First Do No Harm (Frasier)

Infobox Television episode | Title = First Do No Harm
Series = Frasier


Season = 6
Episode = 05
Airdate = 29 October 1998
Production =
Writer = Jordan Hawley & William Schifrin
Director = Sheldon Epps
Guests = Teri Hatcher (Marie)
Prev = Hot Ticket
Next = Secret Admirer
Episode list = List of Frasier episodes (Season 6)

"First Do No Harm" is the fifth episode in season 6 of American sitcom "Frasier".

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

Martin has arranged for Frasier to meet up again with Duke's daughter, Marie, whom he first met when they were both children. Frasier is pleasantly surprised at how beautiful she has become, and enjoys having dinner with her, but cannot help noticing that she has some autistic tendencies arranging her cutlery, and avoids even looking at the balcony owing to acrophobia. Later on, she tells him in great detail about a recurring dream she has. When Frasier relates these idiosyncrasies to Niles, his brother posits the suggestion that Marie is attracted to him because of his psychiatric expertise. Frasier is indignant, but cannot get the idea out of his mind, and later finds his suspicions confirmed, causing him to break up with Marie. Martin is angry, fearing the possible repercussions on his friendship with Duke, and Niles suggests Frasier give the relationship another chance. This he does, but Marie's recurring dream is still exercising his mind, causing Niles to change his opinion about the source of the problem.

Episode Title Cards

*"Bonsoir"
*"Is that pork in your cuff or are you just happy to see me?"

Cultural reference

The episode title comes from the principle observed in the medical profession (from the Latin "primum non nocere"), a reminder that intervention may cause harm.

Memorable Quotations

"Frasier decides to attempt a reconciliation with Marie"
Frasier: Sometimes the best apology is the truth.
Niles: You mean you're going to tell her you thought she was prostituting herself for therapy but now you've decided that's OK?
Frasier: "(pause)" Well, not that truth. Some other truth!

"Niles suggests that Frasier may find Marie fascinating because her problems give him a psychiatric challenge"
Frasier: Niles, Marie is a stunning woman with a body to die for, and you think all I'm interested in is her mind? How shallow do you think I am?

"Frasier has just solved the problem of Marie's dream, and then told her that the relationship will not work"
Marie: Am I crazy, or are you breaking up with me again?
Frasier: Well, they're not completely unrelated.