[THEME MUSIC PLAYING]
-[DOGS BARKING] -Come on in. Come on.
It's all over.
He won't mess with you. Are you nuts?
That was a Doberman.
Oh, dear, what happened?
Oh, get the first-aid kit.
Eddie got into a fight.
We were on the elevator with that Doberman from upstairs.
Eddie took a perfectly innocent sniff, and wham.
Morning, all.
-What's all this? -Eddie was viciously attacked.
Oh. Is that coffee cake I smell?
Well, now that I look at it, it's just a scratch.
But I probably should take him to the vet's anyway.
What are you doing up so early?
Oh, the new station manager's taking over today.
She wanted to meet with all of us.
She?
-Oh, working for a woman, huh? -Yes, why?
Well, it's tough on guys taking orders from a woman.
-We resent it. -Well, that's absurd.
If I had trouble taking orders from a woman,
Frederick would never have been conceived.
[DOORBELL RINGS]
My brothers couldn't stand taking orders from me.
I was forever telling them, "Billy, clean your room,"
"Reginald, get your elbow out of the gravy,"
"Nigel, take that thing back to the hospital.
The whole house is full of flies."
-Morning, Niles. -Hello, Frasier.
Dad. Daphne.
I can't stay. I just wanted to ask a favor.
Dad, can I borrow your gun?
Maris taking singing lessons again?
No.
Our home-security system is down for repairs.
There's no electric gate. I'll feel safer if I'm packing heat.
Oh, for heaven's sake, Niles.
You don't even know how to pack a lunch.
Dad, please, Maris is a wreck ever since she found out
our entire Neighborhood Watch is wintering in Palm Beach.
Forget it. You don't know the first thing about guns.
NILES: I do so.
I promise I'll open the spinny thing and check for bullets
before I shoot anybody.
Actually, Dr. Crane, your father's gun isn't a revolver.
It's a Colt .45 ACP with a single-stack magazine.
Oh, when I first came to America, I worked at a convenience store.
Dad, please.
No, I don't believe in civilians having guns.
This isn't fair. Maris' mother gave her a gun.
Then Maris' mother can clean up the mess
after she accidentally blows your brains out.
Oh, now you're talking nonsense.
Maris' mother has never cleaned anything in her life.
[PHONE RINGS]
BULLDOG: This stinks!
This is total BS. I can't work for a chick.
They're out of control.
They are completely ruled by their hormones.
[BARKS] It'll never work.
All right, listen up, everyone.
I've been working the grapevine.
-I got the scoop on the new boss. -Is she going to fire me?
Hey, first things first. Is she baggable?
Forget it, Bulldog.
-She'd have you for breakfast. -Like I ever stick around that long.
Anyway, the word is that she's like this psycho perfectionist.
Everyone at her last station was scared to death of her.
She's becoming my idol.
Hey, what if she hates sports?
I need this job. I just promised my mom a new pacemaker.
Wait. Think I could get her to believe I said pasta maker?
Look, there's no reason for us to give in to our insecurities.
We all do good, solid shows. We hardly know this woman.
Already we're painting her as a heartless Medusa.
[DOOR OPENS]
She said my ratings were down.
She said I'm not hip.
Father Mike, are you all right?
The little thug fired me.
-I'm so sorry. -Did she say anything else?
She said, "Send in Frasier."
Listen, tell the movers I want the couch directly in front of the bookcase.
Uh-huh.
Oh, have a seat. I'll be…
Uh-huh.
Yeah.
No, not there! In front of the bookcase.
Yeah, yeah.
Now, look, look, I've got somebody here.
Could we move the furniture later?
Could we do that?
Dr. Frasier Crane.
-Kate Costas. -Kate, what a pleasure.
Likewise. I've been listening to the tapes of all your shows.
-I love what you're doing. -Really?
Well, uh, thank you very much.
I like to think of my show as a haven for the tempest-tossed
in the maelstrom of everyday life.
Wow, you really talk that way.
Anyway, your ratings are very good, but I still think we can do better.
Any ideas?
How to… improve my show?
Uh, that is a tall order. I… [CHUCKLES]
Uh… Oh, well, you know, I was thinking
of playing classical music before my intros.
Let's say, oh, perhaps, Bartók's "Concerto for Orchestra in D minor."
It's too high-brow.
I mean, I love classical music, but to most people, it's a big snore.
Oh, incidentally, Bartók's Concerto is in C.
-Are you sure? -Positive.
