The best episodes of Frasier are those based on farce with 'the big pay-off' at the end and The Ski Lodge is a perfect example of this. Incredible writing, expertly played with a multi-door set that is a character itself. I must have seen it 50 times, but still laugh all the way through.
This is exceedingly difficult. It was painful to leave out Motor Skills, Shrink Rap, Flour Child, Voyage of the Damned, Dad Loves Sherry..., Word to the Wiseguy, The Two Mrs. Cranes-- among others. But ultimately I chose the ones which, I thought, had the strongest writing throughout. And generally those include Niles.
This is ten, of my top 50 episodes. Still working on the top ten, this is just simpler. I will release the top ten after I'm done with the 50. See you in ten episodes;)
1) I love the episodes that focus on psychology in depth and have a way of treating a serious topic with humor. Frasier goes existential. What happens when the analyst is analyzed?
2) Ham Radio embodies the goofiness of the side characters and Frasier's dictatorial ways.
3) Another intelligent gem which goes into psychology and dreams. In my opinion, it was the cleverest episode of the show.
4) Frasier and Niles owning a restaurant. I would have taken a seat in the ‘love grotto’ to watch it all go down.
5) My favourite Frasier vs Niles episode. Over and over again I hear that poor doctor plead: "trust him."
6) I love the character of Anne Hodges, a born placeholder, holding up a great later episode.
7) Frasier on the bed in Bora Bora. Enough said.
8) Frasier’s antics with the common cold are hilarious.
9) The stages of grief are incorporated well and I just love Frasier’s meltdown.
10) This one is a sentimental choice which I liked when I was younger. I don’t find it as funny now but it’s as zany and unpredictable as the show can get.