Ep 15. Out With Dad

Frasier is a beloved American sitcom that ran from 1993 to 2004. Set in Seattle, Washington, the show centered around the titular character, Frasier Crane (played by Kelsey Grammer), a radio psychiatrist who hosts his own call-in show. In season 7 episode 15, titled "Out With Dad," Frasier's relationship with his father, Martin (played by John Mahoney), is put to the test when Martin begins dating a younger woman named Faye (guest star Amy Brenneman).

At the beginning of the episode, Frasier is annoyed to learn that his father has been spending time with Faye and neglecting their usual routine. He tries to be polite to her when she comes over to their apartment, but he is clearly uncomfortable with the situation. He confides in his brother, Niles (David Hyde Pierce), about his concerns and the two of them decide to investigate Faye's background.

Their investigation turns up some surprising information - Faye is not only a successful businesswoman, but also a philanthropist who donates to many worthy causes. Frasier and Niles are impressed by her accomplishments but still feel uneasy about their father dating someone so much younger. When they confront Martin about their concerns, he assures them that he is happy with Faye and that they have a lot in common.

Meanwhile, Frasier is dealing with his own relationship issues. His girlfriend, Cassandra (Virginia Madsen), is feeling neglected because Frasier has been spending so much time worrying about his father. Frasier realizes that he needs to make more of an effort to be there for Cassandra and promises to plan a romantic evening for the two of them.

As the episode progresses, Frasier and Martin continue to clash over Faye. When Martin decides to take Faye on a camping trip with him, Frasier is horrified and tries to dissuade him from going. Martin becomes angry and accuses Frasier of being overprotective and controlling. Frasier, for his part, feels like Martin is abandoning him for this new woman.

In the end, Frasier realizes that he needs to let go of his jealousy and be happy for his father. He invites Faye and Martin over for dinner and tries to get to know her better. Faye turns out to be charming and gracious, and Frasier sees how happy Martin is with her. He apologizes to his father and the two of them make up.

"Out With Dad" is a well-written and entertaining episode of Frasier that deals with the common issue of parents dating after a divorce or the death of a spouse. The show manages to balance the comedic and dramatic elements of the story, with plenty of funny moments involving Frasier and Niles' investigations and Martin's camping trip. At the same time, the episode also addresses the more serious themes of aging, loneliness, and the changing dynamics of family relationships. Overall, "Out With Dad" is a great example of Frasier's ability to tackle complex issues with humor and heart.