TEXT: Act 1 Scene 1 - KACL [Fade in. Frasier is on the air.] Frasier: Which not only helps in the healing process, but also provides one with the confidence to go forward, in spite of the fear this kind of trauma can cause. Honestly, I can't say enough about these medicated bandage strips. But thank you for asking, Jordan. [He happily wiggles his finger, Roz looks bored to tears.] Frasier: Up next is the stock market report with Julia Wilcox. [He switches off and there is a knock at the door. Frasier waves the man in.] Frasier: Hello, Avery. Impeccable timing. Avery: Good to see you Frasier. [He reaches out and shakes Frasier's hand.] Frasier: Yes, hello. Oh, careful, careful. Paper cut. Avery: Yes, I caught the last half hour of your show. [Roz comes in.] Frasier: Ah. Oh, Roz, come meet an old friend of mine. Avery McManus, this is Roz Doyle, my producer. Avery: Lovely to meet you. Roz: Same here. Frasier: Avery and I used to live across the hall from each other back at Oxford, now he lives in Seattle. A very accomplished accountant who's going to take me on as a client. Roz: Well, my taxes could use some serious doing. Frasier: Roz, he's married. [ushering her back to her side] I tell you what: I'll be back in about an hour to go over this month's "Best of". Avery: Oh, I don't think an hour is going to be long enough, Frasier. Your finances are a mess. Your spending's out of control. Frasier: Well that's impossible. I'm very prudent. Avery: Then what about this nine thousand dollar caviar bill from last month? And what's with you and wine? I had to take on an associate just to go through your sherry receipts. And then... Frasier: Gosh, you know, I've completely forgotten myself.
SUMMARY:
Frasier has hired an old friend from his Oxford days, Avery McManus ( John Hannah ), as his accountant , and his spending habits are already causing some concern. Following a difficult meeting, Frasier seeks sanctuary in Café Nervosa with Niles, only to discover that they now have a loud folk singer named Ben (played by Elvis Costello ) playing afternoons there. Frasier voices his objections, but ends up crossing the establishment owner, Maureen Nervosa ( Amy Hill ), and in the end feels compelled to leave. He and Niles spend some time trying, unsuccessfully, to find an alternative regular café . During his search, he is shocked to discover Julia Wilcox, a condescending co-worker from KACL, in the arms of his accountant. Knowing that Avery is married, Frasier is faced with an ethical dilemma as to whether he should tell Julia this fact. Niles, meanwhile, is unable to keep away from Nervosa.