Act One.
THE JOB
FRASIER CRANE...KELSEY GRAMMER
ROZ DOYLE...PERI GILPIN
NILES CRANE...DAVID HYDE PIERCE
WAITRESS...GINA RAVARRA
DELIVERYMAN...CLETO AUGUSTO
ROCKO MARSHALL...MANDY PATINKIN
MARTIN CRANE...JOHN MAHONEY
EDDIE...MOOSE
DAPHNE MOON...JANE LEEVES
Act One.
THE JOB
Scene One - KACL
The Frasier Crane Show. Dr. Frasier Crane, the host, is at his console,
admonishing a caller; Roz Doyle, his call-screener, is in her booth.
Frasier: [firmly] Listen to yourself, Bob! You follow her to work,
you eavesdrop on her calls, you open her mail. The minute
you started doing these things, the relationship was over!
[polite] Thank you for your call. [presses a button; to Roz]
Roz, I think we have time for one more?
Roz speaks in a soothing radio voice.
Roz: Yes, Dr Crane. On line four, we have Russell from Kirkland.
Frasier: [presses a button] Hello, Russell. This is Dr Frasier Crane;
I'm listening.
Russell: [v.o.] Well, I've been feeling sort of, uh, you know,
depressed lately. [Roz looks at the clock] My life's not
going anywhere and-and, er, it's not that bad. It's just
the same old apartment, same old job...
Roz taps on the glass of her booth and motions Frasier to wrap it up.
Frasier: Er, Russell, we're just about at the end of our hour. Let
me see if I can cut to the chase by using myself as an
example. Six months ago, I was living in Boston. My wife
had left me, which was very painful. Then she came back to
me, which was excruciating. On top of that, my practice
had grown stagnant, and my social life consisted of...
hanging around a bar night after night. You see, I was
clinging to a life that wasn't working anymore, and I knew
I had to do something, anything. So, I ended the marriage
once and for all, packed up my things, and moved back here
to my hometown of Seattle. Go Seahawks! [laughs] I took
action, Russell. And you can, too. Move, change, do
something; if it's a mistake, do something else. Will you
do that, Russell? Will you? Russell...? [to Roz]
I think we lost him.
Roz: No, we cut to the news thirty seconds ago.
Frasier: [annoyed; rips off his headphones] Oh, for crying out loud!
I finally bare my soul to all of Seattle, and they're
listening to Chopper Dave's "Rush-Hour Round-Up!"
He gets up and enters Roz's booth. She is busy with administrative stuff.
Frasier: Well, the rest of the show was pretty good. [Roz says
nothing] It was a, a good show, wasn't it?
Roz: [tears him a piece of notepaper] Here, your brother called.
Frasier: Roz, in the trade we call that "avoidance." Don't change
the subject, tell me what you think.
Roz: [points at her console] Did I ever tell you what this
little button does?
Frasier: I am not a piece of Lalique. I can handle criticism. How
was I today?
Roz: [turns her chair to face him] Let's see... you dropped two
commercials, you left a total of twenty-eight seconds of
dead air, you scrambled the station's call letters, you
spilled yogurt on the control board, and you kept referring
to Jerry - with the identity crisis - as "Jeff."
Frasier considers the criticism. He decides to handle it with
avoidance.
Frasier: [takes the notepaper] You say my brother called...
Roz: Mmm-hmm.
Frasier leaves.
FADE OUT
THE BROTHER
Scene Two - Cafe Nervosa
Frasier is at the bar, reading a menu. Niles Crane, his younger
brother, is standing next to him recounting a story.
Niles: So I said to the gardener, "Yoshi, I do not want a Zen garden
in my backyard. If I want to rake gravel every ten minutes to
maintain my inner harmony, I'll move to Yokohama." Well, this
offends him, so he starts pulling up Maris's prized Camellias.
Well, I couldn't stand for that, so I marched right into the
morning room and locked the door until he cooled down.
Frasier has been nodding his head, but he has obviously not been
listening.
