Ep 1. Momma Mia

In season 7 of Frasier, the first episode titled "Momma Mia", marks the return of Frasier's mother, Hester Cranes, who passed away years ago. Frasier is thrilled to spend some time with his mother, even if it is just in flashbacks.

As the episode begins, Frasier is hit with a wave of nostalgia as he unpacks a box of his mother's belongings. Unbeknownst to him, his father, Martin, had donated the box to a charity, prompting Frasier to look into retrieving it. Meanwhile, Frasier's producer, Roz, is struggling to deal with her demanding family and almost begs Frasier to adopt her, much to Frasier's dismay.

As the scenes transition between present-day Frasier and flashback scenes, the audience is taken on a journey of Frasier's past, centering on his mother's visit to Seattle. In an effort to impress his mother, Frasier takes her out to a fancy restaurant, where she quickly becomes the center of attention. Hester plans to surprise Frasier by springing a visit to his apartment, which throws Frasier into a frenzy, as his impeccable digs are not ready for his mother's scrutiny.

Just as everything seems to be going smoothly, Frasier's date for the evening, Cassandra, arrives, revealing that Frasier had double-booked the night. As Frasier tries to negotiate the situation, everything spirals out of control as Hester's favorite necklace goes missing. After an extensive search, Frasier uncovers the necklace in Cassandra's purse, leaving Frasier to juggle damage control and salvage his mother's opinion of him.

Overall, the episode is a poignant tribute to Frasier's mother and the impact that she had on his life. The flashbacks offer a glimpse into Hester's wit and wisdom, highlighting the bond that she shared with her son. The episode deals with themes of family dynamics and the lengths that one will go to impress their parents.

The performances are top-notch, with Kelsey Grammar showcasing his comedic talents in his various dramatic and humorous exchanges. John Mahoney's portrayal of Martin Crane unearths his softer side, as he reminisces about Hester and the happy times they shared. The episode is one of the highpoints of the season and offers a nostalgic trip through Frasier's past.

In conclusion, the season 7 premiere of Frasier titled "Momma Mia" is a touching tribute to Frasier's mother, Hester Cranes. The episode deals with themes of family dynamics and the lengths that one will go to impress their parents, making it a relatable and heartwarming watch. The cast's performances are stellar, making the episode one of the standout moments of the season.