Frasier's Seventh Season: A Critical Retrospective

Frasier begins dating Mia Preston (Rita Wilson), a children's author, unaware that she bears a striking resemblance to his late mother, Hester. This uncanny similarity is only realized by Niles and Martin, leading to comedic discomfort for Frasier when he finally notices.

Frasier grapples with selecting a wedding present for Daphne and Donny, while Roz dreads being asked to be a bridesmaid. Frasier's attempt to offer floral arrangements for the wedding is misinterpreted as an offer to pay for the entire event. Meanwhile, Niles becomes entangled with an escort agency, mistaking it for a legitimate dating service.

Frasier becomes the target of escalating prank calls from KACL's new morning team. The pranks culminate in a fabricated audio montage suggesting an intimate encounter between Frasier and Roz, prompting Frasier to seek revenge.

The station owner's daughter, Poppy Delafield (Katie Finneran), begins an internship at KACL, proving to be incessantly talkative. Meanwhile, Niles, appointed as the art critic for a prestigious magazine, finds himself socializing with the elite. Frasier, envious of Niles's position, attempts to secure his own arts show, but Poppy misunderstands and launches her own program.

Bulldog, now a pizza delivery driver, is hired by Roz as a babysitter, but he scares away her date. Niles is engaged in a battle to reclaim a plot in a prestigious cemetery. Frasier and Niles encourage their father to find a hobby, but Martin remains hesitant.

Frasier attempts to avoid Poppy by leaving Niles in his place at Cafe Nervosa, which leads Poppy to develop an interest in Niles. Meanwhile, Frasier meets Regan (Gigi Rice), his new neighbor, and intends to ask her out. Both brothers suspect the other is pursuing their respective dates, leading to misunderstandings at a charity ball.

During an Antiques Roadshow visit to Seattle, the Crane family discovers a valuable Russian pewter clock, a Romanov family heirloom. This discovery sparks Frasier and Niles' interest in their Russian ancestry and the possibility of royal lineage, leading them to research their family history.

Following a minor car accident, Frasier and Niles encounter Niles's plastic surgeon, Dr. Mel Karnofsky (Jane Adams). Niles finds her attractive and similar to himself. A news report mistakenly announces Frasier's death due to mistaken identity at the hospital, leading Martin to enjoy the attention while Frasier reflects on his life.

Frederick visits for Thanksgiving, and Lilith also joins them. Frederick attempts to manipulate his parents into reconciling by creating a romantic atmosphere, but they realize his true motive is to secure a more extravagant gift.

Frasier, suffering from a back injury, realizes his recent irritability towards Daphne stems from anticipating her departure upon marriage. Daphne overhears his confession of platonic love, misinterpreting it as romantic. She confides in Martin, who assumes she means Niles, confirming her suspicions about Niles's feelings.

Frasier plans a Victorian Christmas party, inviting colleagues and rival Cam Winston. Daphne navigates awkwardness regarding Frasier's painkillers and Niles's unacknowledged feelings. Niles faces Mel's anger after her gardener's death. Frasier's party is disrupted by Cam's competing event, and Daphne panics as Niles and Mel break up, unaware of Frasier's advice to Niles about Maris.

With Chez Henri destroyed, Frasier and Niles must find new New Year's plans. Martin is pleased with his new RV's personalized plates, "RDWRER." Unable to secure flights, Frasier and Niles join Martin on a road trip in his Winnebago to a Wine Club celebration in Sun Valley.

Kenny decides KACL needs theme jingles. Frasier struggles to compose one, dismissing Martin's catchy tune and creating an overly elaborate piece. Forced to simplify, Frasier relies on Martin's musicality once again.

Frasier reconnects with Lorna Lenley (Jean Smart), a popular former classmate, and they spend the night together. He finds her less refined the next morning, questioning their future. Lorna invites him to a school event, where Frasier imagines the reactions of his peers seeing him with her. Meanwhile, Niles suspects Daphne is in love with him after she tends to a minor injury.

On Valentine's Day, Niles cancels plans with Frasier for his girlfriend Mel. Frasier persuades Martin to attend the opera with him, where they meet Emily (Marg Helgenberger) and her mother. Martin pretends to be gay to politely decline Emily's mother's advances, but later, Emily brings her gay uncle Edward (Brian Bedford) to Frasier's apartment, intending to set him up with Martin, who then pretends he and Niles are a couple.

With Roz on holiday, Frasier hires Mary Thomas (Kim Coles) from a community outreach program to co-host his show, fearing replacement by Chuck Ranberg. Mary, initially hesitant, becomes popular with her folksy advice. Frasier feels threatened and worried about appearing bigoted due to Mary's race. Meanwhile, Daphne is injured during Niles' kickboxing demonstration, and Niles insists on doing her chores, which Martin exploits.

Frasier eagerly seeks election as "Corkmaster" of his wine club, but Mel manipulates Niles into running against him. Niles wins the tiebreaker vote. Frasier is gracious until he learns Mel instigated Niles's candidacy. Martin begins an affair with Claire Wojadubakowski, feeling guilty due to his friendship with her late husband.

Donny asks Martin to assist with a surveillance stakeout for a court case. Niles accompanies Martin, concerned for his safety. Frasier and Roz attend a conference out of town; Frasier ends up sharing Roz's couch after a hotel mix-up. They bond over champagne and stories, leading to a shared night in Roz's room.

Frasier's show is temporarily removed from the air during contract negotiations, which he suspects is a tactic by KACL. He and Roz are offered a television spot on AM Seattle. Roz, ill with a fever, is unable to co-host, so Bebe Glazer steps in. Frasier and Bebe find the experience intoxicating, but Frasier suspects Bebe is stalling negotiations to make their TV move permanent.

Frasier volunteers to arrange Donny's bachelor party. Daphne anticipates a low-key event, but Martin invites a stripper (Rachel York) for an interview. Frasier inadvertently gets handcuffed to the stripper while offering suggestions, forcing him to hide the situation from Daphne and visitors, including Mel, Maris, and Regan.

Frasier plans a celebratory dinner at Stefano's Italian restaurant to announce something significant. Niles declines due to a childhood trauma associated with the restaurant. Frasier proceeds without him, only to be dismayed by an exaggerated caricature of his forehead on the restaurant's Wall of Fame. He attempts to have it corrected, but the artist is Stefano's mother.

Daphne undergoes anger management therapy after a car pile-up. Flashbacks reveal Donny's surprise bridal shower for Daphne, attended by her alcoholic brother Simon (Anthony LaPaglia). Daphne wears her favorite dress, believing she will spend the evening alone with Niles, realizing she has feelings for him and reconsidering her marriage to Donny.

Following a funeral, Niles confesses anxiety about his relationship with Mel. After denying feelings for Daphne, Frasier urges him to act. Daphne reveals she knows about Niles's crush and reciprocates his feelings. Niles marries Mel, but Frasier informs him of Daphne's feelings. The night before Daphne's wedding to Donny, Niles confesses his love, but Daphne feels committed. Niles is left alone, but Daphne arrives in her wedding dress, asking him out.