Niles: Tell me you would have handled it differently, Frasier.
Frasier: [looks up] Oh, I'm sorry, Niles, I didn't realise you'd
stopped talking.
Niles: You haven't heard a word I said.
Frasier: Oh Niles, you're a psychiatrist - you know what it's like
to listen to people prattling on endlessly about their
mundane lives.
Niles: Touché. And on that subject, I heard your show today.
Frasier: And?
Niles: You know what I think about pop psychiatry.
Frasier: Yes, I know what you think about everything. When was the
last time you had an unexpressed thought?
Niles: I'm having one now.
They share a chuckle. The waitress behind the bar comes over.
Niles takes his briefcase off the bar and goes to an empty table
nearby.
Waitress: You guys ready?
Frasier: Two cafe latte supremos.
He goes to the table, and watches Niles obsessively wipe his chair
dowm with a handkerchief. Niles offers the handkerchief to Frasier.
Frasier: No, thank you.
They sit down.
Niles: So, Frasier. How are you doing on your own?
Frasier: I'm fine. I love my new life. I love the solitude.
I miss Frederick like the dickens, of course. You know,
he's quite a boy. He's playing goalie on the peewee soccer
team now. Ha, he's a chip off the old block!
Niles: You hated sports.
Frasier: So does he! [laughs] The fresh air's good for him.
Niles: [laughs] Oh well, this has been fun, Frasier, but... we
have a problem, and that's why I thought we should talk.
Frasier: Is it Dad?
Niles: Afraid so. One of his old buddies from the police force
called this morning. He went over to see him, and found
him on the bathroom floor.
Frasier: Oh my God!
Niles: No, it's okay, he's fine.
Frasier: What, his hip again?
Niles: Frasier, I don't think he can live alone anymore.
Frasier: What can we do?
Niles: Well, I know this isn't going to be anyone's favourite
solution, [opens his briefcase] but I took the liberty of
checking out a few convalescent homes for him. [puts some
brochures on the table]
Frasier: Oh Niles, a home? He's still a young man!
Niles: Well, you certainly can't take care of him - you're just
getting your new life together.
Frasier: Absolutely. Besides, we were never simpatico.
Niles: Of course, I can't take care of him.
Frasier: Oh yes, yes, of course, of course... why?
Niles: Because Dad doesn't get along with Maris.
Frasier: Who does?
Niles: I thought you liked my Maris!
Frasier: I do. I... I like her from a distance. You know, the way
you like the sun. Maris is like the sun. Except without
the warmth.
Niles: Well then, we're agreed about what to do with Dad. [reads a
brochure] "Golden Acres: We Care So You Don't Have To."
Frasier: It says that?
Niles: Well, it might as well!
Frasier: Alright, I'll make up the spare bedroom.
Niles: Oh, you're a good son, Frasier.
Frasier: Oh God, I am, aren't I?
Downcast, he cradles his head in one hand. The waitress arrives with
their coffees.
Waitress: Two cafe supremos. Anything to eat?
Frasier: [depressed] No. I seem to have lost my appetite.
Niles: [perky] I'll have a large piece of cheesecake!
Frasier glares at Niles as teh waitress leaves.
Niles: By the way Frasier, how's that neighbor of yours? The one who lives on the other end of the hallway on your penthouse floor.
Frasier: Rocko Marshall? The janitor at Ark Lodge Cinemas? (A/N: Real movie theater in Seattle)
Niles nods
Frasier: He's okay. He just came back yesterday after being given a free pass to see The Fugitive.
Niles: Well you did tell me that his boss considers him a real asset to the movie theater despite being a lowly janitor.
Frasier: Yes. Although I'm a bit perplexed on how a man with such a low-class job could afford to pay rent at my building.
Niles: [smirking while drinking his supremo] Well maybe after he saw the film, he took Harrison Ford's bag of money.
Frasier looks unamused
Frasier: He was actually framed for murdering his wife.
