Oh, Mimsy, wait.
- Please, I can explain. - Oh, don't bother.
And I bet you don't even have Tourette's syndrome.
Poop.
Hell. Damn.
Ow.
ETIENNE: Lose my number.
Chef Etienne...
Oh, dear God.
I hope you're happy.
Me?
You're the one who suggested
that flaming kabobs might lend a festive air.
I didn't know Ben Corbett's toupee would go up like that.
Oh, quiet, both of you. It's done.
Party's over, Dad.
You mean I'm not the count anymore?
- Afraid not. - Aw.
Oh, why is it that we can't seem to pull off a simple dinner party?
- Because you always go overboard. - Yes, but this one was bare-bones.
Simplicity itself.
One of your goats just threw up in the kitchen.
Oh...
NILES: Oh, hello.
How goes the installation?
Well, we had to put in a transformer for the DC,
so after we pull the wires, brace the beam,
- she'll be ready to roll. - Ah.
Daphne, Daphne.
You know the Mike Shaw painting that I'm donating to the museum?
Frasier suggested we throw a farewell dinner party for it.
- We've invited some fellow collectors... DAPHNE: Uh, Niles,
- I've been thinking... - Hmm?
DAPHNE: Come and sit down, darling.
Maybe it's time you stopped throwing dinner parties with your brother.
What?
You don't exactly have the best track record.
Well, throwing dinner parties is an art. It takes time to perfect.
No.
- But... DAPHNE: No.
No, it has to stop.
Maybe you and I should try throwing a party together.
You and me?
It's such a big step. Are you sure?
Maybe it's time we entertain as a couple.
Oh, ha, ha, thank you, darling.
Excuse me. It's after 4:00.
What if I finish this tomorrow?
- Well, I suppose... - Oh, no, you don't.
You said one day when I hired you, and that's what it's gonna be.
So get cracking, because something's gonna be hanging
from that rafter by the end of the day.
Yes, ma'am.
Daphne, you handled that so masterfully.
As if he weren't wearing that authoritative tool belt at all.
Oh, Niles, Niles, thank goodness you're here.
I am simply percolating with party ideas.
Listen, have you thought of inviting the artist himself?
He lives in town, you know.
Yes, I extended an invitation through his gallery, but he declined.
Oh, well, that's too bad.
Well, then, I have come up with the perfect entertainment
for our little art crowd.
It's a radical tableau vivant troupe.
I don't know, but they do provide smocks and shower caps,
so we're covered.
Frasier, Daphne and I are throwing the party.
Daphne? Huh.
Fine, suit yourself. It's your painting.
I suppose I could just, uh, whip up my signature dish.
Daphne's handling the food.
Lovely.
So you'll be serving those chunks that make their way from plate to napkin,
bypassing mouth completely.
It's called Piccadilly beef
- and I talked her out of it, thank God. - Oh.
The whole thing's being catered.
We're having Cornish game hens, wild rice stuffing, wonderful sides.
And all heat and serve.
Stuffing.
Lovely.
I'd think you'd be happy to be just a guest for once.
Just a guest?
In my brother's home?
You know, I've never been just a guest before.
Before, I always felt like family.
Oh, look, here she is now, the hostess with the mostest.
I see Niles told you.
Yes.
I'm sorry I won't be attending your debut soiree, Daphne.
I hope that doesn't throw off your seating plan.
It's going to be a buffet.
Buffet?
Well,
if you should need any help, I think you know my phone number.
Number three on our speed dial.
Number three.
Interesting.
I can't believe how calm you are.
I would be a nervous wreck by now.
Well, I was nervous at first, but every step I thought,
"How would Frasier and Niles do this?"
- And didn't do that. ROZ: Ha-ha-ha.
GERTRUDE: Daphne, I'm home.
Coming, Mom.
Where's the video?
I thought you were gonna rent castaway.
If I wanted to watch someone talk to a volleyball for two hours,
I would have stayed in Manchester with your Aunt Ethelyn.
- What are you gonna do all night? - Oh, you needn't worry about me.
I'm gonna watch a boxing match on Pay Per View.
Oh, there's nothing like two great sweaty beasts
beating each other senseless.
I miss your father.
Come on, Alice. It's time to put away your crayons.
Lookit. I wrote my name really big.
Oh, let's see.
- There and there ROZ: Wow.
And there and there:
ROZ: Oh, my God. Alice.
Oh, Daphne, I'm so sorry.
DAPHNE: Oh, it's not a worry. It'll come out.
It's only a little crayon.
That's worse.
I can handle this.
Niles has an art restorer he uses all the time, I'll get his card.
I'm sorry, Mommy.
