humor and character development. These episodes, such as the bedroom farce in “The Ski Lodge,” the highlighting of Frasier and Niles’ unique dynamic in “Dinner Party,” and the showcase of Niles and Daphne’s chemistry in “Moon Dance,” are worth revisiting or discovering.

Different Frasier episodes cater to various preferences and emotions. For instance, some episodes serve as excellent mood lifters; season 1, episode 24, titled “My Coffee with Niles,” is especially brilliant at turning even the gloomiest days around. Additionally, there are Frasier episodes that could be a fantastic starting point for new viewers joining the series. Regrettably, not all outstanding Frasier episodes receive the recognition they deserve. As with any long-running series, many terrific episodes have been overlooked and remain hidden treasures even today.

10. Roe To Perdition

Season 10, Episode 18

In season 10’s “Roe to Perdition,” Frasier and Niles unintentionally immerse themselves in the criminal underworld. They stumble upon a clandestine Russian caviar vendor offering competitive rates and premium items, which elevates their social standing more than ever before – yet this newfound success comes at a price. This episode serves as a witty parody of the illicit drug trade, where Frasier and Niles transition into dealing and shed their ethical principles in pursuit of power. The climax is amusingly reached when customs officers storm the freighter, only to find they’re not interested in the caviar; instead, they’re tracking down DVD counterfeiters.

9. Chess Pains

Season 3, Episode 18

In my opinion, Season 3’s “Chess Pains” is often overlooked but truly shines. I find myself captivated by the storyline where Frasier obtains an old chess set and eagerly anticipates a match. However, Niles declines, as it evokes memories of his weekly matches with Maris. Left with no choice, Frasier ends up playing against Martin instead, only to be defeated effortlessly. This struggle to best my father leaves me exasperated! Yet, it’s always amusing to witness Frasier in embarrassing situations, and this episode highlights Martin’s intelligence often underestimated by his sons.

8. Daphne Does Dinner

Season 10, Episode 14

In a typical comedic setup, a character may strive to host an elegant dinner gathering, yet events take a chaotic turn for the worse. Shows like “The Simpsons”, “The Office”, “The I.T. Crowd”, and even an underappreciated episode of “Frasier” called “Daphne Does Dinner” (season 10) have utilized this trope. In this particular instance, Daphne endeavors to throw a sophisticated dinner party for a renowned recluse artist, but as is customary with the Crane family, things quickly spiral out of control – not least because young Alice scribbles on the artist’s cherished artwork.

7. Guess Who’s Coming To Breakfast

Season 1, Episode 13

In the first season’s episode titled “Guess Who’s Spending the Night,” Frasier is taken aback to discover that his father, Martin, has had an overnight guest who was also a romantic partner. The breakfast table scene, filled with Frasier’s discomfort, sets a humorous tone for the episode, and things only become more amusing when Frasier discusses his dad’s love life on radio — predictably, this infuriates Martin. Episodes that delve into Frasier and Martin’s father-son dynamics are always entertaining, and this one masterfully portrays the relatable unease one feels when a parent begins dating someone new.

6. Frasier-Lite

Season 11, Episode 12

Despite numerous plots centered around Dr. Crane’s workplace and its eccentric characters, it didn’t truly embody the genre of workplace comedy. It wasn’t until season 11’s “Frasier-Lite” that we witnessed the entire KACL team collaborating towards a shared objective. Over the years, the cast members had developed a unique chemistry, which was showcased beautifully in this heartwarming yet bickering workforce as they competed in a weight-loss contest for a trip to Las Vegas. This plotline beautifully encapsulated their camaraderie and internal conflicts.

5. Beware Of Greeks

Season 5, Episode 16

Episode ‘Beware of Greeks’ from Season 5 of ‘Frasier’ is often criticized unfairly. The issue might have been smoothed over if the new characters introduced were simply family friends or distant relatives instead of close relatives never seen or mentioned before. This change would have made it easier for viewers to accept them. Despite this minor discrepancy, “Beware of Greeks” is a strong sitcom episode featuring a chaotic wedding and a side-splitting guest appearance by Patti LuPone as Frasier’s Greek aunt.

4. Enemy At The Gate

Season 10, Episode 2

In the tenth season episode titled “Enemy at the Gate,” many viewers express disapproval due to Frasier’s overly self-righteous behavior. This stems from his refusal to compromise his principles for just $2, leading to a confrontation with a parking garage attendant. Despite Frasier’s pompous demeanor in this episode, it’s engaging because Niles is constantly undermining him, and watching the Crane brothers bicker, especially when they’re stuck together in confined spaces like a hotel room where they attempted to co-author a book, adds an entertaining dynamic.

3. A Word To The Wiseguy

Season 3, Episode 15

In the TV show “Roe to Perdition,” it’s amusing how Frasier and Niles find themselves entangled in criminal activities. For instance, in season 3’s episode titled “A Word to the Wiseguy,” Niles tries to help Maris out of a jam by clearing her unpaid parking fines as a kind gesture. Unbeknownst to him, he ends up seeking assistance from the mafia. This setup offers an intriguing contrast between the refined, peace-loving Crane brothers and the dangerous, ruthless mobster they’re dealing with. The writers skillfully exploit this contrast for humor, drawing comparisons to movies like “Analyze This,” but adding a more polished touch.

2. Out With Dad

Season 7, Episode 15

In some instances, the show “Frasier” playfully addressed gay stereotypes in a humorous way. One of the standout episodes from this theme is “Out with Dad” in season 7. In this episode, Frasier’s love interest mistakenly assumes Martin is gay and attempts to set him up with her uncle. When Frasier discovers the error, rather than clarifying the situation, he persuades Martin to go along with it. The episode “Out with Dad” is a classic example of the farcical humor that “Frasier” is known for, as it requires Martin to maintain a facade against his wishes.

1. RDWRER

Season 7, Episode 12

In “RDWRER” from season 7 of “Frasier,” the Crane family embarks on a classic journey. Their objective is straightforward but elusive: attending their wine club’s New Year’s Eve party in Idaho to welcome the millennium elegantly. However, they choose to travel in Martin’s outdated Winnebago, and as midnight approaches, they encounter problems with the law, become entangled in identity mix-ups, and Niles dozes off in a vehicle resembling an RV moving in the opposite direction.

I can’t help but reminisce the delightful nostalgia that “Travels with Martin” from season 1 evokes, and this latest episode, titled “Frasier,” brings back those same charming vibes. The Crane brothers are at their finest when they’re simply trying to enjoy themselves, only to find themselves in a whirlwind of chaos instead. “RDWRER” is a prime example of this hilarious pattern, yet it seems to be undervalued. If it had been aired earlier in the series, I have no doubt that it would have received the recognition it truly deserves and become a cherished classic.

2025-05-02 16:50