Merry Christmas, Mrs. Moskowitz

No Clouds on the Horizon...
Season 6 was really the end of an era, before the Daphne-Niles romance became more than a one-sided infatuation and, although it provided emotional gratification to the show's fans, it sapped some of the show's energy. Bulldog was also soon to become a bit-player on the show, too--I'm not sure why. In addition, Frasier was shut out of the Emmys for the first time ever (it was defeated by Ally McBeal). At least we can be thankful that David E. Kelley wasn't involved with Frasier, or things would have detioratated much faster. Frasier, at least, ended strong last year.

The sixth season had more than a few laughs. Initially, Frasier was unemployed after KACL converted to a Latino-music station. One particularly funny episode was "Frasier's Curse", which had the unemployed Frasier trying to strike an upbeat note while awaiting a high school reunion. Frasier eventually does get his job back (sadly, Bulldog doesn't). Another highlight is a visit from Cheers' dense bartender...

Flashes of Brilliance
While this season continues a downward trend which started as early as the third season, there are still some flashes of brilliance here.

Frasier does ultimately get his job back at the radio station, and salsa music is banished. But the best episode lies a little ahead, on disk three...

My personal favorite episode is "Three Valentines," which combines some of the best Frasier elements. It starts out with Niles, solo at Frasier's place, preparing for a date with the president of the wine club. The writing is so clever and, as much, Niles' acting of the complex physical requirements, timing, and facial expression through an entirely silent sequence is just amazing - as good as anything you'd get in the whole series.

This is almost matched by Frasier's comedy of perception and expectation with the great-looking Communications Director of the station (played by Virginia Madsen in her prime). Again, the writing is strong and the acting matches it -...

Another season of Emmy nominations.
Season 6 has some hilarious, unforgettable situations Frasier, family and his friends have to work through. In "The Seal Who Came To Dinner" Frasier & Niles seek approval from snob hill, only to have a dead seal ruin their chances for the Golden Apron. Niles moves to Shangri-La,...the apartment with folding bed and reach-in closet. Donny Douglas, Daphne's husband-to-be-NOT is introduced. Niles tries to break them up, but fails for the next 4 seasons. And then there's Faye,...or is it Cassandra? Frasier couldn't get it right.

1. Good Grief

2. Frasier's Curse

3. Dial M For Martin

4. Hot Ticket

5. First, Do No Harm

6. Secret Admirer

7. How To Bury A Millionaire

8. The Seal Who Came To Dinner

9. Roz, A Loan

10. Merry Christmas, Mrs. Moskowitz

11. Good Samaritan

12. Our Parents, Ourselves

13. The Show Where Woody Shows Up

14. Three...

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