I know, honey, but from now on, just only sign your own artwork, okay?
Because mine is prettier.
Yeah.
Here's his business card.
Okay. I'll run it right over.
Just tell him it's an emergency. We've very good customers.
Oh, thanks.
I'm just glad Niles isn't here.
He doesn't take these things in his stride like I do.
There.
Another fire put out.
Oh, my God, the hens.
- Oh, my God. - Okay, don't panic.
I can handle this.
Oh, look at that. Daphne, now what are you gonna do?
Well, I can't call the caterer.
They were doing a big party and we were their last stop.
Oh, I know. Call Frasier. He's gotta know some caterers.
He was upset that I took over his job as lord mayor of Party Town,
but he did offer his help.
And I hope he meant it.
- Go. Take the painting. - Yes, okay.
Come on, Alice. Good luck.
Daphne, you'll never get a caterer at this late hour, but don't worry.
I think I can solve your little problem.
I'll be right there.
As usual, Frasier has to save the day.
As usual, Martin has to hear about it.
Suit up, boys.
We're going in.
FRASIER: All right, I need a full rundown of the situation.
Well, I think I told you about the hens, which are burned.
Oh.
Uh, um, I'm hoping we have enough ice,
and I probably shouldn't have dressed the salad this afternoon.
Oh, Lord.
I'm pretty sure the soup is okay.
White wine.
What do you think? Will we make it?
I won't lie to you, Daphne. It's bad.
I feel so stupid.
I made a big deal about telling Niles how I could handle this on my own.
All right, listen, he doesn't have to know.
If you just keep him out of my way,
I will gladly play your invisible little kitchen elf.
- You would do that for me? - Of course.
Now, listen, I've brought everything I need
to make my signature pomegranate honey sauce, all right?
I will need a ramekin for each of your guests.
Here we are.
- Oh, dear, this is bad. - What?
Well, there are two that are mismatched.
It's all right if they're all mismatched or if in pairs,
but two, it's just unheard of.
NILES: Daphne.
Oh, my God, it's Niles. What should we do?
FRASIER: Not to worry. I'm right in here.
- Oh, I'm sorry I'm late. We were... - Darling.
I had the worst time finding miniature easels for the table. Look.
- Oh, but it was worth it. - I think so.
The place looks lovely and the new chandelier is absolutely spectacular.
Why is the painting covered?
Well, because I thought a proper unveiling would be an event.
We'll do it after dinner.
Why don't we do it after cocktails? It'll make for lively dinner conversation.
Trust me, after will be better.
By the way, the kitchen is off-limits to you.
You've already slowed me down.
Oh, well...
Someone's tediously punctual. Shall we?
Ah. I'll be right out.
You know, if he had any resourcefulness at all,
he would know that tiny easels abound
at Lilliputiana Dollhouse and Miniatures.
Dad? Right.
Listen, I need you to do me a favour.
I want you to get me my ramekins, all right?
And then bring them here, but come in the back way
so Niles doesn't see you.
No, ramekins.
Well, they're small, round ceramic dishes.
I keep them in the lower left-hand kitchen cabinet.
All right.
All right, no, no, no, those are tapas dishes.
Right, those are for soy sauce.
Honestly, Dad, you know, sometimes I don't think you listen to me.
I said, sometimes I don't think you...
No, I said, sometimes... I see what you're doing.
Are we the first to arrive?
Oh, you are refreshingly on time.
- How about some drinks? ALEX: Sure.
Don't mind me.
I'm just down to nick a bottle of the good stuff.
They normally hide it from me.
This is my mother, Gertrude Moon.
Yes, Antonia and Alex.
GERTRUDE: Oh, hello. - Pleasure to meet you.
Oh, Mom, as long as you're going upstairs, take the coats.
- Is this the Mike Shaw painting? - Yes.
I'm dying to see it.
Oh, oh, oh, sorry. No peeking.
You have to wait until the unveiling.
Oh, that sounds like a challenge.
You're gonna have to watch me like a hawk.
Won't that be fun?
What was that?
- Don't worry, Niles. That's my domain. NILES: All right.
Why don't you take our guests on a tour of the library?
Oh, uh, all right. Uh, this way, this way.
Is it true that you still collect Edwardian utility bills?
Oh, yes, they're fascinating.
For example, did you know that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
was a notorious water hog?
But you don't have to take my word for it.
DAPHNE: Frasier.
I dropped a pan. Everything's all right.
GERTRUDE: Daphne.
Oh, for God's sakes. All right.
I'm having trouble ordering the boxing match.
I don't understand.
This never happens with the nudie programming.
Give it here.
Oh, damn. You answer that.
I'll take care of this.
