The Innkeepers
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The Innkeepers is the 23rd episode of the second season of the former long-running sitcom Frasier.
Frasier learns that Orsini's restaurant, a one-time regular haunt of his, is closing down, so he takes the family there for one last time. The restaurant is run-down and under-staffed, but Frasier decides that it has potential, and despite Martin and Daphne strongly advising against it, he and Niles buy the restaurant.
They recruit Chef Marcel, who is unhappy at his current restaurant, and retain veteran waiter Otto in a new role - he will drive visitors' cars to the front of the building so they are ready for them on departure. When redecorated the restaurant looks splendid, and the menu proves popular.
What can possibly go wrong? For the Crane brothers, plenty. A mix-up between the in and out doors leaves them without either waiter. Niles suggests that the Soufflés should be made in a big bowl and split at the table "when people hear the name 'Niles Crane', I want them to think 'big souffle'", he comments, but Frasier does not like this idea. After the two argue over it, Marcel storms out. A replacement is promoted, but after Frasier lets slip that the Immigration Department head is among the guests, the waiters run out, seemingly illegal immigrants themselves.
They are forced to ask Martin, Roz and Daphne to fill in these various roles. Bulldog turns up with a girl he has seemingly paid for, but the real crisis is when Gil and a team of restaurant critics turn up, all asking for Marcel's speciality - eels, which he kills to order. Naturally, Niles is terrified by this idea, although Daphne is up to the task. She and Roz argue over their respective jobs incessently.
The Cherries Jubilee need to be more jubilant, so brandy is added to them - unfortuantely both Niles and Frasier do this, without their partner knowing. As soon as they are lit, a big fire is launched, with the inbuilt sprinkler system then setting off and soaking the venue. People are keen to leave, despite Frasier telling them that "in a few months you'll look back on this and remember it as an adventure". Gil replies "if they don't, I'll remind them". The exit decision becomes easier once Otto crashes a car through the building.
[edit] Trivia
- The Innkeepers is the favourite episode of David Hyde Pierce who played Niles Crane in Frasier.
