Space Quest (Frasier)
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| “Space Quest” | |
|---|---|
| Frasier episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 02 |
| Guest stars | Dan Butler (Bob 'Bulldog' Briscoe) Christopher Reeve (Caller - Leonard) |
| Written by | Sy Dukane Denise Moss |
| Directed by | James Burrows |
| Production no. | 40571-002 |
| Original airdate | 23 September 1993 (US) 27 April 1994 (UK) |
| Episode chronology | |
| ← Previous | Next → |
| "The Good Son" | "Dinner At Eight" |
| List of Frasier episodes (Season 1) | |
"Space Quest" is the title of the second episode aired of the American television sitcom Frasier.
Contents |
[edit] Main cast and characters
Kelsey Grammer - Frasier Crane
David Hyde Pierce - Niles Crane
John Mahoney - Martin Crane
Jane Leeves - Daphne Moon
Peri Gilpin - Roz Doyle
[edit] Plot outline
In the week after Martin and his physical therapist Daphne move in, Frasier is not adjusting well to having them, Eddie and his father's chair in the apartment. Faced with immense changes to his routine, including eggshells and spice in his coffee, a pre-read newspaper and an artery-killing breakfast, it is all Frasier can do to remain sane. And worst of all, Eddie won't stop staring at him. The situation, compared to Roz's close relationship with her mother (they even share intimate dating details), is immensely frustrating.
Over the course of one day, Frasier repeatedly finds himself unable to read a book (The Holotropic Mind, by Stanislav Grolf) due to constant interruption. His plan to remain in his soundproof booth at work is rudely foiled by Bob 'Bulldog' Briscoe, the station sports commentator; the rain spoils his plans to sit in the park; and his father and Daphne are constantly underfoot in the apartment. After Martin gets on his nerves through constantly asking questions about what he's reading - and then, perhaps worse, not disturbing him - a fresh argument breaks out, and Frasier storms out of the apartment to find somewhere peaceful.
His search takes him to Cafe Nervosa, where, just as he is getting into his book, Niles appears, interrupting him - and worst of all, spoiling the book's final conclusions. The problem with Frasier, Niles decides, is his relationship with Martin - he wants to get closer to Martin without having him around, which somewhat defeats the purpose of having him move in. Niles recommends that Frasier have a conversation with Martin, in order to jumpstart their relationship and perhaps iron out some of the difficulties they've been having.
Frasier returns home to find his study packed up to make space for Daphne, and Martin settling down to watch his program. After apologising for the earlier argument, Frasier insists that the reluctant Martin and he sit down and have a bonding conversation. As long as it lasts exactly three minutes according to an egg timer, as that's when the show starts. After an initial attempt at having a conversation without arguing lasts exactly one second, and after certain topics have been removed (no sports or opera), Frasier reveals to Martin the occasion during his divorce where, so bereft of hope for the future, he contemplated suicide, and actually climbed out onto a ledge before the thought of his son forced him to head back inside. Martin then recalls the time where he discovered that he could pull his eyelid inside-out, which is not the conversation turn Frasier was hoping for.
Naturally, the two begin arguing again, although it ends exactly when the egg timer goes off. Frasier is despairing; the two aren't getting along at all, and Martin sees what he's hinting at; that it might be better for both if Martin found his own place, thus giving the two men their own space and ending the bickering. A perfect solution, except for one thing; Martin has no intention of leaving. If Frasier - and Martin - wants to make a lasting connection, then that will take years, not a matter of days, and both will need to work at it. Although not exactly relishing the 'years' part - due to the very real possibility that both men could drive each other crazy - Frasier agrees, and settles down to enjoy a beer with his father (after he's gotten some from the store).
The episode ends on Frasier having finally found some private space to read his book; in the storage facility containing the furniture from his study.
[edit] Trivia
This was the first episode to feature Dan Butler as Bob 'Bulldog' Briscoe, who would later go on to be a popular recurring character and, briefly (during seasons 4 to 6), a regular member of the cast.
The episode's title is a reference to seaQuest DSV which priemiered alongside Frasier on NBC.
