Airdate: 3/5/87
Frasier’s old
college bud, Simon Finch-Royce, is now an esteemed marriage counselor; upon
hearing this, Diane thinks it would be a dandy idea if he would evaluate her
and Sam’s marriage potential in an actual session (Frasier agrees to foot the
bill as a wedding present). After hearing about their backgrounds and the
answers to two simple questions about honesty, he glibly proclaims that they
are completely incompatible and are “an accident waiting to marry.” Diane’s not
about to take this lying down; she and Sam go to Simon’s hotel room, first to
confirm that his no verdict was all but a test of their resolve (it wasn’t),
then to challenge his assessment, again and again and again. The good doctor
finally breaks, changing his pronouncement to the affirmative (albeit
sarcastically). A satisfied Diane: “See?”
Definitely one
of the best episodes of the series thus far. John Cleese absolutely delivers in
his role as Dr. Finch-Ryce, a role that’s tailor-written for him, mixing all
together his usual trademarks: haughty contempt for Americans, ultra-dry
sarcasm, and a cool, collected poise that slowly deteriorates into a frazzled,
manic breakdown (those expected a typical Cleese wig-out scene will not be
disappointed). He’s sort of a surrogate for Frasier here, as the bearer of bad
news a la the “Triangle” episode – of course, we get far more Yankee barbs this
time. Interestingly, the second episode in a row about honesty in a
relationship; equally interesting: both arguments seem to favor dishonesty!
Sort of a
subplot involves Frasier allowing the Sam/Diane intrusion as revenge for
getting stiffed with a $1,5000 counseling fee.
Cold open: Norm
leaves Cheers to go to a health club, which his wife had gotten him a
membership to. He’s going to do 25 in the pool. “Laps,” asks Frasier? “No, cannonballs!”
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