Written by: Rob Greenberg

Directed by: David Lee

Original US airdate: 12th November 1996

Original UK airdate: 8th August 1997

• Stranger In A Strange Land

• Hoopla

• Ay, There's The Rub

Niles takes the stage, Sep 22, 2008

Reviewer: David Sim from Skelmersdale, England

When Kelsey Grammer's drug addiction almost got him killed in a car accident, he decided to check himself into the nearest rehab clinic to get himself sorted out. Unfortunately, that meant he couldn't appear in this episode, Head Game. He only appears in the opening scene at Cafe Nervosa, but that was filmed and added at a later date.

Although this episode has clearly been written with Frasier in mind, and Kelsey's absence is sorely felt, one good thing about it is it gives Niles the chance to step into Frasier's shoes for a day. And David Hyde Pierce is such an exceptional actor that he rises to the occasion superbly.

Still, even if Frasier had been present for it, and despite being written by the great Rob Greenberg, Head Game is a sadly mixed affair. Its OK I suppose but its a somewhat low point in the magnificent Season 4, and feels a bit underpowered when compared to the episodes surrounding it.

The opening scene is actually the best because we get the usual witty bickering between Frasier and Niles. Frasier is off to a therapists convention in Aspen. But one for radio shrinks. I love Niles' reply:

"One well-timed avalanche and the dignity of the entire psychiatric profession could be restored."

We also get some great Maris jokes involving her sister that I would quote but you need Kelsey Grammer's delivery to make them hilarious. Anyway, Niles has to fill in for him at KACL while he's off, and sadly, after that, the episode's humour value begins to steadily go down.

There is definite amusements to be had from Niles' half-hearted advice to Frasier's callers, and watching Roz manuever him into positions he would rather not be. But still, the episode is not all it should be. Like this, Niles counsels Reggie, a basketball star off his game. But when teaching him techniques to improve his self-esteem, like pleasant memories, I was expecting Niles to make some hilarious, lustful mention of Daphne, and doesn't. I'm surprised that Rob Greenberg would miss such an obvious pun.

Still, Head Game has its laughs along the way. The episode has had to be re-written for Niles, but this opens it up to some great possibilities. Like when Reggie publicly thanks Niles for getting him through his dry spell, Daphne thinks about spending some time with Niles on a couch! Or at the game, Daphne translates sport talk into opera speak for Niles' benefit.

But I think the main problem I have with Head Game is its plot. It doesn't have much in the way of one. Reggie thinks rubbing Niles' head is what's given him his form back. And that's really it. Season 4 probably has more classic episodes in it than any other season. But they were all driven by exceedingly strong stories. Head Game can't help but come up a bit short when held in comparison. Its a testamant to DHP's skills as an actor that he keeps things on course.

Still, it does make you laugh in spite of what I said. Like Frasier's postcard from Aspen. Although it went down like a lead balloon with Daphne and Martin, I liked Frasier's joke:

"(the psychiatrists) As I watched you on the slopes, I realised I'd never seen so many Freudians slip."

But the other problem with Head Game is this has clearly been intended as a vehicle for Frasier. When it comes to struggling with one's ethics, that is more Frasier's area than Niles'. Even the fight between Niles and Martin lacks sparkage because it should have been between Frasier and Martin. John Mahoney always has much better chemistry with Kelsey Grammer than he does David Hyde Pierce. When Martin says he knew Niles would find some way to ruin things, we all know its Frasier who sabotages his own good fortune. And not Niles.

But the last scene does end things on a reasonable high. When Niles tries to set Reggie straight, he runs off an embarrassing number of double-entendres in front of a security guard (before you rub your hands all over me, we can still see each other but no touching).

I think at the end of the day, Head Game is an honourable failure. The producers, cast and especially DHP kept things together in Kelsey's absence, but I think this episode only proves how integral Frasier is to the success of the show. Without him to complete the ensemble, the episode will wind up lacking somewhat. A minor blip in a superb season.

As a footnote, it may interest people to know that Head Game had the highest ratings of any episode in season 4. Odd considering there were far more deserving episodes throughout. And far better written ones too!

Rating: 60%