Call Me Irresponsible

Frasier is an exceptionally consistent series, and frequently hits the top bar again and again. Especially in the first series.

This episode however is a real misfire and early on in the programmes lifespan too, but unusually. The whole premise is shakey at best, and Amanda Donahue couldn't act her way out of a paper bag. She was hot stuff in the USA at the time but goodness knows why. And Frasiers "wretching" is appallingly done. The crowning glory is Donahues character flouncing out in way that a teen drama group could do better.

Apart from the Focus Group episode which doesn't have a funny moment in, this one is the lowest bar for me. I always flick past it.

Eddie Van Halen guests as caller Hank at the beginning of the show. It wouldn't be fair to rate this episode 10 stars just for that so here's my actual review.

This episode has Frasier battling with his ethics as he begins seeing the ex-girlfriend of a guest caller to his KACL show. Is it okay for him to pursue a relationship with this woman or is he violating his ethics? This episode is one of the best episodes of the first season but not laugh out loud funny. Pretty interesting concept, pretty good execution.

Amanda Donohue isn't much of an actress, but this was one of the better things I have seen her in.

This is also a very important episode of 'Frasier' for many reasons, because not only do we see him as a more grounded man of his principles (as opposed to the more off the wall character we saw on 'Cheers'), but is also the shows way of making it clear that for all the supporting characters are good, it's Frasier's show and sometimes he will be the main focus. Quite rightly so too.

Overall, it's another good episode of the show, and again shows just how well this spin-off has hit the ground running.

Edward Van Halen was Hank. I'm sure the M&M's was a reference to the clause in the band's concert contract.

When Frasier tells a guy on the show to leave his girlfriend, she shows up at the station, and the two of them begin a relationship. But our guy begins to have terrible symptoms because of the ethical position he has put himself into. There are some pretty funny scenes, most involving brother Niles.