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Frasier Online Episode Guide -> Season 2 -> Episode 2.18

The Club
Episode Details

Written by: Elias Davis & David Pollock

Directed by: David Lee

Original US airdate: 21st March 1995

Original UK airdate: 3rd November 1995


Cast Information
Main Cast
Frasier Crane .... Kelsey Grammer
Niles Crane .... David Hyde Pierce
Martin Crane .... John Mahoney
Daphne Moon .... Jane Leeves
Roz Doyle .... Peri Gilpin
Recurring Cast
   
   
Guest Cast
Mr Drake .... W. Morgan Sheppard
Mr Spencer .... Mitchell Edmonds
Mr Wentworth .... Jim Norton
Guest Callers
Sid .... Gary Sinise

Episode Synopsis

Niles arrives at KACL with news that makes Frasier insanely jealous - he has a chance to be accepted into the prestigious Empire Club, something he and Maris have been working to get into their whole married life. Frasier's jealousy eases when he is informed that a second opening has become available when another member was arrested. Niles and Frasier therefore decide the best way for the both of them to get into the club is for each to promote the other at the cocktail reception the club is holding to decide who should get in. Armed with the cards Niles has prepared on all the club's committe members, the two brothers are ready to go. Frasier's date calls to cancel so he decides to take Daphne instead.

At the reception, the Crane brothers are doing well at promoting the other when they learn that only one place is available because the member who was arrested was acquitted and let back in. This sparks off the highly competitive streak in the brothers and so they start stabbing each other in the back with Niles telling the committe members about Frasier's suicide attempt and Frasier telling everyone about Niles being arrested for mooning the president. This leaves bad blood between the Crane brothers which is eased when Frasier finally apologises, which is soon followed by a call on Niles' mobile from the Club - Niles didn't get in, but Frasier did. This leaves Frasier feeling guilty for Niles because he has been working much harder than Frasier to get in and so he goes down to the Club to get them to take Niles instead of him. Over at Frasier's apartment, Niles learns from Martin what Frasier intends to do and is appalled, so he rushes down to the Club. The club president is informing Frasier that they didn't want Niles because he is a radio psychiatrist and just as Frasier is about to explain, Niles rushes in and says he doesn't want to be a member of the Club which leaves Niles to double back when Frasier informs him of their mistake but it is too late - the club president throws them both out.

Episode Title Cards
  • The Crane Scrutiny
  • He Ain't Heavy...He's My Brother

Episode Highlights

- After Martin tells Daphne he calls his feet his 'dogs', she tells him of her uncle who named parts of his anatomy after the Royal Family:
Daphne: He was quite a jolly fellow until Aunt Kate caught him introducing the Prince Of Wales to a cocktail waitress.

- Niles arrives to collect Frasier for the Club:
Martin: Where's Maris?
Niles: She stayed in the Mercedes practicing her vivacious giggle.

- Niles and Frasier discuss tactics at the cocktail selection party:
Niles: I've done some research and, to be frank, I don't think we should worry - one of them flies coach!

- Niles and Frasier are talking to one of the selction committee:
Frasier: This is my brother, Dr Niles Crane - the eminent psychiatrist.
Niles: My brother is too kind - he was already eminent while my eminence was merely imminent.

- Roz's mother has asked her why she never meets any of her boyfriends:
Roz: I told her "The plane ride to Wisconsin is 4 hours which is longer than most of my relationships last."

- After Daphne gives an over-the-top performance about her being tossed aside after helping Frasier get into the Club:
Frasier: I see the Proschutto isn't the only imported ham in the house (!).

Frasier Online Episode Review

This episode sees yet another in the canon of Frasier and Niles sibling rivalry episodes that sees each brother supportive of the other in pursuit of a place at an exclusive club - until they learn there is only one place, causing the Cranes to turn on each other. I loved Niles' quip about Frasier's suicide attempt and Frasier's retort about Niles mooning the President! With a highly amusing ending, where Niles tries (and fails) to make good his snide comments about the club when he learns it's actually him they wanted, this is another solid Season 2 effort.

Rating

79 %

Latest Viewer Episode Review

Avg. Viewer Review: 92.7%
Total Number of Reviews: 3


Sibling rivalry, Nov 29, 2011

Reviewer: Sammy J from Melbourne, Australia


Who could have known that the casting of just one actor would
surely be the main reason this show lasted so long? David Hyde
Pierce brought every aspect of his talent to the role of Niles, and
created a character whose relationships with every other member
of the ensemble were simply sparkling.

The Niles/Frasier rivalry (discussed on 'Cheers' long ago) is
undoubtedly the best element of 'Frasier', and it's in full force
here. The snobbery of both Crane brothers comes on strong as
they battle for membership at an exclusive club, while trying to
convince themselves (and each other) that they aren't rivals.
Frasier's absolute obsession with being able to say "I'll be at my
club" is grand, and the scenes where they begin one-upping each
other at the club event are hysterical. Things get more and more
out of hand in the episode's climax, with a classic
misunderstanding. The final confrontation is full of amusing little
moments, particularly when Frasier and then Niles fall utterly in
love with a leather chair. Blissful.


Rating: 98%

 

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