06x22 - Visions Of Daphne

[bunniefuu]

Act One.

Scene One - KACL
That afternoon, Frasier's show has ended and Roz is looking through
catalogues as Frasier enters her booth.

Frasier: Good show today, Roz.
Roz: Yeah.
Frasier: [notices catalogues] Say, why all the catalogues?
Roz: I need to buy a present.
Frasier: [happily reading books] Tiffany, Cartier, Neiman Marcus...
Roz: So does anything look good to you here?
Frasier: Well, let's see. Who could we be shopping for? Hmm, perhaps
a honey-voiced radio therapist who's birthday's just around
the corner?
Roz: No, this present is not for you - it's for your brother.
Frasier: Oh all right, Roz, don't be coy. I think it's very smart you
fishing for hints like this - you wanted to avoid a misstep
like you made last year.
Roz: What misstep? You said you loved Pagliacci.
Frasier: Yes, I said the opera, not the porcelain crying crown
figurine!
Roz: Look, Niles pulled some strings and got Alice on a list for
a really good preschool, so I thought I'd just get him a
little thank you gift, which was why I was asking for your
stupid opinion in the first place. Forget it.
Frasier: All right, fine.
Roz: I'll figure it out for myself.
Frasier: Have it your own way, that's fine. But I tell you what,
don't get him a porcelain Pagliacci. He already has one!

Roz throws a catalogue at him as he exits the studio.

FADE OUT

SOMETHING OLD
SOMETHING NEW
SOMETHING BORROWED
SOMETHING DEAD


Scene Two - Frasier's Apartment.
Later that day, Frasier is on the couch reading a book when Martin
enters through the front door.

Frasier: Hi, Dad.
Martin: Hey, Fras. You'll never guess who I just saw. I went over
for a cup of coffee with Hank. You remember Hank? He's the
security guard who works at Weston's jewelry store. Anyway,
we were in his booth - just sh**ting the breeze, looking at
the surveillance monitors, when who do I see buying an
engagement ring, but Donny - as in "Daphne & Donny."
Frasier: [shocked] Donny? Are you sure?
Martin: Yeah. Engagement rings is Tina's counter. We use the zoom
lens on her.
Frasier: Dad, I'm shocked!
Martin: Oh no, it's just innocent fun. She only dresses that way
'cause she knows we're looking at her!
Frasier: About Daphne and Donny. I didn't realize they were this
serious.
Martin: Well, they spend all their time together.
Frasier: This is going to crush Niles.
Martin: Yeah, I know.
Frasier: Do you think we should tell him?
Martin: No, it's none of our business! We do not tell Niles and we
definitely do not tell Daphne!

Daphne appears at the front door. She has heard Martin's last
sentence.

Daphne: Tell Daphne what?
Martin: Nothing.
Daphne: It's bad news, isn't it?
Martin: No, it's not bad news.
Daphne: Is it about my mum, did they find something during her
physical - they did, didn't they? I'll have to call her.
Frasier: No Daphne, there is absolutely no news.
Martin: And even if there were, it's not up to us to tell you about
it.
Daphne: Who should tell me then? The head surgeon, our family
minister?
Martin: No!
Daphne: The mortician? [worried] I've got to pack, I hope I'm not
too late!
Martin: [quickly] I just saw Donny buying you an engagement ring.
Frasier: That is the news!
Daphne: [confused] Really? I don't believe it, I'm going to get
married! [excited] I'm so excited! I'm going to be a "Mrs."
Mrs. Donny Douglas! Oh, [writing it out in the air] Mrs.
Donald Ronald Douglas! Oh my God!

She runs off to her bedroom.

Frasier: I guess we're going to have to prepare Niles now, he's on
his way over here.
Martin: Yeah, well don't tell him here. I don't want him going to
pieces in front of Daphne.
Frasier: I guess I could tell him at the restaurant.
Martin: Don't take him to one of those fancy wine bistros that you
guys love. News like this calls for hard liquor, big
glasses!
Frasier: Wherever it is, I just think it's best that Niles hears it
from me and not from Daphne.

Just as Daphne did, Niles is now at the front door and has heard
Frasier's last sentence.

