Frasier Online Episode Guide -> Season 2 -> Episode 2.07

The Candidate

Martin has made an election broadcast for Seattle mayor candidate, Holden Thorpe, much to Frasier and Niles' disgust as they regard him as a dangerously right-wing man. This prompts Niles into action who suggests to Frasier that they get behind their choice for Mayor - Phil Patterson, Thorpe's main rival. Frasier is at first reluctant as he fears that listeners maybe be alienated after finding out his political views but soon changes his mind after Thorpe calls in to his show and complains about Frasier's negative attitude towards him.

So with Maris and her staff helping out at Patterson HQ, an election broadcast starring Frasier is being made in his apartment. Everything is going smoothly until Frasier and Phil are talking on the balcony, and Phil reveals to Frasier that about six years ago he was abducted by aliens. Frasier is a bit shell shocked and is questioning his support of Phil until Niles calms him down. Frasier rationalises that because it was one incident, perhaps stress related, he should continue supporting him. The next day, however, Bulldog bursts into Roz's booth and says to Roz and Frasier that it's all over the news about Phil and the aliens. At which, Frasier goes on the air and says that you can't turn your back on someone who believes in aliens. However, Bulldog was referring to the Guatemalan 'aliens' that were staying at Phil's house......

- Martin's politcial advert for Holden Thorpe, ending with the line:
Martin: He's running because I can't!

- Referring to the crime situation in America:
Daphne: Makes me glad we don't have so many guns in England.
Frasier: You don't need guns - you've got kidney pie!

- After seeing Martin's 2nd advert where he reveals his scar:
Frasier: I don't know which is worse - his butt or what it stands for!

- Roz grabbing hold of Bulldog's tongue and slapping it.

- Maris's staff is licking envelopes at Patterson HQ:
Niles: She'd do it herself but the poor thing can't produce saliva.

- The look on Frasier's face after Phil tells him he was abducted by aliens.

- Frasier attempts his advert script after Phil's admission:
Frasier: He's a visionary and he really cares about the little people.

- Niles and Frasier discuss Phil's admission:
Niles: Can you honestly tell me that there isn't intelligent life on other planets.
Frasier: Right now, I'm not sure there's intelligent life in this kitchen!

- Frasier's on-air plea about Phil and the 'aliens' coupled with Roz's astonished reactions.

A very enjoyable episode as the Crane family dabble in politics. The best bits for me were the new meaning given to the script Frasier has to read for his advert - especially the bit about 'caring for the little people' - and the bit at the end where Frasier seals Phil's fate by inadvertently telling Seattle that Phil believes in aliens. A good beginning, middle and end add up to another great Season 2 episode.

Rating

80 %

Avg. Viewer Review: 92.7%
Total Number of Reviews: 3