Ep 16. Decoys

Frasier season 6 episode 16 titled "Decoys" centers around Frasier's struggle to impress his new boss, Kate Costas. After being forced to fire one of his radio show staff, Frasier's boss invites him to a talk show about business management. Frasier, desperate to make a good impression, hires a younger and more attractive assistant named Claire. However, his plan backfires when his boss takes a romantic interest in Claire, leaving Frasier feeling discouraged and defeated.

As Frasier tries to win back his boss's approval, he also deals with family drama. His ex-wife Lilith comes to Seattle and reveals that their son Frederick has a crush on Claire. Frasier is torn between telling Frederick the truth about Claire's interest in his boss or risking hurting his son by keeping it a secret.

Meanwhile, Niles is invited to a dinner party by Maris's plastic surgeon, but worries about fitting in with the affluent guests. He turns to Frasier for advice on how to impress them and ultimately resorts to bringing a rare tartar sauce as a gift.

The episode's title, "Decoys," refers to the various ways the characters attempt to impress those around them. Frasier uses Claire as a decoy to make himself seem younger and more desirable to his boss, while Niles' elaborate gift is meant to act as a decoy for his social status. And Lilith's visit serves as a decoy for the true purpose of her visit, which is to reveal the truth about Frederick's crush.

Ultimately, the episode highlights the lengths people will go to in order to impress others and the consequences that can come with it. It also showcases the complexities of family dynamics and the difficult decisions parents have to make in order to protect their children.

As with all episodes of Frasier, "Decoys" is filled with witty banter and clever humor. The performances by the talented cast bring the characters to life and make the episode enjoyable from start to finish. Overall, Frasier season 6 episode 16 is a must-watch for fans of the series and anyone looking for a smart and entertaining comedy.