Ep 20. To Thine Old Self Be True

Frasier season 7 episode 20, titled "To Thine Old Self Be True," follows the usual suspects of the show's main cast as they deal with the ups and downs of their personal and professional lives.

Frasier himself is struggling with the idea of aging, particularly when it comes to his love life. He has a rendezvous planned with his much younger girlfriend, Faye, but is plagued with self-doubt and worries about whether he's still got what it takes to keep up with her youthful energy. His brother Niles, on the other hand, is grappling with the opposite problem – feeling like he's too old and set in his ways to try new things. When he receives an invitation to take part in a prestigious wine tasting competition, he's overcome with anxiety about his ability to keep up with the other, younger contestants.

Meanwhile, Frasier's father Martin is dealing with the emotional fallout of some recent news. His long-time friend Artie has passed away, leaving behind a legacy that makes Martin feel like he hasn't accomplished much in comparison. Normally, Martin would turn to his son for support, but with Frasier preoccupied with his own issues, he's left feeling adrift and alone.

Into this miasma of mid-life crises steps Daphne, who has her own problems to deal with. She's just learned that her ex-boyfriend Clive is getting married, and is feeling the sting of rejection and disappointment. She confides in Frasier, who tries to offer her some words of consolation while navigating his own turbulent emotions.

As the episode unfolds, each character faces their anxieties head-on, with varying degrees of success. Frasier is forced to confront the harsh truth that he can no longer keep up with the wild parties and late nights that Faye enjoys, and breaks things off with her. Niles discovers that he's quite capable of holding his own in the wine-tasting competition, and even manages to impress the other contestants with his knowledge and skill. Martin, still feeling unsure of himself, finally finds solace in the company of his friends at the local tavern. And Daphne, heartbroken though she is, realizes that she's ready to move on and start fresh with someone else.

Through it all, the cast of Frasier shines, delivering their trademark wit and humor even while grappling with weighty emotional issues. As always, the show manages to strike a balance between comedy and pathos, leaving viewers both laughing and empathizing with the characters' struggles. Whether you're a die-hard Frasier fan or a newcomer to the show, "To Thine Old Self Be True" is a must-see episode that showcases the series' strengths in every regard.