Niles: [realizing] Oh yeah. I guess I have this strange tendency to think every crime film is about a bank robbery.
Frasier: [while drinks his supremo] I bet Al Pacino and his 'little friend' would get a kick out of hearing you say that.
FADE TO:
THE FATHER
Scene Three - Apartment
[N.B. The Apartment set was built on the same soundstage at Paramount
Studios that housed the set of "Cheers."]
Frasier is playing the piano. The doorbell rings; he stops playing,
shuts the keyboard lid, and disconsolately trudges to the door. Just
before opening it, he casts a melodramatic gaze over his apartment:
the last moment of solitude. Then, he opens the door.
Frasier: [upbeat] Hi! [laughs]
Niles enters; he is carrying two suitcases.
Niles: We finally made it!
Martin Crane, their father, hobbles in on a cane. He does not look
at all enthusiastic.
Frasier: Ah Dad, Dad, welcome to your new home! [hugs Martin]
Gee, you look great!
Martin: Don't B.S. me, I do not look great. I spent Monday on the
bathroom floor. You can still see the tile marks on my face.
[sits on the couch]
Niles: [to Frasier] Gives you some idea about the ride over in the
car. [puts down the suitcases]
Frasier: Well, er, here we are...
Martin, who has propped his leg on a table, accidentally kicks a
glass ornament off of the side; Frasier catches it.
Frasier: Well, rest assured the refrigerator is stocked with your
favourite beer, Ballantines, [places the glass ornament on
a small folding table] and we've got plenty of hot links
and coleslaw...
Niles: Mmm!
Frasier: And I just rented a Charles Bronson movie for later!
Martin: Let's cut the "Welcome To Camp Crane" speech. We all know
why I'm here. Your old man can't be left alone for ten
minutes without falling on his ass, and Frasier got stuck
with me. Isn't that right?
Frasier and Niles glance uncomfortably at each other.
Frasier/Niles: [laughing] No, no!
Frasier: I want you here! It'll give us a chance to get reacquainted!
Martin: That implies we were acquainted at one point.
Niles fakes some chuckles, Frasier glares at him.
Niles: Well listen, [picks up the suitcases] why don't I take
Dad's things into his new bachelor quarters so you two
scoundrels can plan some hijinks!
He leaves.
Martin: I think that wife of his is finally driving him nutso.
Frasier: Yes, we Crane boys sure know how to marry. [goes to the
kitchen] Let me get you a beer, Dad. So, ah, what do you
think of what I've done with the place, eh? [returns and
sits on the couch, handing a beer to Martin] You know, every
item here was carefully selected. This lamp by Corbusier,
the chair by Eames, and this couch is an exact replica of
the one Coco Chanel had in her Paris atelier.
Martin: Nothing matches.
Frasier: Well, it's a, it's a style of decorating, it's called
"eclectic." [off Martin's look] Well, the theory behind it
is, if you've got really fine pieces of furniture, it doesn't
matter if they match - they will go together.
Martin: It's your money.
The doorbell rings. Frasier gets up; as he goes to the door, he
gestures at the view of the Seattle skyline offered by the balcony
windows.
Frasier: Dad, what do you think of the view? Hey, that's the Space
Needle there!
Martin: Oh, thanks for pointing that out. Being born and raised
here, I never would have known.
Frasier chafes briefly; then, he opens the door to a delivery man,
who has with him an old, battered, and aesthetically unpleasing
Barcalounger.
Man: Delivery for Martin Crane.
Martin: Oh, in here! [gets up]
Man: Coming through!
He quickly wheels The Armchair into the room. Frasier and Niles
(who has returned) look on aghast at this latest addition to the
apartment's luxury furnishings.
Frasier: Excuse me, excuse me, wait a minute-
Man: Where d'you want it?
Martin: Where's the TV?
Niles: [points] It's in that credenza.
Martin: Point it at that thing.
Man: [sees a designer chair in the way] What about this chair?