Niles: Hear what from Daphne?
Frasier: I'll tell you at the restaurant.
Niles: [excited] No, I don't want to wait till we get to the bistro.
Frasier: You're just going to have to wait.
Martin: And you're not going to any bistro!
Niles: [confused] Well fine, then if you won't tell me, I'll just
ask Daphne myself.
Frasier: [stopping him] Niles, wait. The truth is: Daphne's...
Martin: [completing the sentence] ...mother is dying.
Niles: Oh, dear God.
Frasier: Yes. Tragic, isn't it? You know, she's going to need all
the support that we can give her.

Daphne enters with tears in her eyes.

Daphne: Evening, Dr. Crane.
Frasier: Well, come on, Niles, we don't want to lose our table.
Daphne: [to Niles] Have you heard the news?
Niles: [hugs her] I just did, what can I say?
Daphne: Oh, I've thought about this day, ever since I was a little
girl.
Niles: I'm sure you have.
Daphne: It's even better than I thought it would be!

Niles, confused, comes out of the embrace.

Daphne: I can already picture the big day: beautiful flowers
everywhere, a sea of smiling faces, and I suppose everyone
will want to have their picture taken with the lady of the
hour.
Frasier: [worried] You know, maybe Daphne could use a little quiet
time.
Daphne: Oh, who could be quiet?! I'm so happy. [hugs Frasier]
Donny's going to ask me to marry him!
Niles: [aside to Martin] What?
Daphne: Now, come the big day you'll all sit right up front with my
family. Because that's what you are to me: family. [hugs
Martin]
Martin: Well, that's what you are to us too, Daph.
Niles: [Daphne has now started hugging him again, he says, acting]
I am so thrilled for you.
Daphne: Oh thank you, thank you all!

Daphne runs out in a hyper mood as Niles tries to overcome his
emotions.

Martin: I'm sorry, son.

Niles acknowledges this with his hands.

Frasier: Do you want to talk?
Niles: Er, no. Frasier, if you wouldn't mind I'm gonna cancel
dinner. I need to be alone.
Frasier: Of course, Niles, but if you need me - call.

Niles exits as Martin and Frasier are sorry for him.

Martin: Oh, poor kid!
Frasier: Oh, he'll be all right, Dad. You know, Niles is a lot
stronger than we give him credit for.

The phone rings which Frasier answers.

Frasier: [into phone] Hello? Hold the elevator, I'll be right there.

Frasier walks to the front door but before he can get there, the phone
sounds again. Martin answers.

Martin: [into phone] Hang in there son, he's on his way.

Frasier opens the front door to a sad Niles with the phone to his ear
and head pressed against the open lift door.

FADE TO:

Scene Three - Niles's Office.
Niles is writing in his journal as there is a knock at the door.

Niles: Yes?

His secretary, Mrs. Woodson, enters with a bag.

Woodson: This came while you were in session. It's from a Roz Doyle,
she wanted to thank you for a favor that you did. [hands the
bag over]
Niles: Ah.
Woodson: I'll be off now.
Niles: All right. Goodnight, Mrs. Woodson.

She exits. Niles carries on writing in his journal. There is
another knock.

Niles: Come in, Mrs. Woodson.

However when the door opens it is Daphne. Niles puts his journal away
and stands up to greet her.

Daphne: I'm afraid it's me, Dr. Crane.
Niles: [surprised] Daphne, what are you doing here?
Daphne: I know I should have called first but I need to talk to you.
It's sort of a private matter and I hoped we could talk here.
Niles: Well, it's not really appropriate for me to act as your
therapist, but if it's just advice from a friend you need
I'd be happy to lend an ear. What's on your mind?
Daphne: Well, I don't think I can marry Donny. I think there's
somebody else I'm meant to be with.

There is a knock at the door but Niles ignores it as he carries on
chatting with Daphne.

