Frasier Online Episode Guide -> Season 1 -> Episode 1.17

A Midwinter Night's Dream

Daphne bumps into Frasier and Niles in Cafe Nervosa while buying some coffee beans, and becomes charmed by the waiter Eric. He asks her out on a date, making Niles rather jealous. This prompts Frasier to question with Niles his continuing infatuation with Daphne and asks whether there is anything wrong at home. Niles admits his marriage is in a bit of a rut, and after consulting Roz, suggests some fantasy sexual roleplaying to spice it up. That night Niles turns up at Frasier's having been kicked out by Maris. The reason? He had dressed as a pirate wearing only an eye patch covering his modesty and left clues to find him in the closet. Unfortunately, he was discovered by the maid and then Maris misread the situation.

After staying the night, Daphne suggests cooking her a romantic meal and offers to help. The weather turns stormy, and Maris is unable to fly back from her favourite spa. This leaves a soaked through Daphne and a lonely Niles to themselves. When Frasier finds out the two of them will be alone together, he and Martin rush off to stop him doing anything stupid. Will Niles let his passions get the better of him as Daphne changes in to a thin negligee and admits to breaking up with Eric...?

- After Daphne agrees to go out with Eric:
Niles: How could she like him - the man has community college written all over him.

- Frasier consults Roz for some sex advice:
Frasier: What do you do when the romance goes out of a relationship?
Roz: I get dressed and go home.

- Niles dressed as a pirate, and his wonderful story of getting kicked out by Maris, followed by:

Martin: Did I tell you about the time I was locked outside in my underwear.
Niles: Only every Thanksgiving(!)
Martin: Don't worry - I won't be telling that story this year!

- After reeling off a list of ingredients Maris is allergic to:
Niles: Did I mention nuts?
Frasier: Oh I think that's implied!

- Niles reaction on the piano as he sees Daphne dressed in a negligee.

- Frasier appearing at the window just as Niles and Daphne share a friendship kiss.

The first show where the Niles/Daphne situation comes to the fore and a wonderfully written episode it is too, combining both comedy and drama. I loved the ending where Niles realises he does love his wife, and kisses Daphne just as Frasier appears at the window screaming stop. So overall, a very enjoyable episode with a wonderful performance by David Hyde Pierce as he battles with his emotions.

Rating

83 %

Avg. Viewer Review: 96.8%
Total Number of Reviews: 12