I put myself through college working at a classical station.
Let's talk about advertising, hmm? You've got a great face.
-Oh. -I wanna see it on T-shirts.
I wanna see it on park benches. I even wanna see it on Frisbees.
Everybody in Seattle should be tossing it, wearing it, sitting on it.
Wonderful. Uh…
You know, I hate to nitpick, but I'm certain that concerto's in D.
-I was a music minor at Harvard. -No, it's in C.
It was commissioned by Serge Koussevitzky in 1943
for the Boston Symphony Orchestra,
and since then it's been recorded over 30 times, each time in C.
Well, maybe you're right. Maybe I'm right.
Also, I think you should start doing theme shows.
Devote a whole show to people having extramarital affairs.
Or devote a whole show to people with aberrant sexual practices.
Could you just give me a hand with that box over there?
Of course.
Uh…
-Kate, uh… -Mm?
You know, that advertising thing… Ooh…is a very good idea.
But that, uh… These theme shows, uh…
It's a less good idea.
You might even say a worse idea.
Why is that?
Well, I am a doctor,
and I'd hate to have the serious work I do be tainted by commercialism.
But you don't mind the Frisbees?
Well, I don't want to be entirely uncooperative, you know.
Uh, it's just that, well,
I've been in the radio game for some time now,
and I think I've learned enough about broadcasting, as they say,
to know what it is…
That makes my show a good show…
My God, you've won six Golden Mic Awards?
Aren't you sweet to notice?
Finally, I would like you to start giving priority to the juicier calls.
But that's called pandering.
And that is called a Peabody Award.
Well, what exactly do you expect me to do?
Say to a caller, "Listen, Bob, I'm sorry you lost your job,
"but unemployment's a snore."
"Why don't you sleep with your best friend's wife"
"and call in on Monday, when it'll be 'infidelity Day' "
on The Frasier Crane Show?"
I really know what I'm doing.
The psychiatrist at my last station went national.
Well, I'd rather stay local if going national means
sucking at the sump pump of sensationalism.
Well, I'm the boss, Doc, so pucker up.
Listen, lady, I'm not changing my show.
Unless you're willing to explain to the owners
why you fired one of your highest-rated hosts,
well, then there's nothing you can do about it, is there?
Well, we're coming up on 3 a.m.
Roz, who's our next caller?
Who cares?
MAN [ON PHONE]: I gotta disagree with your last two callers.
I'm in the same line of work, and I think what we do is very important.
-People depend on us. -[TIMER DINGS OVER PHONE]
I gotta go. It's time to powder the jelly doughnuts.
[DIAL TONE HUMMING]
Well, I hate to cut short this enthralling symposium,
but perhaps we could hear from some non-bakers for a change.
Wrap it up, will you? We're finally done.
FRASIER: Oh, thank God.
Stay tuned for the news, weather and sports.
This is Dr. Frasier Crane, yada, yada, yada. Bye.
We really stunk up the airwaves with that one, didn't we?
Frasier, I want you to flash forward to tonight.
It's sometime after midnight.
Dennis Abbot and I have just had a glorious meal at Le Ralée.
Dennis has just asked me back to his penthouse apartment
to see his priceless collection of silk sheets,
and I lean over and whisper, "I can't.
I have to go to work in an hour."
What is wrong with this picture?
Well, for starters, you at Le Ralée.
-It's a two-week wait. -So is Dennis Abbot.
Frasier, we have got to get our old time slot back.
Don't worry, Roz, we will. She just moved us to break our spirit.
Well, she can saddle me up, ride me around the coffee room.
I can't do this again.
-Good morning. -Oh. Oh, hello.
Enjoying your new time slot?
Well, as a matter of fact, I found it invigorating. Yes.
Didn't you, Roz? Remember that woman who called in,
you know, with the delusions of grandeur? [CHUCKLES]
Couldn't understand why nobody liked her?
KATE: I hope you explained to her that it's not important that people like her
as long as they respect her.
FRASIER: Oh, yes, respect is important.
So is self-respect.
Oh, yes, yes, but some people, and this is so unfortunate,
can't tell the difference between self-respect and pigheadedness.
Yes, but those people are usually rigid little demagogues
who don't know the difference between the kind of respect that is earned
and the kind of respect that is… irrespective of…
Of what others expect.
Isn't it sad when bad things happen to good sentences?
I think I made myself clear.
Well, I really do have work to do.
I've gotta find somebody for your old time slot now that it's free.
