Ep 14. Can't Buy Me Love

In Frasier season 1 episode 14, titled "Can't Buy Me Love," Frasier encourages his father Martin to find a new hobby to occupy his time. Martin decides to take up painting and becomes obsessed with it, purchasing expensive supplies and hiring a teacher to help him improve. However, when Martin's paintings fail to impress his family and friends, he becomes discouraged and seeks reassurance from a wealthy art collector.

Meanwhile, Frasier invites his coworkers from the radio station to an expensive dinner party, hoping to impress them and improve his social standing. However, his plans are complicated when his date cancels and he is forced to bring his father as a last-minute replacement. Martin's lack of social graces and taste for simple food and drink clash with the sophisticated atmosphere, leading to some embarrassing moments for Frasier.

As the party continues, Martin's art teacher arrives and offers some harsh criticism of his work, causing Martin to doubt his abilities even more. Frasier tries to boost his father's confidence by throwing him a mini-exhibition in his apartment with his own friends, but once again, Martin's paintings fail to impress.

In the end, Martin decides to give up painting, feeling that he cannot improve. However, Frasier helps him realize that he was actually painting for the joy of it, not the recognition. Martin decides to continue painting as a private hobby and Frasier learns the importance of valuing the simple things in life.

Overall, "Can't Buy Me Love" is a humorous and heartwarming episode that explores the themes of self-doubt and materialism. It showcases the great chemistry between the characters of Frasier and Martin as they navigate their contrasting personalities and lifestyles.