Niles: [to Daphne] Who is it?
Woodson: [entering, thinking he was talking to her] It's Mrs...
Niles: [getting mad] Oh for God's sake, go home! [she does, then
to Daphne] Sorry for that interruption. Anyway, this man
you're meant to be with - who is he?
Daphne: I'm afraid I can't say.
Niles: Yes you can, we're the only ones here.
Daphne: Are you sure you won't laugh at me?
Niles: How could you possibly think I would laugh at you?
Daphne: Well, most people would if I told them I'd seen the love of
my life in a psychic vision.
Niles: Well, most people are... [realizing] What?
Daphne: You know how I have these psychic flashes from time to time?
Well, I had one last night.
Niles: Oh you had a vision about... the love of your life. Okay,
well tell me about it. [they sit] And Daphne, omit nothing!
Daphne: All right, I was straightening up the living room when I had a
sudden flash of a wedding ceremony for Donny and me. Oh, it
was lovely; the church was packed to the rafters. My mum was
there in a peach silk looking very smart, my brothers in
their suits....
Niles: You know, I may have led you in the wrong direction with the
"omit" business, feel free to skip ahead.
Daphne: My father had just walked me up to the altar and I was
standing there facing Donny. He looked quite natty,
black tuxedo, tails, very slimming...
Niles: We're skipping.
Daphne: Well, then the vicar began the ceremony. He asked if anyone
had a reason why we shouldn't wed and that's when this...
well, this person stood up and said that he did. He said
that he was the true love of my life, though he'd never had
the courage to say so. Ah, I feel so awkward telling you
all this.
Niles: Don't. [excited] I think I know who this person is.
Daphne: You do?
Niles: Yes.
Daphne: Well, I don't see how you could. I couldn't tell myself.

Niles is disheartened.

Daphne: He was standing in the shadows and I couldn't see his face.
All I could make out was that he was wearing a red bow tie.
Niles: I don't have a... [realizes] clue why anyone would wear
such a thing to a wedding.
Daphne: Heavens, I can't believe I'm talking about my visions to a
psychiatrist. Your brother would think I was daft.
Niles: Well, [covering] Frasier's never really shared my mystical
spiritual bent.
Daphne: This does mean I'm going to have to turn down Donny's
proposal. You don't think that would be crazy?
Niles: Not at all.
Daphne: Then you really believe in psychic visions too?
Niles: I do.
Daphne: Oh, thank you, Dr. Crane. That means a lot to me. Of course
if I can't marry Donny, I can't very well go on dating him.
That would just be leading him on.
Niles: That's very true.
Daphne: I don't know how I'm going to break it off with him.
Niles: If you want to write a letter... I have stationary and a fax
machine.
Daphne: No. I have to tell him to his face. I do hate to let him go,
though.
Niles: I know it's hard, but it's the only ethical thing to do.
Daphne: [emotionally] You're right. [hugs him] Now I see why people
come to you. You always point them in the right direction.
Niles: Well, I'd be a poor excuse for a psychiatrist if I didn't.

Over her shoulder Niles notices his bust of Carl Jung gazing at him
accusingly. Half scared, he turns the head away from himself.

End Of Act One. (Time: 9:50)

Act Two.

Scene Four - Frasier's Apartment.
That evening, Martin is watching the TV in his chair as Eddie watches
the TV laid upside down. Frasier enters, says hello to Martin, and
looks weirdly at Eddie.

Frasier: What's Eddie doing?
Martin: Every time this cooking show comes on, he rolls over and
watches it upside down. He likes all the pouring they do.
He thinks it's funny the way the food goes up instead of
down.
Daphne: [enters from front door] Evening.
Martin: Hey, Daph. Donny called, he said he'd be here by eight.
Do you think he'll pop the question tonight?
Daphne: I hope not.
Martin: What's the matter?
Daphne: I've decided to break up with him tonight.
Martin: What?! You wanted to marry him yesterday.
Daphne: Well, you know how I have these visions from time to time,
and don't tell Dr. Crane, well...
Frasier: [enters from kitchen] Don't tell me what?
Daphne: Nothing.
Frasier: It's my car again, isn't it!
Daphne: It's not your bloody car!
Martin: She's breaking up with Donny because of some vision.
Daphne: I asked you not to mention that!
Frasier: [concerned] What vision?
Daphne: I know you'll make fun of me. But I had a vision that I'm
meant to be with another man.
Martin: Who?
Daphne: I couldn't see his face. I don't know anything about him.
He was just wearing a red bow tie.
Frasier: Are you seriously going to dump Donny because of some psychic
vision, don't you think that's a little unwise?
Daphne: Well, your brother didn't think so.
Frasier: Niles knows about this?
Daphne: Yes, he helped me to see that ending things with Donny was
my only choice. Unlike you, he believes in my visions; he
knows I have a gift.

