Ep 5. Love Stinks
- TVPG
- October 16, 2001
- 21 min
-
7.6 (654)
Frasier season 9 episode 5, titled "Love Stinks," follows the ups and downs of the romantic relationships of Frasier, Niles, and Roz. Frasier and Niles find themselves in a heated competition for the affections of an attractive woman, while Roz struggles to balance her new relationship with a demanding career.
The episode begins with Frasier and Niles at a singles mixer, each hoping to find a suitable companion. They both set their sights on the same woman, played by guest star Rita Wilson, and the competition is on. The brothers engage in a hilarious game of one-upmanship, each trying to outdo the other in their attempts to impress her.
Meanwhile, Roz is dealing with her own romantic complications. She has started dating a man named Roger, played by guest star Saul Rubinek, who is a successful businessman with little time to spare. Roz finds herself struggling to balance her hectic work schedule with her newfound relationship obligations, leading to stress and tension in both areas of her life.
Throughout the episode, the characters' romantic pursuits intersect and overlap, leading to amusing and unexpected twists and turns. Frasier and Niles' rivalry takes a dramatic turn when they both discover that the object of their affection is actually an undercover cop, investigating the singles mixer for illegal activity. Roz's relationship with Roger hits a rough patch when she struggles to make time for him, leading her to reconsider her priorities.
As always, the writing and performances in this episode are top-notch. Kelsey Grammer and David Hyde Pierce deliver pitch-perfect comedic timing and witty banter as Frasier and Niles, while Peri Gilpin brings depth and nuance to Roz's character. The guest stars also impress, with Wilson and Rubinek bringing their considerable talents to their respective roles.
Overall, "Love Stinks" is a standout episode in an already impressive season of Frasier. With its sharp writing, hilarious situations, and engaging character dynamics, it is sure to delight fans of the show and newcomers alike.