Niles: Ah, the chair? Here, let me get it out of your way.
He lifts it away carelessly, and it is replaced by The Armchair.
Frasier: [shocked] Niles, Niles, Niles, be careful with that, that's
a Wassily!
The delivery man leaves. Martin sits in The Armchair, newly
installed as the centrepiece of the apartment.
Frasier: Oh look, Dad, as dear as I'm sure this, this piece is to you
I, I just don't think it goes with anything here!
Martin: I know, it's eclectic!
He reclines, knocking over the small folding table; Frasier rescues
the glass ornament again, and rights the table. Just then, the doorbell
rings again, prompting Frasier to put the ornament safely on the table
and walks over to the door. He opens it to reveal Rocko Marshall, his
neighbor.
Rocko: Hello, neighbor!
Frasier: Hello Rocko.
Rocko: All right if I come in?
Frasier: [gestering to his living room] Well since you asked politely, I suppose there's no harm.
Rocko comes in and sees Martin as Frasier closes the door.
Martin: Hey, Rocky.
Rocko: Martin, how are you?
Martin: Fine. How was The Fugitive?
Rocko: It was great. You probably would enjoy Tommy Lee Jones if you saw it too.
Martin: I would've loved to see it, but uh, bad hip, y'know?
Martin puts his hand to his hip and Rocko raises his hands as if to say 'oh well' and looks at Martin's chair.
Rocko: Not a bad chair.
Martin; Well, thanks Rocko. [glares at Frasier] Nice to know somebody appreciates fine craftsmanship.
Rocko looks at Frasier in bewilderment.
Frasier: I'd like to explain, but I don't think you'd want to get involved.
Rocko shrugs
Frasier: So Rocko, how is Mr. Hunter?
Rocko: My boss? Well, he's a quick-tempered man, I can tell you that.
Niles comes and sees Rocko.
Nile: Hello, Mr. Marshall.
Rocko: Oh, come on Niles, no need to be so formal. Call me Rocko.
Niles: Alright. So Rocko, did you enjoy the flick seeing Indiana Jones on the run?
Rocko: I liked the movie. And fun fact; there was a tv show that the film is based on with the same name that was on in the 60s.
Niles: Sorry Rocko, me and Frasier must have missed it.
Martin: And why would you not? The Avengers is the main program these 2 humanoid penguins enjoyed watching.
Frasier and Niles look mildly offended at Martin's snark.
Frasier: Oh, hardy-har, dad! And I supose CHiPs was the TV show version of Jesus?
Martin: [defensively] Hey, don't mock CHiPs. It wasn't only my favorite show, but every cop on the force liked it so much, they paid the cable guy to reprogram our station's tv to have the channel it appears on as the only channel we've got.
Frasier, Niles, and Rocko look positively perplexed.
Nile: They never got bored with it, did they?
Martin: Not even when it jumped the shark.
Rocko: Well Fras; I hate to cut this visit short, but I got to rest up for work tomorrow.
He leaves.
Rocko: [waving at the men] See you guys later.
All: Bye, Rocko.
Rocko shuts the door.
Frasier: Hey Niles, will you help me with Dad's chair?
Martin: Ah, you're gonna have to run an extension cord over here so
I can plug in the vibrating part.
Frasier: Oh yes, that will be the crowning touch.
Niles quickly heads for the door.
Niles: Well, now that you two are settled in, I've got to run.
I'm late for my dysfunctional family seminar.
He is halfway out of the apartment before he remembers something...
Niles: Dad, have you mentioned Eddie yet?
Frasier: [horrified] Eddie?
Niles: Ta-ta! [closes the door]
Frasier: Oh no, Dad, no, no! Not Eddie!
Martin: But he's my best friend! Get me my beer, would you?
Frasier: [fetches the beer] But he's weird! He gives me the creeps!
All he does is stare at me.
Martin: Ah, it's just your imagination.
Frasier: No Dad, no! No, I'm sorry, but I am putting my foot down.