She storms to her room.

Frasier: Yes, he's been trying to unwrap it for six years!

The doorbell sounds and Frasier goes to answer it.

Frasier: That'll be Donny.
Martin: What do you think about all this vision stuff?
Frasier: Obviously there's some psychological reason that she's having
second thoughts. It's got nothing to do with an apparition in
a red bow tie.

Frasier answers the door to a grinning Niles who has donned a bright
red bow tie.

Frasier: [appalled] Niles, you jackass, will you take that thing off!
Niles: [enters] I admit it's a bit of a departure for me, but I'm
feeling a bit kitschy today.
Frasier: Yes, I know. Daphne told us how you encouraged her to follow
her vision and dump Donny. I am astonished at your lack of
integrity! Now will you take that damn thing off! What the
hell did you hope to accomplish with that anyway?
Niles: I was simply trying to nudge Daphne into the realization
that I am the man in her vision.
Martin: Niles!
Niles: [reluctant] All right. [he takes it off] But why else would
she come to me?
Frasier: Surely, you of all people realizes that there is some
psychological basis for these visions of hers. It
represents a fear of some kind. A fear of intimacy,
a fear of commitment, a fear of the Windsor Knot,
who knows?
Daphne: [enters] Was that Donny at the door?
Frasier: Oh no, just Niles, Daphne. You know, we were just discussing
these visions of yours.
Daphne: Look, I'm in no mood to be mocked.
Frasier: I'm not mocking you, Daphne, and I'm not trying to influence
you in anyway, either. It's just that I was wondering... um,
have these psychic warnings ever come to you before - say, at
a critical juncture in a relationship?
Daphne: No! [remembers] Well, actually yes. Once when my first
boyfriend proposed I had a vision telling me that there
was somebody better waiting - which there was: Clive.
Frasier: But you dumped Clive.
Daphne: Look, er, I don't have time for this right now.

Daphne, worried and confused, dismisses herself to the kitchen.

Frasier: [sarcastic] Oh yes, no fear of commitment there.
Niles: It's just as possible that she knew those men were wrong for
her. Isn't that right, Dad?
Martin: [searching the room] Leave me out of this. I'm just looking
for my TV Guide.
Niles: Well, I could use a little support here.
Martin: [straightens up] Well, maybe that's why I said to leave me out
of it. I'm sorry, Niles. I want you to be happy but I'm with
your brother on this.
Frasier: Niles, the fact is you don't know what causes these visions,
and yet you still advised her to walk away from a wonderful
relationship. It doesn't make you much of a psychiatrist.
Niles: That's your opinion.
Frasier: Yes well, here's a second opinion: it doesn't make you much
of a friend.

Niles is touched by this deeply and stares saddened into mid-air as
he knows what he must do. He leaves to the kitchen whilst Martin
looks around.

Martin: Are you sure you didn't throw it away in the recycling?
Frasier: Are you actually looking for the TV Guide?!
Martin: Well I have to plan my weekend!
Frasier: [sarcastic] You really do have the world on a string, don't
you, Dad?

The following scene sees Niles going into the kitchen to talk to
Daphne. Niles tries to settle the matter.

Niles: Look Daphne, I've been thinking about our talk this afternoon.
I'm not sure I gave you the best advice I could have. Perhaps
what you call a vision is really a fear - a fear of commitment,
say. That would explain why these visions come to you when
your relationships turn serious. Mind you, I can't tell you
that Donny is the right person for you, but I wouldn't want
you to end things with him for the wrong reasons. Do you
understand?
Daphne: [hiding her tears] Yeah, you're just like your brother after
all. This afternoon you were just humoring me, weren't you?
Niles: No, Daphne.
Daphne: [walking into the room as Niles follows, she shouts] Look at
the idiot from Manchester, she thinks she has visions!
Niles: No, no, all I'm saying is that I think there are psychological
issues here that you just don't entirely appreciate.
Daphne: Well, how could I? I'm just some nut who believes in fate.
Well, I've always followed my visions and [swelling up in the
eyes] your pity's not going to change that.

