Frasier Online Episode Guide -> Season 8 -> Episode 8.16

It Takes Two To Tangle

Frasier brings Niles some distressing Niles - their high school Bryce Academy is on the verge of bankruptcy, and the fundraising commitee has failed to raise enough to save it. Niles then suggests that their circle of friends contains enough rich people who would be glad to contribute to any worthy cause. So the Crane brothers organise an elegant soiree at Frasier's apartment, but their hopes of raising money seem to disappear when they realise almost all of their guests have money troubles themselves. However, there may be a silver lining after all when Penelope Janvier, who has her own charitable foundation, arrives. Frasier and Niles disappear into the kitchen to get their pitch just right, but soon rush out again when they see Penelope talking to their father, just in time to see Penelope leaving. Frasier and Niles can't believe they've missed their chance, but are even more taken back when Martin tells them that Penelope has asked him out.

On the night of Martin's date, Frasier and Niles await his return hoping he has kept her on side and not ruined their chance to ask her for money, and are relieved when they hear Martin returning with a woman - but it's not Penelope, it's Estelle - a waitress from a cafe Martin dropped into after dropping off Penelope. Martin thinks he can juggle both women - he's even programmed different ring tones into his mobile for both women. Frasier and Niles are desperate for money, though, and so when Penelope invites Martin to a cocktail party, Frasier manages to invite himself and Niles.They just have to get their pitch right before Penelope's son William finds out they are hawking for money and Penelope finds out about Estelle.......

- Frasier and Niles are reminiscing about their time at Bryce Academy:
Niles: No more Nurses Office - I spent many a happy gym class there!

- Frasier can't believe Penelope leaving had nothing to do with Martin talking to her:
Frasier: What was it Dad? A bawdy joke? Nose whistling ?!!

- Frasier and Niles worry about Martin trying to date 2 women at once:
Martin: Don't worry, I've watched you juggle. I've got a pretty good idea what not to do!

- Martin has turned into a horny devil trying to date Penelope and Estelle:
Frasier: Dear God - what do we do now?
Niles: I guess we could have him neutered.

- Penelope admits to Frasier she is aware of Bryce Academy:
Frasier: Then you must be familiar with their excellent standards.
Penelope: Yes I am - they wouldn't let in William!

- Niles fainting into William's arms to distract him.

I found this episode an underwhelming re-run of 'When A Man Loves Two Women', this time with Martin juggling 2 women which features the rather unpleasant experience of Martin trying to be hip and cool. The plot didn't throw up many laughs, and neither did Niles and Frasier trying to save Bryce Academy with Penelope's help. The episode as a whole seemed underpowered as a whole, enlivened only by Penelope's son William who spends her party trying to stop everyone from fleecing his mother from more money.

Rating

70 %

Avg. Viewer Review: 71.5%
Total Number of Reviews: 2