Frasier Online Episode Guide -> Season 2 -> Episode 2.20

Breaking The Ice

Martin is preparing for his annual ice fishing trip with Duke when he suddenly cancels. After Daphne says she couldn't wait to pan fry the kippers her brothers brought home, Niles suddenly decides to go with his father. Frasier, meanwhile, is obsessing over the fact that Martin never says 'I love you' to him yet he hears him say it to Eddie and Duke. Daphne convinces him to go with his father and brother to see if he can get him to say it. Once they arrive, Frasier hates every second while Niles is getting into it, but after Niles drops the car keys through the hole in their cabin into the lake, nerves begin to fray. While Martin goes outside, Niles reveals that he came to try and get closer to Dad like Frasier has, while Frasier also reveals his true purpose for coming. Martin comes in as they are laughing about it and wants to know what they're laughing about. After they tell him, Martin does finally say 'I love you' to his sons (after a swig of Jim Beam!).

- Frasier tells Roz his father has never said " I love you" to him:
Roz [to Frasier]: So your father never told you he loves you? God, that explains so much.

Martin: Now just cos I'm going out of town I don't want you boys throwing any wild parties.
Frasier: How can we if you're taking the pork rinds (!).

- Frasier is a bit taken aback when Martin says "I love you to Eddie":
Frasier: Did Dad just say 'I love you' to the dog.
Daphne: Oh that's nothing - I had an aunt who used to say 'Good evening Mr Vanderpump' to a hat rack.

- The sight of Niles in his fishing gear.
Frasier: You look like a skinny Elmer Fudd.

Martin: Quite an outfit, huh? The fish'll see him coming.
Daphne: Yes well, the salesmen certainly did (!)

- Martin informs the boys they'll be staying at 'The Bed and Bass':
Frasier: 'The Bed and Bass'! One of the finer fish themed hotels (!).

- Querying Niles' sudden interest in ice fishing:
Frasier: Niles, in 20 years I have never heard you comment on fish unless to say the sauce had separated.

Frasier: You know Maris loves you, but it's still nice to hear it.
Niles: I imagine it would be but let's stick to attainable goals.

A highly amusing episode that is a nice combination of family bonding and snobbery, with Niles really getting into ice fishing just to please his father particularly enjoyable to watch such as his constant telling of facts he has learned. The episode also ends nicely with Martin finally telling his sons he loves them in a way that is not too saccharine drenched as perhaps it would be in a lesser sitcom.

Rating

83 %

Avg. Viewer Review: 89.3%
Total Number of Reviews: 3