The first average episode, Nov 20, 2011

Reviewer: Sammy J from Melbourne, Australia

"Call Me Irresponsible", like the six episodes that come before it,
takes its plot and jokes entirely from the actions and nature of the
characters, so it continues to be a cut above the rest. However, I felt
that the episode didn't work as smoothly as previous ones. The idea
of Frasier going against his ethics is a good one (and the revelation
that Frasier and Niles both react to ethics violations in a visceral
method is very funny), but it isn't very well utilised, to be frank. The
cast do their best with the script, but it doesn't really seem to go
anywhere other than the unexpected.

Rating: 63%

Call Me Irresponsible, Mar 18, 2009

Reviewer: Warren Lancaster from Toronto, ONT, CAN

This is definatley not a great example of a season one episode. The plot is weak and so is the guest cast. The thought of Frasier doing something unethical is an interesting prospect that could have been done much better than this. The funniest thing in the episode was taking the Christmas card photo in October.

Rating: 64%

Call Me Irresponsible, Aug 24, 2007

Reviewer: Amy from Wiltshire, England

A fairly good episode, though disapointing in some places. Also, as an emetophobic (vomit phobic) I was petrfied throughout the whole scene where Frasier and Catherine try to have sex that Frasier would be hideously sick - thankfully he wasn't, but the suspense that I was in when I first saw the episode ruined it for me.

However, some fairly enjoyable moments were the first scene when Frasier includes Roz when talking to Marco, and the scene where Marco calls Frasier back. Unfortunately, for me, there weren't really any laugh out loud moments, despite these two rather amusing scenes.

Rating: 77%

CALL ME IRRESPONSIBLE, Jan 30, 2007

Reviewer: Cake for Brains from Manchester, UK

Oh dear. The first five seasons of Frasier are generally regarded as the finest and funniest of the eleven produced, with dull episodes being a rarity within them. ‘Call Me Irresponsible’ therefore feels somewhat out-of-place surrounded by so many excellent episodes, due to the fact that it represents the first truly ‘bad’ episode of ‘Frasier’. The jokes just aren’t there, and it is certainly a contender for the weakest offering from the first season; saved perhaps by one genuinely brilliant scene. What makes the banal nature of this episode even more surprising however is the fact that it was coined by Chuck Ramberg and Anne Flett-Giordano, a writing double act who wrote some of the finest episodes in the show’s illustrious history and who could usually be relied upon to deliver witty, inventive and laugh-out-loud scripts. ‘Call Me Irresponsible’ is also noteworthy because it is the first of many, many subsequent ‘Frasier’ episodes to focus on Frasier’s disastrous dating exploits and love life – territory that would be better covered in the future. I feel I should also mention that this episode draws heavily upon Frasier’s ‘ethics’, which is a plot device that was also set to recur countless times – given Frasier’s tendency to find himself in ‘moral dilemma’s’. I don’t really understand what my main gripes are with this episode – it’s never been one of my favourites, but it somehow seemed even more devoid of humour than usual when I re-watched it in order to compose this review. The episode gets off to a particularly weak start, and doesn’t really manage to recover itself. The radio callers to Frasier’s KACL show are usually very funny (especially in the first couple of seasons), but Hank’s inability to hear Frasier because he hadn’t turned off his own radio was something I didn’t find particularly funny. After that, the viewer is plunged straight into the main plot of the episode – a man named Marco calls in to explain that his girlfriend is the one with the ‘problem’, because she can’t stand the fact that he is not yet ready to commit to their relationship (he’s keeping his options open to see if someone better comes along!)

