The Seal Who Came to Dinner

"The Seal Who Came to Dinner" is the eighth episode in season 6 of American sitcom Frasier.

Cast and characters

Main cast and characters

Plot outline

Niles' gourmet club will soon be awarding the annual Golden Apron Award, and the final leg of the contest requires the competitors to host a dinner party at their home. Since Niles is deeply ashamed to admit to the apartment he currently has, Frasier offers to let him use his place. This seems ideal, especially when Martin mentions that there is a meteor shower predicted on the evening in question, and Frasier's balcony would be useful as an observation deck. However, Niles discovers a crack in one of the windows, with tape over it, and promptly says the party will have to be somewhere else. He realises that Maris has a beach house that would present a perfect setting, and she herself is in Antwerp so need never know. Frasier is offended at the rejection of his own apartment, but Niles says he can still attend the party. On first inspection of the house, everything seems fine, until they follow the trail of a horrendous smell and discover a dead seal lying on the beach outside. Desperate that this evening should go well, Niles and Frasier must then hurry to dispose of the creature before the party starts.

Episode Title Cards

Seoul Mates
Not What Good Housekeeping Had In Mind
Their Fête is Sealed

Background Information

The title is a spoof on the stage play "The Man Who Came To Dinner" by Christopher Durang, who makes a guest appearance in this episode, and also played a guest caller in an earlier episode.

Memorable Quotations

Daphne chastises Martin for flirting with her friend Pam
Martin: Well, she was flirting right back. I saw her giving me the once-over.
Daphne: Yeah, she looked once and it was over.

Niles is suspected of murder after he is seen dumping a body into the sea from a rowing boat
Niles: My wife is alive! She's in Antwerp having her elbows done!
Frasier: Oh, give it up, Niles. Even I didn't believe that one!