Ep 19. Give Him the Chair!

Frasier season 1 episode 19, Give Him the Chair!, sees Frasier face a moral dilemma when he discovers a famous corporate raider, Thomas Jay Fallow, will be his father Martin’s new condominium board chairman. Frasier is torn between his loyalty to his father and his own personal beliefs that Fallow is a ruthless businessman who destroys other people’s lives to get ahead.

With the support of his brother Niles and on-air colleague Roz, Frasier wages a war to prevent Fallow from taking the position. Meanwhile, Fallow tries to charm Martin with tickets to the Mariner’s opening day game, expensive cigars, and promises to improve the condo’s amenities.

As the tension rises, Martin becomes increasingly disgusted with Frasier’s antics, seeing them as selfish and unnecessary. Martin’s frustration comes to a boiling point when Frasier publicly humiliates Fallow during an open meeting, causing the businessman to withdraw his candidacy.

With Fallow out of the picture, Martin becomes the newly elected chairman. However, Frasier’s triumph is short-lived when he realizes the true consequences of his actions. Fallow’s withdrawal causes the resignation of some prominent condo members, putting the board in a precarious position.

Frasier soon realizes his mistake and apologies to his father, acknowledging that he let his personal beliefs get in the way of his father’s happiness. Martin forgives him, but not before giving him a stern talking to about thinking before acting. The episode ends with Frasier contemplating his own moral code and what it truly means to stand up for what you believe in.

Give Him the Chair! is a thought-provoking episode that explores themes of loyalty, morality, and the consequences of one’s actions. It showcases the complex relationship between Frasier and his father, highlighting their differing worldviews and the challenges they face in reconciling them. Additionally, the episode presents a nuanced perspective on corporate raiders and the impact of their actions on society.

Overall, Give Him the Chair! is a standout episode of Frasier’s first season, offering a compelling storyline, well-drawn characters, and sharp writing. It’s a testament to the series’ ability to tackle serious issues while still maintaining its trademark wit and humor.