The doorbell sounds.

Daphne: That'll be Donny. Could one of you get the door?

Frasier and Martin look around helpless and confused.

Daphne: [angry] Well, you've seen me do it enough times. You just
turn the handle and pull!

Daphne storms to her room as Frasier opens the door to Donny.

Donny: Hey, Frasier. Is Daphne ready?
Frasier: She'll be out in a minute.
Donny: Oh, good, good. Oh, what's that you're drinking there?
Frasier: Sherry.
Donny: Oh. Yeah, I'll have one.
Martin: So, how's business?
Donny: Well, actually I've cut down on my caseload. I want to spend
more time with Daphne. Don't tell her this but I've booked
us on an Alaskan vacation next month. I guess it's one of
the few places left where you can feel completely alone.
Martin: [uncomfortable] Ah, you like that feeling, huh?

Martin and Niles exchange glances as Daphne enters from her room.
Donny goes to hug Daphne but Niles and Frasier get in the way. They
move out and Donny and Daphne hug.

Daphne: Donny.
Donny: Hi, honey. [kisses her]
Daphne: So are we on our way then?
Donny: Well actually, I've got something on my mind that I'd kinda
like to talk about first...

Martin, Niles and Frasier get up and try to excuse themselves.

Donny: No, no, I'd like you to stay here for this. If it wasn't for
you then I never would have met Daphne...
Frasier: Donny, I think it would be best...
Donny: It's okay. Sit!

As Donny leads Daphne to a chair, the three sit down.

Martin: Maybe I'll have a little bit of this sherry. [He gulps down a
glass at once]

Donny sits Daphne in a chair and kneels down in front of her.

Donny: You know, I thought that being a divorce attorney would have
just soured me on relationships... and then I met you. And
I found myself telling my clients to reconcile, because I
think that if they could find even just a tiny little bit of
the happiness that I've found with you they could make it.
I've been thinking about that time we went to the little bed-
and-breakfast in the country and we sat in that porch swing
all night. [laughs] When I looked at the sky, you told me
your dad and you used to sit on your step and do the same
thing when you were a kid. He said that the only man good
enough for you would "scoop the stars out of the sky with
his hat and lay them at your feet." Well... [taking ring out]
I've only caught this one so far. But if you'll accept it,
I'll spend my life chasing down the rest of them for you.

Daphne stares at the ring as Frasier, Martin, and Niles stare at her.

Donny: I know it's very soon, so just think about it.
Daphne: [slowly] I don't have to think about it... Yes!

She begins crying and stands up to hug Donny. They kiss as Martin
and Frasier look at Niles in shock. Niles is heartbroken.

Donny: Boys, give me a break: you look more surprised than I do.
Frasier: Oh, we're just so happy for you.
Niles: Oh, that's wonderful. [getting up] Excuse me, I need to...
Frasier: Yes, champagne, let me help you.

Martin and Frasier follow Niles into the kitchen.

Frasier: Oh Niles, I'm so sorry...
Martin: Frasier, why don't you just take this champagne in there and
stay out there for a second?

Frasier complies. Martin and Niles stand in silence for a moment.

Martin: I'd do anything to fix this for you.
Niles: I know. [half smiling] It's my own fault. I had chance after
chance to tell her how I feel, but I always kept my mouth
shut. 'Til tonight, when I probably should have.
Martin: Well, you can't regret what you said. It was the right thing
to do, and that's something I can always count on from you.
Niles: Thanks, Dad.

Daphne walks into the kitchen, still excited.

Martin: Well, I'm going to get me some of that champagne. [exits]
Niles: Me, too.
Daphne: [stops Niles] Just a second, Dr. Crane. I'm sorry I got cross
with you. Once I thought about what you said it really made
sense, and then when Donny did ask me it was fear that I felt �
just like you told me. I figured the best way to overcome it
was to just jump in with both feet. Thank you for your help.

Avoiding eye contact, Niles hugs Daphne hard.

Niles: I wish you the very best, Daphne.

Donny enters in a joking mood.

Donny: Hey, don't squeeze so hard! That's a precious commodity right
there: my number one client!

Donny pats Niles on the back as Daphne laughs at his joke.