Good luck!
Nice going, Frasier.
Now she's never gonna give in.
Steady, Roz. She may have been able to intimidate people at other stations,
but here at KACL she'll find that we are not a bunch of spineless twits.
[WHISPERS] Hey, is she gone?
If you don't want this bacon, I'm giving it to Eddie.
You know bacon's not good for him.
Eddie, hey, Eddie! Come here, boy!
Ah.
And can't we take that stupid thing off him?
No, the vet said if he scratches the scabs, they'll never heal.
And I have noticed, if you sit him next to the telly,
channel five comes in a lot clearer.
Look at him. He's humiliated.
[DOG BARKING FROM UPSTAIRS]
Yeah, well, it doesn't help that that bully upstairs keeps rubbing it in.
-[EDDIE WOOFS] -You tell him, boy.
[EDDIE BARKING]
Oh, for God's sake, I am trying to get some sleep.
I asked you to keep that dog quiet,
and instead you outfit him with a megaphone.
In the last 36 hours, I haven't had so much as a nap,
and I've got to be back at the station by 2 a.m.
Eddie, listen carefully.
By the time this day is up, one of us is going to sleep.
Oh, don't worry, Dr. Crane. I'll take Eddie for a walk.
And as far as your problem at work goes, if you want my opinion…
Don't!
I've had my share of women's opinions for the week,
between the station's new Reichschancellor
and Roz's incessant whining.
As far as I'm concerned, your entire sex can put a sock in it.
Boy, you'd never let me get away with a comment like that.
Oh, even the best of us can get a bit cranky when we're overtired.
All Dr. Crane needs right now is a little peace and quiet.
Eddie?
-[WHISTLES] -FRASIER: Damn it!
-Oh. Morning, Daphne. -Oh. Hello.
-Where are you off to? -I'm taking Eddie for a walk.
-By yourself? -Yes, of course. Why not?
It's dangerous out there.
You never know when you might need…
One of these.
A starter's pistol?
Oh, I don't think so, Dr. Crane, but thanks for the thought. [LAUGHS]
NILES: How did she know it wasn't a real gun?
Fooled the servants, even the ones who spent years fleeing juntas.
-You bought a starter's pistol? -NILES: Yes.
As long as Maris thinks it's real, it makes her feel secure.
-But this way no one can get hurt. -[GUNSHOT]
What the hell was that?!
Was that a gunshot?
-Morning, Frasier, just getting up? -Just getting up?!
Are you out of your mind? A gun just went off in here!
Niles bought a starter's pistol.
And there's no need to get snippy. Accidents happen, you know.
Oh, I'm sorry. Was I snippy?
I didn't realize it was too much to ask
that there not be gun play in my living room!
You know, Niles, you shouldn't have any kind of gun.
Come to think of it, now that Mr. Sunshine's home during the day,
maybe I shouldn't either.
Just relax.
It won't be long before my loyal fans protest
and the afternoon slot is once again home
to the compassionate and lovable Dr. Frasier Crane.
Now get the hell out, both of you.
All right. Maybe I can catch up to Daphne in the park.
I'll cover you.
Hello, Seattle, this is Dr. Frasier Crane.
I'll be taking your calls for the next four hours.
Roz, who's on the line?
How should I know? I just got here.
Hello, line two. You're on with Dr. Frasier Crane.
-[OVER PHONE] Hey, Dr. Crane. It's Mark. -Hello, Mark. I'm listening.
Okay, well, I work at this all-night mini-mart,
and I've been watching myself on the video camera,
and the camera-me is doing things I don't approve of.
WOMAN [ON PHONE]: People think insomnia is a laughing matter, but it's hell.
I mean, if I don't get some sleep soon, I'll go crazy.
You've got to help me, Dr. Crane.
Dr. Crane?
Hey, I'm talking here!
What?! I'm listening.
Well, so what do you think I should do?
Well, you know, sometimes these things seem clearer in the light of day. Um…
My advice is to sleep on it.
Is that some kind of a joke? You make fun of the insomniac?
FRASIER: Oh, no!
[DIAL TONE HUMMING]
[KNOCKING ON WINDOW]
Oh, oh, and now for a word from, um, uh, ahh…
Someone, uh…
I forget. I think they sell paint.
Do you hear that whooshing sound?
It's my career going down the toilet.
Oh, God, Roz, I don't think I've helped a single person tonight.
Helped? You'll be lucky if you don't get sued.
