Ep 19. IQ
- TVPG
- April 8, 1999
- 22 min
-
8.0 (912)
Frasier season 6 episode 19, titled "IQ," follows the shenanigans of the Crane brothers as they compete in a battle of wits to prove who has the higher IQ.
The episode opens with Frasier and Niles boasting about their intelligence to each other, with Frasier suggesting he may be "the smartest man in Seattle." However, their egos are shattered when they receive a letter informing them that they have been selected for a prestigious IQ study at a local university.
Determined to prove their superiority, Frasier and Niles embark on a rigorous study regime, pouring over books, taking practice tests, and even resorting to some unorthodox methods, such as electro-shock therapy. Meanwhile, Martin, their father, is unsympathetic to their plight, remarking that intelligence is overrated and suggesting they should focus on developing their social skills.
As the day of the IQ test approaches, tensions rise between the brothers, with each accusing the other of cheating. Frasier, in particular, becomes paranoid, convinced that Niles has somehow outsmarted him. However, when the results of the test are finally announced, both brothers are shocked to discover that Martin has scored higher than either of them.
Despite their disappointment, Frasier and Niles are forced to reconcile with the fact that intelligence is not everything. In the end, they learn to appreciate the value of relationships and human connection, rather than just their IQ scores.
Overall, "IQ" is a classic Frasier episode, blending sharp witticisms, physical comedy, and social commentary into a satisfying thirty minutes of television. The episode highlights the show's recurring themes of sibling rivalry and intellectual snobbery while also poking fun at the idea of intelligence as a measure of one's worth. Fans of the show will appreciate the banter between Frasier and Niles, as well as the warmhearted moments shared between the Crane family.