FADE TO:

Scene Five - Frasier's Apartment.
Later that evening Martin is still searching for his TV guide as
Daphne enters from her bedroom donned in her dressing gown.

Daphne: Still looking for that TV guide?
Martin: Yeah, it's the damnedest thing. [looks around] What are you
still doing up? Where's Donny?
Daphne: [begins searching with him] He's on the phone with my folks.
He really is wonderful, Mr. Crane.
Martin: I've very happy for you, Daph.
Daphne: Oh my God. [straightens up] I just had that vision again.
Only this time... oh, that's a bit scary. My mystery man
is standing with some sort of dragon.
Martin: [surprised] A dragon?
Daphne: Yes, that makes no sense. It must be just what Dr. Crane
said, these visions are about my fears.
Martin: [thinking she's nuts] God, yes.
Daphne: Imagine spending the rest of my life looking for some poor
bloke with a dragon. [laughs]
Martin: [straightening up] Wow, that's weird.
Daphne: What?
Martin: I just had a vision myself.
Daphne: What is it?
Martin: It's a mystery woman, she's standing in the kitchen -
[excited] she's making me a Monte Cristo sandwich.
Daphne: [begins to leave] Oh, brother!
Martin: Oh no, it's just a grilled cheese!
Daphne: Make it yourself, you lazy old sod!

Daphne exits as Martin hobbles out miserably.

FADE TO:

Scene Three - Niles's Apartment.
Meanwhile at the Montana, Niles is switching off the lights for the
night. He walks across the room until he realizes that the present
Roz sent for him is still unopened. He decides to have a look what
she bought him.

Niles: [in disgust] Oh, Roz!

Niles takes a small ornament out of the bag. It is a tacky statue of
a dragon. Niles then replaces this in the bag looking at it with a
look of displeasure.

End Of Act Two. (Time: 21:40)

Credits:

Frasier's Apartment.
That next day Frasier enters the main room from the kitchen and sees
both Martin and Eddie lying upside down on chairs watching TV. At
first he shakes his head at them, but he then decides to try it
himself.
Guest Appearances
Special Guest Star
SAUL RUBINEK as Donny

Guest Starring
SHARON MADDEN as Mrs. Woodson
Quick Synopsis {kathy churay}
ACT ONE

Scene One - Radio Station - Afternoon

Frasier enters Roz's booth congratulating her on a good show, only to
find her with a pile of mail order catalogues. She asks his opinion
and at first he thinks she's choosing a gift for his birthday, and he
warns her against a gift like last year's. "You said you loved
Pagliacci!" Roz protests. "Yes," Frasier replies, "the opera, not
the little porcelain crying clown figurine." But the gift isn't for
him, it's for Niles, who pulled strings to get Alice on the waiting
list for a very good preschool. Frasier jokingly tells her not to
get Niles a porcelain Pagliacci -- he already has one. Roz throws a
catalog at him as he leaves, smirking.

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Dead


Scene Two - Frasier's Apartment - Late Afternoon

Frasier is reading on the couch as Martin comes in from a visit with
his friend Hank, a security guard at a jewelry store. He tells
Frasier he and Hank were watching the security monitor and saw Donny
buying an engagement ring. Frasier is shocked and wonders whether
they should tell Niles, who will be crushed. But Martin says that
it's none of their business. They shouldn't tell Niles, and they
definitely shouldn't tell Daphne.

"Tell Daphne what?" she inquires, coming in from the laundry room
with her basket. She quickly leaps to the conclusion that her
mother's health checkup is bad news, and works herself nearly into a
frenzy until Martin blurts out the truth. Daphne is shocked at
first, then ecstatic at the thought of getting married at last. "I'm
going to be a missus!" And she runs off to her room jubilantly.

Frasier tells his father that they are going to have to prepare
Niles, who is on his way over to the apartment at that moment. They
adjourn to the kitchen, still talking, and Martin advizes Frasier not
to tell Niles in the apartment so he won't go to pieces in front of
Daphne. Frasier agrees that he'll tell Niles at the restaurant
they're going to for dinner. Martin warns him not to take Niles to
"one of those fancy wine bistros that you guys love. News like this
calls for hard liquor and big glasses." As he heads back to the
living room Frasier remarks that it's best Niles hear the news from
him and not from Daphne.

