Murder Most Maris

Infobox Television episode | Title = Murder Most Maris
Series = Frasier
Season = 11
Episode = 08
Airdate = 11th November 2003
Guests =
Writer = Sam Johnson
Director = Scott Ellis
Prev = Maris Returns
Next = Guns N' Neuroses
Episode list = List of Frasier episodes

"Murder Most Maris" is the eighth episode of American sitcom "Frasier" season 11. It is the second part of a storyline that spans two episodes, continuing from the previous "Maris Returns".

Cast and characters

Main cast and characters

*Kelsey Grammer – Dr. Frasier Crane
*David Hyde Pierce – Dr. Niles Crane
*John Mahoney – Martin Crane
*Jane Leeves – Daphne Moon
*Peri Gilpin – Roz Doyle

Plot outline

Maris has been arrested for the murder of her Argentine boyfriend, and the police have called in Niles for questioning. It soon becomes apparent that the murder weapon was an antique crossbow belonging to Niles, which he had lent to Maris for an artistic re-enactment. Even though Niles emerges unscathed from the police interview, he and Daphne have to endure several days of persecution by the press and sleep deprivation, not to mention endless phonecalls from Maris in prison. The situation becomes worse when Frasier offers to make a television statement on Niles’ behalf, and once on camera makes a horrendous malapropism, mistakenly saying his brother should be “executed” (meaning to say “exonerated”). All this time, Niles is dealing very calmly with the whole situation – almost too calmly, in fact, and Frasier knows the dangers of repression. Things finally break down in Café Nervosa, when Niles suffers a nervous breakdown. He undresses and ends up sitting at a table, completely naked, reading a newspaper. Roz defends Niles, keeping everyone in the restaurant from calling the police, while Frasier is able to get him to safety.

Episode Title Cards

*"Frazer with a Z"
*"Fair and unbalanced"

Memorable Quotations

"Frasier offers Daphne refuge at his place to avoid unwanted phonecalls from the media"
Daphne: Thanks, but if I let them drive me out of my own home, then they’ve won.
"Frasier then takes another phonecall"
Frasier: That was your mother. She heard the news and she’s on her way over.
Daphne: I’ll pack a bag, you get the car!

"Niles’ behaviour is causing trouble at Café Nervosa"
Waiter: I’m calling the cops!
Roz: The hell you are! This man’s tips alone have probably paid for all the pot you’ll ever smoke!