You told a longshoreman to come out of the closet
and a gay guy to spend more time on the docks.
You're the one who's supposed to keep track of who's on what line.
Let me make it easy for you. Freaks!
Freaks on line one! Freaks on line two! Freaks everywhere!
Oh, Roz, Roz, Roz, we shouldn't get mad at each other.
-This is all Kate's fault. -You're right, you're right.
She's ruining us, and there's nothing we can do.
Yes, there is.
If we're gonna go down, we're gonna take her down with us.
We've got one hour left.
If she wants raunch, we're gonna give her more raunch than she dreamed of.
Are you with me, Roz?
Just pump up the volume and call me Kitty.
Okay.
We're back, Seattle, and in accordance with new station policy,
we are going to be pandering to the lowest human instinct.
In other words, who wants to talk about sex?
Sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex!
-[WHIP CRACKS ON RECORDING] -Yeah!
I wanna know who's having sex, how you're having it.
I wanna know if you're having it right now.
Look, Dr. Crane, the lines are hot, really hot.
Thank you, Kitty.
Hello, caller. What are you wearing?
WOMAN [ON PHONE]: Nothing. I'm naked.
Hey, that's a great idea. Let's all get naked.
Hey, I'm getting naked right now!
While Dr. Crane strips, our new station manager would like to know
if you prefer to be the spanker or the spankee.
Oh, definitely the spanker.
Well, then hop in a cab!
-I'm not wearing any pants! -Wow!
FRASIER [ON RECORDING]: While Roz laces up her leather bustier,
this is Dr. Frasier Crane, KACL,
all talk, all night, all naked!
Explain.
As George Bernard Shaw once said, "There are two tragedies in life.
One is not getting what we want, the other is getting it."
You know full well this is not what I wanted.
You did this to vex me.
And you succeeded.
And it was not Shaw. It was Oscar Wilde.
Did you ever open a book at Harvard?
You know, one of these days, you are going to misquote someone,
and I'm gonna land on you like a Sumo wrestler.
All I wanted, all I wanted, was a lousy little theme show once or twice a week.
Yeah, "Frasier Crane Takes a Leering Look at infidelity."
No, not a leering look.
Just a good look at the pain of infidelity,
at what it does to families,
at what it does to children, at what it does to the fabric of society.
And this is just off the top of my head.
But, no, you are such an arrogant gasbag,
so used to being cock of the walk around here,
that you can't stand still for one minute and listen
to a perfectly valid suggestion from somebody else.
And you are such a smug egomaniac that your entire self-image
would shatter like a cheap mirror
if you ever had to admit that you had made a mistake!
You are a classic case of neurotic narcissism
and a first-class smarty-pants!
You can go ahead and fire me now.
Yes, I could do that, yes.
But I'm not going to.
Did you listen to the whole tape?
Oh, yeah.
But unlike you, I put what's good for this station
above my personal feelings.
Well, that's… That's awfully big of you.
Guess that means I'll be moving back to my old time slot.
Guess again, Captain Midnight.
If I give you back your old time slot
without your making a single concession to me,
that would completely undermine my authority.
Being a crack shrink, surely that's within your grasp.
Grasp this: if I don't get my old time slot, I quit.
Grasp this: You do, and I'll sue you for breach of contract.
Okay, then it's a stalemate.
And if we don't want to remain entrenched in these positions forever,
one of us had better think of something.
Yes, one of us better.
-I've got it! -Damn.
-So we're together, right? -Absolutely.
We won't let her push us around any longer.
Nope. You do the talking.
I'll stand behind you and burn holes through her
with my "You call this a hollandaise sauce?" glare.
I don't care what you say!
I like theme shows, and I'm going to do them starting Friday
with "Frasier Crane Takes a Look at the Consequences of Infidelity"!
You do, and I'll make you start that show with classical music.
Bartók's "Concerto in C." I don't care how much you hate it.
Damn you!
It's my way or no way.
You win. Bartók it is.
-What do you two want? -Nothing.
Keep up the good work.
[THEME MUSIC PLAYING]
♪ Hey, baby, I hear the blues a-callin' ♪
♪ Tossed salads and scrambled eggs ♪
Oh, my.
♪ And maybe I seem a bit confused ♪
♪ Well, maybe, but I got you pegged ♪
Ha, ha, ha, ha!
♪ But I don't know what to do ♪
♪ With those tossed salads and scrambled eggs ♪
♪ They're callin' again ♪
Good night!