"Hear what from Daphne?" asks Niles, coming in the front door.
Frasier won't tell him and says Niles has to wait till they get to
the restaurant. Niles laughs and refuses to be teased, and heads for
Daphne's room to ask her himself. They head him off, and Frasier is
about to tell him when Martin jumps in with a story that Daphne's
mother is dying. Daphne comes in and Niles gives her a hug to
comfort her, only to be confused by Daphne going on and on about the
impending "big day." Frasier suggests that Daphne might want to be
alone and tries to rush Niles out of the apartment, but Daphne can't
help but rhapsodize over the wonderful news that Donny is going to
ask her to marry him. Niles reacts stoically and Frasier looks
sympathetic as Daphne insists that all three of them must sit up
front with her family on the big day, since they are family to her.
Niles pulls himself together to hug Daphne and tell her how thrilled
he is for her, and she rushes off to her room again.

None of the three Cranes has much to say. Finally Martin tells Niles
how sorry he is, but Niles brushes him off. Maintaining a brave
front he begs off dinner with Frasier, saying he needs to be alone,
and leaves. Frasier asks him to call if he needs him. Martin pities
Niles, but Frasier tells him Niles is stronger than they give him
credit for. Just then the phone rings, and Frasier answers it and
says, "Hold the elevator, I'll be right there." He hangs up and
heads to the front door as the phone rings again. Martin answers it
with, "Hang in there, son, he's on his way." As Frasier opens the
front door we can see Niles standing with his head against the
elevator door, clutching his cell phone numbly.


Scene Three - Niles's Office - The Next Afternoon

Niles is writing in a journal as his secretary Mrs. Woodson knocks at
the door on her way out for the evening. She hands him a bag that
someone named Roz Doyle had dropped off earlier while he was in
session. Niles thanks her and sets it aside, taking up his journal
again as she leaves. A moment later there is another knock at the
door, but this time it's Daphne. She apologizes for dropping by
without calling. She wanted to talk to Niles privately. Niles
cautions her that it's not appropriate for him to act as her
therapist, but he'd be happy to give advice as a friend.

Daphne tells him she's not sure she can marry Donny, that there's
someone else she's meant to be with. Niles asks her who it is and
she can't say. Niles thinks she's just being shy, but she cautions
him not to laugh at her -- she's seen the man in a psychic vision.
He insists she must tell him about it, omitting nothing.

She starts telling him in detail about her vision of the ceremony --
her mother's dress, her brothers' suits, the guests. Niles gently
hurries her along until she finally says that at the part of the
ceremony where the vicar asks if anyone objects to the marriage, a
man stands up and says he is the true love of her life. Niles smiles
and says he thinks he knows who the man is, but Daphne doesn't see
how that could be. She herself couldn't see the face of the man
standing in the shadows, only the red bow tie he was wearing.

Daphne says how awkward she feels, telling her psychic visions to a
psychiatrist, since she's sure Frasier would laugh at her. But this
means, of course, that she's going to have to turn down Donny's
proposal, and stop dating him since it would be unethical to lead him
on. Does Niles think that's crazy? Of course Niles doesn't at all.
Though he knows he's taking advantage of her, he can't help but be
happy she's going to break up with Donny, and enjoy the hug she gives
him as the scene ends.


ACT TWO

Scene One - Frasier's Living Room - Early That Evening

Martin is watching TV as Frasier enters from the bedroom. Eddie is
lying on his back on an end table, watching the television upside
down as Frasier heads into the kitchen. Daphne comes in and Martin
tells her that Donny called and will come by about 8:00. Does she
think he'll ask her to marry him tonight? Daphne tells him she hopes
not; she's planning to break up with Donny tonight. She tells him
about her vision and cautions him not to tell Frasier.

"Don't tell me what?" Frasier asks as he comes in from the kitchen.
Martin blurts out her news and Daphne is forced to reveal that she's
had a vision. Frasier wonders whether it's not unwize to break up
with Donny on the basis of a vision. Daphne insists that his brother
had a different opinion, that breaking up with Donny was her only
choice. Niles knows she has a gift, she insists, and storms out to
the kitchen.

