The Last Time I Saw Maris

Infobox Television episode | Title = The Last Time I Saw Maris
Series = Frasier
Season = 3
Episode = 08


Caption = Niles is considering wearing jeans, growing a goatee and joining a gym
Airdate = 28 November 1995
Production = 40571-057
Writer = Ian Gurvitz
Director = Phillip Charles Mackenzie
Guests = Paul Mazursky (Vinnie)
Prev = The Adventures of Bad Boy and Dirty Girl
Next = Frasier Grinch
Episode list = List of Frasier episodes (Season 3)

"The Last Time I Saw Maris" is the eighth episode of season 3 of American sitcom "Frasier". It is notable as being the start of a running storyline in which Niles and his unseen wife Maris began a separation period.

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

Recurring cast

*Patrick Kerr – Noel Shempsky
*Irene Olga Lopez – Marta

Plot outline

Maris has been missing without trace for three days. Frantic, Niles is convinced that she's been kidnapped; plans to sweep the koi pond, however, are put on hold when Maris' recent credit card transactions are checked, indicating that she is merely indulging in a shopping expedition in New York, and Niles is relieved. Frasier, on the other hand, is subdued and annoyed, and he points out Maris' lack of concern in going on a shopping spree without leaving word. He persuades Niles to stand up to his wife for a change and confront her about her selfishness, which he does. However, rather than apologising, Maris demands a divorce and throws Niles out. Frasier feels responsible, and gives Niles sanctuary at his place, but is unable to talk Maris round. The next day, Niles emerges in a very cheerful mood – almost too cheerful, his brother decides.

Episode Title Cards

*"Thank God Gucci was closed"
*"What light breaks through yonder window"
*"Denial ain't just a river"

Memorable Quotations

"Frasier is trying to persuade Marta to let him speak to Maris"
Marta: Missy Crane say, “No you Doctor Crane, no other Doctor Crane, and no Crane with a cane!”

"Despite getting a bucket of water tipped over him, Frasier is determined to make Maris listen"
Frasier: In spite of that last little outburst, I am not going to leave here until we've had some sort of a breakthrough. "(hears guard dogs barking)" Well, I see our time is up. I'll let myself out! "(runs)"

"Frasier's Freudian slip when offering some words of caution to Niles"
Frasier: Along with the good things in your marriage, there were problems, things you said you couldn't live with any more. If you want those to change, you have got to stand up to her; if you back down now, you will go through the rest of your life feeling weak and small because you never had the courage to say, “I will "not" let you treat me like this, Lilith!…Maris!”

Trivia

* The episode's title is a parody of "The Last Time I Saw Paris", the name of a 1954 film starring Elizabeth Taylor (based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's short story 'Babylon Revisited') and also of a book by Elliot Paul.

ee also

*List of Frasier episodes