Frasier Online Episode Guide -> Season 1 -> Episode 1.11

Death Becomes Him

Following a discussion where Daphne tells Niles she prefers her men to be more on the macho side, which leads to Niles trying to prove this for the rest of the episode, Frasier informs everyone that Martin's doctor has been on the phone asking why he hasn't turned up for his physical. After Martin arrives, he eventually finds out his game has been rumbled and says he doesn't want to go to Dr Jennings anymore. Niles suggests another one and Frasier takes Martin this time. Once there, they discover that the doctor has died and this leads to Frasier worrying about his own death. After sorting out his affairs, Martin suggests he find out more about the person. So Frasier takes it upon himself to go to the doctor's shiva and find out about the truth.

- As Niles is making something out of a napkin:
Daphne: I suppose I like my gents more on the manly side. Was that a little swan you just made?
Niles: No, it was a B-52.

Frasier: Roz, why is it every time we try to have a serious conversation we end up talking about your sex life?
Roz: Because I have one.

Niles [to Daphne]: Yes, I can always pump iron later.
Frasier: Pump iron(!) Niles, you don't even pump your own gas.

- The way Frasier says 'Niles' after discovering one of his stickers on his robe.

Although Niles trying to be manly is very funny, this is one of my least favourite of the early 'Frasier' episodes. Obviously, an episode about death is never going to be a laugh riot but while there are some very amusing moments throughout the episode, such as Niles putting his name on all of Frasier's good stuff to get hold of them after his brother passes away, I didn't find the 'You're not Jewish, are you" punchline all that amusing and so while this remains an admirably dark episode for a first season, I still find it a tad depressing as a whole.

Rating

71 %

Avg. Viewer Review: 82.0%
Total Number of Reviews: 5