The doorbell rings and Fraizer expects it will be Donny, but it's
Niles, wearing the inevitable red bow tie. He tries to be casual,
but Frasier caustically informs him that he and Martin have already
heard about Daphne's vision and his advice, and Frasier is astonished
at Niles's lack of integrity. Niles takes the tie off protesting
that all Daphne needs is a nudge to realize he is the man for her --
why else would she come to him for advice? But Frasier is genuinely
angry at Niles for not seeing that the visions must represent a fear
of commitment, not psychic ability.

Daphne comes in and Frasier tries to get her to talk about her
vision, but Daphne is defensive and afraid of being mocked. Frasier
gently tries to raize the question of when she's had the visions in
the past -- was it usual at a crucial juncture of relationships? No,
Daphne insists, though it did happen when her first boyfriend
proposed. She felt there was someone better waiting, and there was -
- Clive. Frasier points out that she dumped Clive, too, but she
refuses to discuss it and retreats to the kitchen.

No fear of commitment there, Frasier observes sarcastically to Niles.
Niles insists that it's possible that Daphne's previous boyfriends
were just wrong for her, but Frasier points out that not only is
Niles not being a good psychiatrist -- he's not being much of a
friend, either. Niles appeals to Martin, who sides with Frasier.
Niles is forced to reconsider and goes into the kitchen to talk with
Daphne.

Daphne is making tea as Niles tells her he's reconsidered his advice
of that afternoon. Perhaps her visions are really produced by fear
of commitment and she would be breaking up with Donny for the wrong
reasons. Daphne gets angry at him and tells him he's just like his
brother, thinking she's pitiable because she believes in visions.
But his pity isn't going to change her belief in her visions. She is
clearly hurt and goes off to her room to collect herself as the
doorbell rings.

Frasier lets Donny in. Daphne comes in and tries to get him to go
out for their date. Donny says he has something to talk to her
about. The Crane men try to get out of the room, but Donny insists
they stay to hear what he has to say. The three of them sink
resignedly to the couch and are forced to listen as Donny makes a
touching, heartfelt proposal to Daphne. Daphne is very moved and
for a moment it's not clear what she wants to do, but then she
happily accepts his proposal. Niles, Frasier and Martin sit looking
stunned till Donny chides them for their long faces and they get up
to congratulate Donny and Daphne. Niles acts genuinely happy for
them, but quickly beats a retreat to the kitchen, followed by
Frasier.

In the kitchen there is mostly silence as Frasier collects glasses
for a champagne toast and Niles stands grief-stricken at the counter.
Martin comes in and pushes Frasier out with the champagne so he can
have a moment alone with Niles. He tells Niles that he would give
anything to fix this for him. Niles admits it's his own fault, not
saying anything to Daphne about his feelings, then saying the wrong
thing and causing her to accept Donny's proposal. Martin comforts
him that he has done the right thing and that he can count on that
from Niles.

Daphne comes in to give Niles a big hug and thank him for talking
some sense into her. Niles wishes her the best in a choked voice,
and Donny comes in to hug him, too. Niles even manages to return
Donny's hug for his number one client.

Scene Two - Living Room - Later That Night

Martin is searching for his TV Guide as Daphne comes in in her
bathrobe. Donny is in the other room, on the phone with Daphne's
parents. Daphne starts to help Martin with the search, and is
looking under a chair when she straightens up in shock. She's just
had another vision. The same man is in this one, only this time he
has a dragon. She admits the visions must be about her fears after
all. "Imagine spending the rest of my life looking for some poor
bloke with a dragon!"

Scene Two - Niles's Apartment - That Night

Niles shuffles tiredly through the living room in his pajamas,
turning off lights for the night. He spots the bag Roz gave him and
roots through it looking for the gift. "Oh, Roz!" he exclaims, and
lifts out the figure of a carved dragon for a moment before he puts
it back in the bag in disgust.

Fade Out.


CREDITS:

Martin and Eddie are watching TV again, Eddie on his back on the end
table, Martin upside down in his recliner. Frasier passes through
rolling his eyes at the two of them, but after a moment reconsiders
and lies down on the couch, putting his feet up and watches the show
upside down himself.