Eddie is NOT moving in here.
FADE TO:
EDDIE
Scene Four - Apartment -Night
The lights are off. Martin is in his chair, eating a hot link and
watching the Charles Bronson movie; sounds of mindless violence can
be heard emanating from the TV.
The camera pans over to the couch, where an uncomfortable-looking
Frasier is seated. Perched next to Frasier is Eddie - a wire-haired
Jack Russell terrier. Eddie stares at Frasier.
End of Act One.
Act Two.
Scene Five - Cafe Nervosa.
Niles has just been served his coffee; Frasier rushes in.
Frasier: [anxious] Niles, there you are! I'm sorry I'm late; just as
I was leaving, Dad decided to cook lunch by the glow of a
small kitchen fire! Oh Niles, this last week with Dad, it's,
it's been a living hell! When I'm there, I feel like my
territory's being violated; when I'm not, I'm worried about
what he's up to. Look at me, [shows Niles his shaky hands]
I'm a nervous wreck! I've got to do something to calm down.
[goes to the bar] Double espresso, please! Niles, you don't
still have the brochures from those rest homes, do you?
Niles: Of course I do. Don't forget, Maris is five years older
than I am. But you really think that's necessary?
Frasier: I'm afraid I do. I don't have my life anymore. Tuesday
night I gave up my tickets to the theatre, Wednesday it was
the symphony... [gets his coffee]
Niles: That reminds me, weren't you going to the opera on Friday?
Frasier: Yes, here. [hands him some tickets]
Niles: Thank you.
Frasier: Niles, you don't suppose there's a chance that you and Maris
could...
Niles: Funny you should mention that. Maris and I were just
discussing this. We feel we should do more to share the
responsibility.
Frasier: You mean you'd take him in?
Niles: [laughs incredulously] Dear God, no! But we would be
willing to help you pay for a home care worker.
Frasier: A what?
Niles: You know, someone who cooks and cleans and can help Dad with
his physical therapy.
Frasier: These angels exist?
Niles: I know of an agency - let me arrange for them to send a few
people over to meet with you.
Frasier: Niles, I can't thank you enough! I, I, I feel this
overwhelming urge to hug you!
Niles: Remember what Mom always said: "A handshake is as good as a
hug."
Frasier: Wise woman.
They shake hands.
FADE TO:
THE HOME CARE SPECIALIST
Scene Six - Apartment
A woman is standing in the hallway, talking to Frasier and Rocko.
Frasier: I have never been more impressed with a human being
in my life!
Rocko: We have your references and Dr. Crane will give you a call if he can persuade his dad t oaccept you.
He closes the door on her. Cut to inside the apartment. Martin is
in The Armchair; Eddie is on the couch.
Frasier: [angry] Now what was wrong with that one?!
Rocko: [also angry] Yeah Marty, what's wrong with you?!
Martin: What's wrong with me?! She was casing the joint.
Frasier: "Casing the joint!" She spent two years with Mother Teresa!
Martin: Well, if I were Mother Teresa, I'd check my jewellery box!
Rocko: And if I were Darth Vader, I'd use the force make you strangle Eddie and then yourself!
Frasier and Martin look puzzled at this comment.
Martin: [sarcastic] May the force be in you.
The doorbell rings.
Frasier: Oh, this is the last one. Can you please try to keep an
open mind?
Rocko: That is unless if you literally want one.
Frasier smacks Rocko's arm lightly for that comment.
He opens the door to Daphne Moon, a British woman in her twenties.
She is adjusting her bra as Frasier opens the door.
Daphne: Oh! Hello - caught me with my hand in the biscuit tin!
[takes her hand out and shakes Frasier's] I'm Daphne, Daphne
Moon.
Frasier: Frasier Crane. Please come in.
Daphne: Thank you. [enters]
Frasier: Er, this is my father, Martin Crane, and my neighbor, Rocko Marshall. Boys, this is Daphne
Moon.