You can come out now.
You know, honestly, Daphne, if these interruptions don't stop,
my signature sauce will be reduced to a monogram.
I'm using humour to make a point, hmm?
Hello. I'm Daphne's mum.
- I'm Bill... - Don't bother. I'm just letting you in.
Hi. Uh, is this the Crane place?
I'm Mike Shaw.
Mr. Shaw, we thought we were just gonna see your painting.
We didn't realise you were coming.
Ah, it was a last-minute thing. Uh, call me Mike.
GERTRUDE: Mike. Hello.
I'm Gertrude.
I'm Bill Tallarino, and this is my wife, Sharon Kwiatkowski-Tallarino.
May I just say that you are our greatest living American artist,
- bar none? - Bar none.
Excuse me.
Anything worse than making phoney conversation
with phoney art lovers?
Yes, living with one.
My son-in-law is the host.
If you didn't want your bum kissed, you shouldn't have come.
That's all they do here.
Well, I wasn't gonna come, but my gallery insisted.
Oh, well, I am going to be upstairs watching a boxing match,
should you feel the need to get away.
Well, I probably shouldn't, but, uh, maybe just the first round.
- All right, then. - Thank you.
You wouldn't have anything to drink up there, would you?
- Just liquor. - Ah.
So it actually took George Bernard Shaw longer
to rectify his billing error
than it did for him to write Man and Superman.
That's great. Are those the drinks?
Yes.
- Oh, excuse me, Bill and Sharon. - Hello.
Thad and Jeremy. Welcome.
- Niles. - Niles.
- Hey. - Hey, hi. Where's your better half?
NILES: Oh, uh, here she is now.
Oh, I meant Frasier, ha-ha-ha.
Ha-ha-ha. My brother's not coming this evening.
But he's always, always, always at your parties.
Frasier and yellowtail carpaccio. Has the world gone mad?
Not yet. We have carpaccio.
You've got two choices.
You can either walk away from the painting
or you can limp away from the painting.
Walk.
Mother, coats.
Yes, master.
We are so sorry, we have to go. We have a babysitter emergency.
The worst part is we're gonna miss dinner with Mike Shaw.
I can't believe you got that old hermit to come.
- Mike Shaw is here? - What?
- Where is he? - Oh, he must have wandered off.
He's not at all like I pictured him, older guy, white hair, cane.
I think he's wearing a plaid flannel shirt. He's quite a character.
Really?
Where is he?
- Here you go. - Oh, Dad, finally.
If you had said nut bowls, I would have gotten them right off.
Yes, yes, all right, now listen.
I need you to run to the grocery store for me
and pick up some Se! De Mer, some olive tapénade,
balsamic vinegar and some English Stilton cheese.
Have you got that?
You lost me after Sally's mare.
All right, fine. I'll write it down.
NILES: Coming right up. DAPHNE: Niles, no.
Oh, Dad, hide in there.
Oh, Dad. Oh, I thought so.
- What are you doing here? - I just brought some dishes over.
You're not supposed to be in the kitchen, honey.
I don't know what happened and I don't wanna know how it happened,
but somehow our guests are under the impression
that Dad is Mike Shaw.
Who?
He's the artist that painted the painting that everyone is here to see.
- What are we gonna do? - It's not a problem.
We'll just take your father out the back door and make up an excuse.
Better yet, we'll take him out the front door.
- That way, people can see him leave. - Uh, okay.
Look, you know zero about art.
Don't say a word, or these people will see through you.
Yeah, I'm sure a phoney would really stand out at this party.
Oh, this must be Mr. Shaw.
I have very bad news.
Mr. Shaw is not feeling well so he has to leave.
- Oh. Oh, oh, oh. - Oh, no.
I can't let you go without getting your autograph.
And if you could draw something on it...
Oh, actually, I do a pretty good rocket.
Oh, no, no, Antonia. Mr. Shaw is not giving away art. Ha-ha-ha.
Just write Mike Shaw.
Oh, isn't that nice?
Okay, there you go. That's for you. Come along.
Please, just say a few words about The Dry Wit of the Sandwich Maker.
- Who wants another tour? - Oh, I do.
- Get out. THAD: Yes, I would like to.
Niles, why don't we show them the secret passageway?
NILES: Oh, what a good idea. - Come on, then.
Uh, I'll catch up with you. Don't let them in the panic room.
Oh-ho-ho, hello. I'd almost given up on you.
- It's lovely. - Thanks.
If you don't mind,
I find it's best to get paid while there's still evidence.
Yes, of course, of course.
Uh, just wheel it over there by the dining rotunda.
I'll be right with you.
The coast is clear.
