Frasier Online Episode Guide -> Season 7 -> Episode 7.11

The Fight Before Christmas

Frasier is planning a very traditional Christmas party with carol singing and a game of 'Minister's Cat', and has invited the whole building including Cam Winston who he has a long running feud with over how close he parks his car to Frasier's. Meanwhile, Daphne is still on tenterhooks after discovering Niles' long running affection for her by a Frasier high on painkillers - and doesn't remember what he said to Daphne. When Roz drops by to return Frasier's punchbowl, she takes the opportunity to discuss her problem - only to discover Roz already knew about it! Roz tells Daphne not to worry - Niles is with Mel now, and Daphne's engaged to Donny. Niles drops in with some bad news - their long-time garner Yoshi died of a heart attack, and so has to go and condole Maris. Frasier says not to tell Mel he is going to console his ex-wife, but at the KACL Christmas party, Mel bumps into Frasier (she was a guest on one of the health shows) and asks if he and his brother enjoyed dinner last night. Saying they didn't have dinner last night causes Mel to get her coat but Niles covers it up by saying he was getting her Christmas present, but Frasier lands Niles in it again when he reveals it was Maris he was with causing Roz to overhear Mel say to Niles "It's obvious you're still in love with her!".

Back at Frasier's, the party seems to be a disaster as no-one has turned up because Cam Winston has invited the whole building to HIS party. Niles arrives to say that he and Mel have broken up - causing Daphne to worry that he might now make a play for her. Telling her worries to Roz, she informs her what she overheard at the party causing Daphne to feel even more awkward around Niles. As Niles seems a bit down, Martin turns on 'Dancing Santa' which manages to break Daphne's present, so he suggests switching the gift tags with Mel's and giving her Mel's present as he won't be needing it. Niles does so, and shares them out just as Mel phones. Niles manages to explain everything but then realises he needs Daphne's present back. Niles also admits to Frasier Maris may have mistaken his sign of sympathy as something more, causing Daphne to overhear Niles say "I've got to tell her how I feel". So when Niles asks Daphne to join him on the balcony, she resolves to go first and tell him she doesn't feel the same - but is much relieved when he asks for his present back. Finally some guests show up - apparently one of Martin's buddies in the fire department did him a favour and told Cam he had too many people in his apartment. The episode ends with everyone singing 'Deck The Halls' as Daphne steals a wistful glance at Niles.

- Frasier consults Niles on what should go on at his party:
Niles: Start with a game, then the carolling, then the guests may be ready for another game.
Martin: Yeah - Russian Roulette!

- Martin gets Dancing Santa working again:
Martin: Every year I take him out of the box there's something wrong with him, but I always manage to fix him.
Niles: Good for you Dad. [To Frasier] I told you to dunk him underwater.
Frasier: I did!

- Gil has baked some gingerbread men to inspire him to do some exercise:
Gil: This is my last little man, I promise - oh, who am I kidding.
Frasier: No one Gil (!)

- After Frasier has dropped Niles in it twice with Mel:
Niles: Anything else in the box, Pandora (!)

- Frasier is on the balcony trying to tempt guests in the apartment above at Cam Winston's party:
Frasier: I'll show them what they're missing - Savoury lamb tenders! Pesto-filled mushroom caps!

After the heady delights of the previous episode 'Back Talk' comes this lovely episode which delicately resolves (at least partially) the Niles/Daphne situation. The best moments in the episode, however, resolve around Frasier's party: first, he alienates everyone at work by not inviting anyone except Roz, and then the party itself is a disaster as no-one comes. There is a delightful moment when Frasier is wondering where his guests are, so he goes to the lift and listens to it. He is so excited when a lift full of guests opens - but only Roz gets out! Niles and Daphne, however, do have a great scene together on the balcony where Daphne waits with anticipation for Niles to tell her his real feelings for her. Although Daphne says that she doesn't feel the same about Niles, there is however that wistful look she gives him at the end of the episode - perhaps there is life for this story after all.

The writers have left the sitation in a wonderful position because with Frasier not knowing he revealed Niles' secret, Martin thinking what Daphne overheard in the previous episode was a misunderstanding that Frasier has cleared up while poor Niles has no idea that Daphne knows. This leaves only Daphne and Roz knowing the complete picture which hopefully will lead to a few more wonderful episodes yet. This episode is ultimately a superior one that gives all the cast some great scenes and lines which, together with 'Back Talk', make it the second half of a memorable 2-parter.

Rating

83 %

Avg. Viewer Review: 93.5%
Total Number of Reviews: 4