Daphne: Nice to meet you two. [sees Eddie] Oh, and who might this be?
Frasier: [darkly] That is Eddie.
Martin: I call him "Eddie Spaghetti."
Daphne: Oh, he likes pasta?
Martin: No, he has worms.
Rocko: Vomit!
Frasier: Er, have a seat, Miss Moon.
Daphne: Daphne. Thank you. [sees The Armchair and pats it] Oh, will
you look at that. What a comfy chair! It's like I always
say, start with a good piece and replace the rest when you
can afford it.
She smiles at Frasier. So does Martin and Rocko. Daphne sits on the couch.
Frasier: Yes. Well, er, perhaps you should start by telling us a
little bit about yourself, Miss Moon.
Daphne: Well, I'm originally from Manchester, England...
Frasier: Oh really, did you hear that, Dad?
Martin: I'm three feet away. There's nothing wrong with my hearing.
Rocko: [whispers to Martin] She'll probably talk about having a fling with Prince Charles.
This amuses the elder Crane.
Daphne begins to take all sorts of things out of her bag: a brush, a
glass, a sponge - and finally, a piece of paper which she hands to
Frasier.
Daphne: I've only been in the U.S. for a few months, but I have quite
an extensive background in home care and physical therapy, as
you can see from my resume. I... [suddenly turns toward Martin]
You were a policeman, weren't you?
Martin: Yeah - how'd you know?
Daphne: I must confess - I'm a bit psychic. It's nothing big, just
little things I sense about people. I mean, it's not like I
can pick the lottery. If I could, I wouldn't be talking to
the likes of you two, now would I? [laughs]
Martin is amused, so is Rocko; Frasier looks unimpressed.
Frasier: Yes. Perhaps I should describe the duties around here.
You would be responsible for...
Daphne: [suddenly turns towards Frasier] Oh, wait a minute,
I'm getting something on you... you're a florist!
Martin smiles.
Frasier: No, I'm a psychiatrist.
Daphne: Well, it comes and goes.
Rocko: Do me next!
Daphne: Hmm. [puts a hand on her head] You auditioned to be in a nature documentary.
Frasier stares at Rocko, who gives a sheepish look.
Rocko: It was mostly just to admire the scenery.
Daphne puts her things back into her bag
Daphne: Usually, it's strongest during my time of the month. Oh, I
guess I let a little secret out there, didn't I?
Frasier: It's safe with us. Well, Miss Moon, I think we've learned
just about all we need to know about you, and a dash extra!
[goes to the door]
Daphne: [waves her arms at Eddie] You're a dog, aren't you?
Daphne, Rocko, and Martin laugh.
Frasier: Well, we'll, er, we'll be calling you, Miss Moon. [goes for
the door handle]
Martin: Oh, why wait? [to Daphne] You've got the job!
Daphne: Oh, wonderful!
Frasier gives an annoyed look, which Rocko sees and gets nervous.
Rocko: Uh, hey guys, I'm going back to my apartment now that my job's done here. So, bye.
He heads to the door and leaves.
Daphne and Martin: Bye.
Frasier: [to Daphne, still annoyed] Er excuse me, excuse me, aren't you just
forgetting a little something here? Don't you think we
should talk about this in private?
Daphne: Oh, of course you should; I completely understand. [she
stands up and shoulders her bag] I'll just pop into the loo -
you do have one, don't you?
Frasier: Yes.
Daphne: Oh, I love America...
Daphne walks into the powder room. As soon as its door is shut:
Frasier: Dad, what do you think you're doing?
Martin: You wanted me to pick one, I picked one.
Frasier: But she's a kook! I don't like her!
Martin: Well, what difference does it make to you? She's only gonna
be here when you're not.
Frasier: Then... what's my problem? [laughs] Daphne!
Daphne returns.
Frasier: You've been retained.
Daphne: Oh, wonderful! I had a premonition.
Frasier: Quelle surprise.
Daphne: I'll move my things in tomorrow.