Come on, let's get a bottle of champagne and go back up.
Hey, you're Mike Shaw.
I studied you in art school. You're a major influence.
Well, that's very flattering.
Well, shall we get back upstairs for round three?
Uh, she's talking about the fight.
Of course, the night's still young.
Here, and that, and here you go. And thank you.
No, thank you.
I just met one of my heroes, Mike Shaw.
Oh, yes, in the hall?
No, right here.
Don't tell me. White hair, cane, plaid shirt?
Character?
- I forgot the list. - Right.
Mr. Shaw.
Oh, for God's sake. Wait here.
Dad, you're not supposed to be here.
Niles, you're not supposed to be here.
And what's in here?
Oh, Mr. Shaw, you came back.
Yeah. I, uh, felt better.
Then you must talk to us about your work. We're collectors.
Oh, but this is a party. I...
I art all the time.
Come on. Let's get you another drink.
THAD: Fun party.
It's nice to see you step out of Frasier's shadow.
I think he might have been holding you back.
I have to get out there before Dad says something stupid.
Let's get these hens browning so we can eat as soon as possible. Mm. Th...
That's Frasier's signature sauce, except it's so much better. Mm, mm.
I think you should send him the recipe.
I'm holding him back.
Your sauce is better than mine.
Honestly, I don't even know why I try.
I stand here slaving over a hot stove, and for what?
Does anybody appreciate me? No.
Are you getting close, Mr. Slobodkin?
These things take time, miss.
Who do you think I am?
That mouse in the cartoons that goes fast?
What's his name?
- Speedy Gonzales? - No.
He's a little mouse with a big hat and he goes very fast.
- That's Speedy Gonzales. SLOBODKIN: No.
The mouse.
This is going to drive me crazy.
Hello?
I have no idea.
Can't you just stall dinner for a little while?
All right, don't yell.
My friend wants to talk to you, Mr. Slobodkin.
Oh, it's very small.
Hello?
I'm going as fast as I can.
I'm not that little mouse that goes "zip" all around.
What's his name?
No, that's what she said.
He's a mouse.
What impresses me the most
is the way you reinvent identity while recording anonymity.
- Well, that took years to get down. - Sure.
Come on, tell us, what do you think of Warhol?
Crap.
- Kienholz? - Crap.
It is so refreshing to have someone speak so candidly.
And you have to believe me, because I'm a fancy-ass artist.
ALEX: I know.
Why don't you take us through the house
and tell us what you think of Niles' art?
- Oh, yes, please. - Oh, sure.
I've been waiting to do that for a long time.
You can't brown the hens yet.
If we wait any longer,
their skins will wrinkle and my sauce will separate.
Is that what you want?
- Is that what you want?
NILES: Daphne?
Damn it.
You're not supposed to be in here!
I'm... I'm sorry. Dad's run amuck.
Oh. Why aren't the hens browning?
Because they're not ready yet.
But they look ready.
Yes, well, they're not.
- Then we'll just serve them as is. - You can't. They're not brown.
- We're going to. I'll get a platter. DAPHNE: Don't open that door.
Stop that. I already saw him.
What are you doing here?
I am saving your party, that's what I'm doing.
- Niles... - You don't have to explain.
Frasier's presence here is clearly why this party's gone awry.
Oh, really?
If that's what you think,
then I will gladly take my signature sauce and go.
Your signature sauce?
That reminds me, you won't be needing to use my poultry shears.
- No, no, you can't. It's already here. - This is mine.
No, it's on my property.
Oh, stop it! Stop it. Both of you.
Fine!
What have you done?
I'm not sorry.
You've been asking for this for years.
No, no, it's not what you think.
See? Yummy.
GUESTS: Ugh.
No, no, it's sauce. We just had a little kitchen mishap.
We'll just get this cleaned up.
MARTIN: Here, here, wipe it on this. - Thanks, Dad.
That is no Mike Shaw.
What happened to my painting?
Did you know about this, Mike?
I may have.
Oh, give it up, Martin.
This isn't Mike Shaw. It's Niles' father.
What are you trying to pull, Crane?
This is uncomfortable. We should go.
DAPHNE: No, no, no, please. Listen to me, listen.
Yes, there's been some deception and things got out of hand,
but no real harm has been done.
I made some mistakes. People make mistakes,
but that's no reason to abandon them.
This night can still be a success.
We've got the food and you're all here.
And when I tell you about what happened,
we'll all have a good laugh about it.
So, please, everybody stay?
- All right. - All right.
- Oh, thank you, thank you. - Well done, Daphne.
Whoo.
Hello.
All right. Get your coats.
Daphne,
congratulations.
You're now officially a Crane.