Thankfully, ‘Call Me Irresponsible’ is saved from being a complete waste of time, with one absolutely terrific scene that assists to redeem the many poorer regions of this episode. Ironically, this scene works because it bears absolutely no significance and relation to the main plot – focussing instead on Daphne and Martin putting together a Christmas card to send out in December. Whilst Frasier is taking a nap, they assemble a festively adorned Christmassy scene, and are obviously so taken by the seasonal decorations that they begin to sing ‘Deck the Bells’ – leading to Kelsey Grammer’s perfect delivery of ‘Exactly how long have I been asleep?’ when he walks in on the goings-on. Combine this with Eddie dressed as reindeer (with sleigh bell effects), Daphne’s quirky Grammy Moon story and the wonderful argument between Frasier and Martin, leading Daphne to say ‘Boys, boys, are you forgetting what day it is?’ for Frasier to roar ‘It’s October 21st!’ and this scene is downright hilarious. The merriment doesn’t last long however, because the rest of the episode is dedicated to the rather dramatic (and for that matter, rather dull) continuation of the storyline engendered at the beginning of the episode. The trouble begins when Marco’s now ex-girlfriend shows up, angry and upset at the radio station. And, unfortunately this is where the laughter stops – with Frasier and Catherine lamenting on love and dating, and sharing peanut M&M’s (they both like the yellow ones). So, next thing you know, the pair are dating – so cue Frasier’s terribly inappropriate and corny chat-up lines – ‘Salmon enchanted evening!’ The fleeting appearance of Niles proves to provide some temporary relief from their relationship – and as usual, you can rely on him to provide a couple of funny moments – ‘How was that babe o-rama?’ Perhaps predictably, Marco later calls back into Frasier’s show, voicing his fears that Catherine is dating someone else and wondering if he should ask her to take him back. Frasier’s advice – move to another state! The episode all but fizzles out in the final scene however – I suppose it comes down to what kind of comedy you like, but for me, the scene’s between Frasier and Catherine in the apartment, in which Frasier’s ethics force him to break up with her didn’t sit well with me. Catherine’s reactions feel completely wrong too – ‘illegal in 48 states kind of sex’. So, on the whole, an episode that feels too drawn out, with a fairly low laughter count. Definitely not one of the best episodes I’m afraid.

Rating: 69%

Not a season 1 highpoint, Jan 26, 2006

Reviewer: Nick from North Wales, U.K.

This episode hasn't aged too well for me as although there are some funny moments and Frasier wrestling with his ethics is amusing it's a little predictable that everything goes wrong with his new found romance. Perfectly watchable but not up to the standards previously set.

Rating: 73%

Review of Call Me Irresponsible, Jul 31, 2005

Reviewer: Beer Necessity from York, England

Following on from The Crucible is another rather weak episode unfortunately. The main plot of Frasier wrestling with a breach of his ethics is an interesting one, but sadly Amanda Donohoe's character Catherine just isn't very likeable. Although it's nice to see a Brit playing an American for a change I'm afraid I just don't like Amanda Donohoe as an actress and she drags the whole episode down for me. Without a doubt the funniest scene takes place before the main plot kicks in, with Martin, Daphne and Eddie dressing up for a Christmas card photograph. The scene at KACL also amuses as Frasier advises Catherine's ex-boyfriend Marco to move cities! There are enough good lines to keep this episode from being terrible, but it's still one of the few below average efforts this season.

Rating: 70%

Another Great Episode!, May 23, 2005

Reviewer: Amz from England

I really like this episode, especailly the part when Niles and Frasier were in the car! I also liked the fact that the thought of making love to Katherine was making Frasier sick to his stomach!

Rating: 91%

'Call Me Irresponsible' review, May 17, 2005

Reviewer: Jocelyn from London, UK

The funniest part of this episode is undoubtedly the scene where Frasier, Martin, Daphne and an antler-clad Eddie pose for the Christmas card photo. The main plot concerning Frasier dating one of his callers {and therefore breaching his ethics} is rather less satisfying and only really comes to life in the final scene where Frasier feels queasy every time he gets close to Catherine - although this is rather ruined by the 'whooping' from the audience, an annoying trait of many lesser US sitcoms which this show would thankfully quickly do away with. Worth a look for a few good moments such as when Frasier and Catherine fall into the vibrating chair but otherwise not one of the better Season 1 episodes.

Rating: 73%