Frasier: Oh, move in? Oh, I'm sorry, there must be some
misunderstanding. Er, this isn't a live-in position.
Daphne: Oh, dear. Well the lady at the agency-
Frasier: The lady at the agency was wrong; this is just a part-time
position. I'm, I'm afraid it just won't work out.
Martin: [gets up] Hold on there, Frasier, let's talk about this!
Frasier: Dad, there's nothing to discuss!
Daphne: You two should talk about this. I'll just pop back in here
and enjoy some more of your African erotic art.
Frasier: Daphne, Daphne - I think it would be best if you leave.
Daphne: Oh well, alright then. [goes to leave]
Frasier: Don't be alarmed. We'll contact you. If not by telephone
then, er, through the toaster.
Daphne leaves, allowing tempers to flare.
Frasier: Dad, I'm not having another person living in this house!
Martin: Give me one good reason why not!
Frasier: Well, for one thing, there's no room for her!
Martin: What about that room right across the hall from mine?
Frasier: My study? You expect me to give up my study - the place
where I read, where I do my most profound thinking?
Martin: Ah, use the can like the rest of the world! You'll adjust!
Frasier: [angry] I don't want to adjust! I've done enough adjusting!
I'm in a new city, I've got a new job, I'm separated from my
little boy, which in itself is enough to drive me nuts. And
now my father and his dog are living with me! Well, that's
enough on my plate, thank you. The whole idea of getting
somebody in here was to help ease my burden, not to add to it!
Martin: Oh, do you hear that, Eddie? We're a burden.
Frasier: Oh Dad, Dad, you're, you're twisting my words! I meant burden
in its most positive sense!
Martin: As in, "Gee, what a lovely burden?"
Frasier: Something like that, yes!
Martin: Well, you're not the only one who got screwed here, you know.
Two years ago I'm sailing toward retirement and some punk
robbing a convenience store puts a bullet in my hip. Next
thing you know, I'm trading in my golf clubs for one of these.
[shakes his cane] Well, I had plans too, you know! And this
may come as a shock to you, sonny boy, but one of them wasn't
living with you.
Frasier: I'm just trying to do the right thing, here. I'm trying to
be the good son.
Martin: Oh, don't worry, son. After I'm gone you can live guilt-free,
knowing you've done right by your pop.
Frasier: You think that's what this is about, guilt?
Martin: Isn't it?
Frasier: Of course it is! But the point is, I did it! I took you in!
And I've got news for you - I wanted to do it! [on the verge
of tears] Because you're my father. And how do you repay me?
Ever since you've moved in here it's been a snide comment
about this or a smart little put-down about that. [grabs his
coat and goes to the door] Well, I've done my best to make a
home here for you, and once, just once, would it have killed
you to say "thank you?" One lousy "thank you?"
Long pause as Frasier waits expectantly, and Martin looks thoughtful.
Martin: [to Eddie] Come on, Eddie, it's past your dinner time.
Eddie jumps off the couch and follows Martin into the kitchen.
Frasier: I'm going out.
He leaves.
FADE TO:
LUPE VELEZ
Scene Seven - KACL
The corridor outside Frasier's studio. Frasier tears into the hallway
and rushes into the booth. Inside the studio, Roz is in her booth.
Frasier slams the door and drops into his chair.
Frasier: They have got to move the bathroom closer to the studio!
He throws on his headphones just as Roz points to him.
Frasier: [polite] We'll be right back after these messages.
[off air] Can't I put that on tape?!
Roz enters.
Roz: What's eating you?
Frasier: Oh, I'm sorry. It's just this thing with my father and this,
this person he wants to hire. I thought I'd started my life
with a clean slate. I had picture of what it was going to
be like, and then, I don't know...
Roz: Ever heard of Lupe Velez?
Frasier: Who?
