Grand Guignol, as Frasier and Niles might say!, Jul 02, 2012

Reviewer: Tid from SW England

Most other reviews have expressed the delights of this fantastic yet
hilarious episode. It's over the top, operatic, and just beautifully
played. All I can do is to share my own laugh-out-loud moments :

Niles' reaction when Daphne exclaims "Why, Dr Crane, your
glockenspiel has sprung to life!"

Eddie listening attentively to the answerphone.

Niles putting his finger to his mouth in subtle mock-puzzlement as
the lights go out in the storm and Daphne asks "The lights have gone
out - what are we going to do now?"

After Niles gives Daphne a long list of things that Maris can't eat, he
then adds "Oh, did I say nuts?" Frasier looks up from his breakfast
and says drily "I think that's implied!"

After Frasier suggests some psychological counselling for Niles and
Maris, Martin says "Oh, just give her some flowers and fix her a nice
romantic dinner. That'll make any woman forgive you". Niles: "Do you
really that would work?" Martin: "If it didn't, you wouldn't be here!"

Niles: "I wasn't wearing anything except an eye patch. Though,
technically, is it still an eye patch if you're wearing it on your -"
Frasier: "STOP!"

Roz: "My boyfriend got so into it [role play] that one night he went
home with another woman" Frasier: "Oh, I'm so sorry". Roz: "Hell,
she was gorgeous - one more drink and I'D have gone home with
her!"

Roz, discussing the use of role play: "Personally, I think you'd make a
very sexy gladiator". Frasier: "Roz, this is not for me - it's for my
brother Niles". Roz: "Oh in that case, make it a gladiola".

Frasier: "What do you do when the romance goes out of a
relationship?" Roz: "I get dressed and go home."

Wonderful episode.

Rating: 96%

Simply breathtaking from a once-in-a-lifetime show, Oct 05, 2009

Reviewer: Mike from Nottingham, UK

In life, there aren't that many times when you'll encounter simple perfection. This is one of those occasions. There's little else to know ... from start to end this is simply sublime.

The first time we see the subtlety and nuance of Niles's conflicting emotions over Daphne and Maris (we see some genuine affection for Maris here); the allusion to Wuthering Heights; stand-out one-liner and visual jokes. All wrapped in a story that starts the gentle journey of Daphne and Niles to their wonderful conclusion.

Frasier at its best was the best comedy ever. This is Frasier at its best.

Rating: 100%

The first classic episode, Jul 09, 2009

Reviewer: Sammy J from Canberra, Australia

This was the episode that cemented this show for me, and -
although everyone has said it - it's just a classic. Niles' decision to
pursue Daphne (aided by good use of Roz, Martin and Frasier) leads
to some great comedy, as Martin and Frasier set out to prevent him
from making a mistake. The show wisely made Maris such a
fascinating character, and managed to make Niles' relationship with
her realistic, that we actually end up satisfied with his decision to
remain true to his wife.

This episode is intelligently written but also hilarious. Quality stuff.

Rating: 100%

A Midwinter Night's Dream, May 02, 2009

Reviewer: Warren Lancaster from Toronto, ONT CAN

This episode, which is the first Niles and Daphne-esque episode of the series, is truly a classic. Everything from the clock springing to life, to Frasier shouting out: 'NILES!' Everything in this episode is wonderful, although my favorite scene is when Niles is in the pirate costume, explaining what happened with Maris to Frasier and Martin. Definately one of the best season 1 shows.

Rating: 97%

Had Me In Stitches!, Apr 15, 2009

Reviewer: Dannii from England

I was in stitches watching this episode! It is easily a classic and some of the lines are unforgettable.

"All that's missing is someone shouting 'Heathcliff!' across the moors!" was a personal favourite.

This episode is also about my favourite characters - Niles and Daphne. David Hyde Pierce and Janes Leeves performed excellent together, as always.

Perfect!

Rating: 98%

"All that's missing is shouting Heathcliff across the moors!, Oct 02, 2008

Reviewer: Emma McKeating from Stoke On Trent England

This is my all time favorite episode in the whole of the 265 episodes there have been. David Hyde Pierces sublime acting, along with Jane Leeves, makes this a sweet, endearing episode.
I have to confess that I do carry a torch for David Hyde Pierce, but watching this episode just made me know that Niles and Daphne would have to be together, and although it the series didn't quite seem the same when they did get together, it just would have been maddening if they hadn't.
This episode, along with most of the others, makes me laugh out loud, especially at the end, just when you think Niles and Daphne are going to kiss, the most hilarious thing happens.
Seeing a soaking wet Frasier, pressed against the glass window in the storm, yelling STOP!!!!!!like a mad man is one of the funniest bits I have seen.
Also seeing a soaking wet Martin in almost the same pose, banging his cane against the window, over the end credits just makes me giggle, and makes me want to start the episode over and over again.
One for all Frasier fans, whether new to the great doctor, or well acquainted!!!

Rating: 100%

Easily one of the best, Jul 31, 2008

Reviewer: Sarah A. Martin from Charlotte, NC

Every time I see this episode, I'm laughing! Clearly the writers were at their best and were having the time of their lives as they wrote the scene where Niles is just listening to Daphne. For me the Jack Benny look is the icing on the cake (when the electricity goes out). Also, who else could have said, "Your glockenspeil has sprung to life!" and get away with it?

Rating: 100%

The first major Niles-and-Daphne episode, Jun 29, 2008

Reviewer: Peter Blackstock from Poulsbo, WA

Clearly one of the series' high points. I suspect there were many regular viewers who, like me,
came to eagerly await the occasional episode when the spotlight was cast upon the unrequited
bond between Niles and Daphne. This was the first major episode along those lines, and as
such, it set the tone for what was to come. It was a huge part of what lured many of us in to
become longtime devotees of the show.

Also one of the funniest and most memorable one-liners, delivered by Jane Leeves: "Dr. Crane!
Your glockenspiel has sprung to life!"

Rating: 95%

Comedy genius, Apr 16, 2006

Reviewer: Luke Devine from Norwich, Norfolk, UK.

The alliteration to Wuthering Heights is constantly hilarious whilst Frasier's frantic attempts to impede the process of Niles's sexual ardour is unmissable. This is pure gold and the best episode I have seen to date.

Rating: 100%

Review for 'A Midwinter Night's Dream', Feb 08, 2006

Reviewer: Nick from North Wales, U.K.

Another superb edition and the first real glimpse of Niles' genuine feelings for Daphne developing. The backstory of his meeting Maris is also told and it's touching to hear that he does love her at this point. The scenes between David Hyde Pierce and Jane Leeves are wonderful as always.

Rating: 90%

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