Our take
A cleverly built Christmas episode that replays the same chaotic days from several points of view, so each new angle explains a joke you saw earlier. It rewards a second viewing. The church pageant gives it a proper seasonal backbone, and the family's gift-giving disasters feel true to life. Roz's pregnancy storyline adds a little warmth, and Martin's attempt at a solo is lovely. Busy, clever and festive.
What happens
The run-up to Christmas, told from the point of view of each member of the family in turn. Martin has befriended a priest and has been asked to sing a solo in the church Christmas pageant, so he turns to his musical sons, Frasier and Niles, for help. Frasier hunts for the perfect presents for everyone, only to let them down with a cheap idea for a gift. Niles gets trapped in a lift shaft and finds some inner strength. Daphne worries about Martin's health, and Roz frets about breaking the news of her pregnancy to her mother, news that Frasier ends up blurting out for her. Each new point of view fills in a little more of what really happened, and every storyline ends in the same chaotic place as the family's Christmas plans collide.
Can the kids watch it?
Rated PG by the BBFC for mild language and sex references; fine for older children.
Cast and crew
Starring
- Kelsey Grammer as Dr. Frasier Crane
- John Mahoney as Martin Crane
- Jane Leeves as Daphne Moon
- David Hyde Pierce as Dr. Niles Crane
- Peri Gilpin as Roz Doyle
Guest stars
- Albert Macklin as Masseur
- Conrad Janis as Albert
- Brooks Almy as Mother in Elevator
- J.B. Gaynor as Billy
Writer
- Christopher Lloyd
Director
- David Lee