Roz: Lupe Velez - the movie star in the '30s. Well, her career
hit the skids, so she decided she'd make one final stab at
immortality. She figured if she couldn't be remembered for
her movies, she'd be remembered for the way she died. And
all Lupe wanted was to be remembered. So, she plans this
lavish suicide - flowers, candles, silk sheets, white satin
gown, full hair and makeup, the works. She takes the
overdose of pills, lays on the bed, and imagines how
beautiful she's going to look on the front page of
tomorrow's newspaper. Unfortunately, the pills don't sit
well with the enchilada combo plate she sadly chose as her
last meal. She stumbles to the bathroom, trips and goes
head-first into the toilet, and that's how they found her.
Frasier: Is there a reason you're telling me this story?
Roz: Yes. Even though things may not happen like we planned,
they can work out anyway.
Frasier: Remind me again how it worked for Lupe, last seen with her
head in the toilet?
Roz: All she wanted was to be remembered. [beat] Will you ever
forget that story?
[N.B. In fact, the Los Angeles newspapers reported Lupe's suicide
as though she had carried it off as planned; the sordid details were
kept quiet and for a long time existed only as rumor.]
She returns to her booth and cues him. He puts his headphones on;
everything from now onwards is on the air.
Frasier: We're back. Roz, who's our next caller?
Roz: We have Martin on line one. He's having a problem with his
son.
Frasier: [presses a button] Hello, Martin. This is Dr. Frasier Crane;
I'm listening.
Martin: [v.o.] I'm a first-time caller.
Pause as Frasier realises that the caller is his father.
Frasier: Welcome to the show. How can I help you?
Martin: I've just moved in with my son and er, it ain't working.
There's a lot of tension between us.
Frasier: I can imagine. Why do you think that's so?
Martin: I guess I didn't see he had a whole new life planned for
himself, and I kinda got in the way.
Frasier: Well, these things are a two-way street. Perhaps your son
wasn't sensitive enough to see how your life was changing.
Martin: [suddenly loud] You got that right! I've been telling him
that since I got there!
Frasier: I'm sure he appreciated your candour.
Martin: Well, maybe sometimes I oughta just learn how to keep my
trap shut.
Frasier: That's good advice for us all. Anything else?
Martin: Yeah, I'm worried my son doesn't know that I really
appreciate what he's doing for me.
Frasier: Why don't you tell him?
Martin: Well, you know how it is with fathers and sons, it... I have
trouble saying that stuff.
Frasier: Well, if it helps, I suspect your son already knows how you
feel. Is that all?
Martin: Yeah, I guess that's it. Thank you, Dr Crane.
Frasier: My pleasure, Martin.
Martin: [suddenly loud again] Did you hear what I said? I said
"thank you!"
Frasier: Yes, I heard.
He presses a button to disconnect Martin.
Roz: Dr Crane, we have Claire on line four. She's having a
problem getting over a relationship.
Frasier: [presses a button] Hello, Claire. I'm listening.
Claire: [distraught] I'm a, well, I'm a mess! Eight months ago my
boyfriend and I broke up, and I just can't get over it. The
pain isn't going away. It's almost like I'm in mourning or
something.
Frasier: Claire, you are in mourning. But you're not mourning the
loss of your boyfriend. You're mourning the loss of what
you thought your life was going to be. Let it go. Things
don't always work out how you planned; that's not necessarily
bad. Things have a way of working out anyway. [pause]
Have you ever heard of Lupe Velez?
He gives Roz a glance as we FADE OUT.
Credits:
Frasier's apartment. The whole gang is watching the TV. Martin is
in The Armchair; on the couch, Daphne occupies the left seat, Frasier
has the right seat and is trying to read something, and Eddie is in
the middle, staring at Frasier. Suddenly, Eddie places a paw on
Frasier's thigh.
Trivia:
The Fugitive was released in theaters a month before Frasier aired on TV, so you can buy it being in theaters at the time the pilot episode took place.
Rocko is basically similar to Holt from the Cleveland Show, a bachelor, friends with the main characters, and makes pop-culture references, though in doing research, the references he will make may seem dated and obscure.