A character-based little jaunt, Nov 28, 2011

Reviewer: Sammy J from Melbourne, Australia

"Adventures in Paradise" is a very enjoyable two-parter, although I
prefer the second half, as it has many more laugh-out-loud
moments. But the first half is sold by three things:
a) Daphne's ability to blow smoke rings;
b) A solid guest turn from JoBeth Williams;
and c) The fact that the humour and insight comes from character.
Frasier's exploits, as he relentlessly pursues a beautiful woman and
then finds his stock rising, are consistently amusing. But more so,
they're all the more enjoyable for those of us who know the
characters. The best episodes of this show (and there are many of
them) are brilliant not just because of the comedy, but because
every action really does stem from the characters. This two-parter
somewhat short-changes the rest of the ensemble, but it's made up
for by the tightness of Frasier's plot

Rating: 83%

Red Alert! Lilith off the starboard bow! Hard to Port!, Jul 07, 2008

Reviewer: David Sim from Skelmersdale, England

Adventures in Paradise is the first episode this season to take a proper pot shot at Frasier's disastrous lovelife. But what makes this one markedly different from all the other romantic prospects Frasier has over the years is this one actually seemed quite promising.

Madeline Marshall, a "stunning woman" quickly endears herself to Frasier when he reads about her in the society pages:

"Single. Patron of the arts. MBA at Stanford. And what she looks for most in a man is someone who knows how to listen."

After Frasier's calamitous attempts at matchmaking earlier this season (you know which one I'm talking about!), now its Roz's turn. And calls up Madeline's office on his behalf. Even if Frasier gets his lines crossed. Literally! Watch the episode and you'll see what I mean.

Madeline is played by JoBeth Williams. I've always thought JoBeth Williams is an extremely underrated actress. Although she's been consistently employed, she's never quite ascended to the A-list of Hollywood's leading ladies, even though she never fails to light up the screen whenever she's around. Witness her superb performances in Poltergeist and The Big Chill. And a memorable one in Kramer vs Kramer.

Madeline is no exception. Right from her very first appearance, you quickly take a shine to her. JoBeth Williams has always seemed an intelligent performer to me, which makes her ideally suited to such a sophisticated sitcom as Frasier. Pity she didn't stick around a bit longer.

She's given plenty of great one-liners that Williams delivers to perfection. Its clear during her dinner date with Frasier that she's got great chemistry with Kelsey Grammer. Every line that comes out of her mouth crackles with sharp wit. Here's a couple of prize puns:

(about Frasier's show) "My secretary listens to it actually, but I try to catch as much as I can when I cross back and forth through her office!"

(learning Frasier's divorced) "Thank goodness. For a second there I thought you were one of those strange single men still living with his parents!"

Personally I prefer the first half of their dinner date over the second half. The bust-up amongst the restaurant staff feels an unnecessary way to get Madeline to like Frasier. They were doing just fine beforehand. And Williams hardly gets to say anything towards the end, which can only be a bad thing.

Anyway, Frasier and Madeline are now officially an item. Anyone who keeps score of Frasier's trysts will understand the significance when he says Madeline may be "the one". Hmmm. I also love Roz bemoaning her "dating drought" and Frasier's "storybook romance." Capped off brilliantly by Frasier and Madeline choosing to take their relationship to the next level on holiday ("Bora Bora. Hubba Hubba!").

I think my favourite part is when Frasier wonders if he and Madeline may be moving too quickly. Niles' advice becomes a sad mirror of his own life:

"Its possible to move a relationship along too fast and ultimately marry too hastily. You could find a few years down the line that this person isn't really right for you. And then you do meet the right person, someone who really excites you and makes you feel alive but you can't act upon it because you're trapped inside of a stale albeit comfortable Maris!"

On to Bora Bora, which sets up the episode's brilliant finale. Guess who happens to be staying at the same resort, and next door to Frasier no less...Lilith!

Its such a shocker because you never expected it to be a Lilith episode, or for it to be the first of a two-part story. It leaves you on tenterhooks for Pt 2.

A brilliant episode. Fun subplot too about Daphne teaching Niles to blow smoke rings, but really Adventures in Paradise belongs to Kelsey Grammer and the superb JoBeth Williams. Love her hairstyle too. Makes her look just like Sigourney Weaver.

Rating: 95%

'Adventures In Paradise (Part I)' review, May 25, 2005

Reviewer: Jocelyn from London, UK

The first of a two parter in which Frasier gets to go an a date with clotheswear designer Madeline Marshall, after which the two of them decide to take a trip to Bora Bora. This is a great episode and JoBeth Williams is probably my favourite of all the actresses who have played Frasier's dates over the years. The scene with the family feud in the restaurant is absolutely priceless and I also loved the scenes with Martin, Niles and Daphne smoking cigars, especially the latter blowing smoke rings. Of course the episode ends with the biggest shock possible for Frasier as a certain ex-wife happens to be holidaying at the same hotel as Frasier and Madeline...

Rating: 86%