TEXT: Skyline: A helicopter rises above the city. [PREVIOUSLY_ON] Scene - Frasier's new office Frasier: What's got Daphne all worked up now? Niles: It wasn't Daphne. It was Maris. CUT TO: later, same setting Niles: She's gotten involved with some Argentine polo player. It turns out [ ] he's a gold digger, with a violent temper to boot. Scene - Montana apartment, Frasier opening the door. Esteban: Dr. Crane? Frasier: Yes? Esteban: I'm Esteban de Rojo. [He punches Frasier.] Scene - Later at the Montana Niles: [to Daphne] I tell you, Maris will never come between us again. As they exit to the kitchen, we hear the radio: "And now, news headlines: Police have just arrested Seattle socialite Maris Crane for the murder of Argentine polo star Esteban de Rojo..." The radio fades out. ACT ONE Scene One - The Montana It is later that night, after everyone has heard the news. Niles opens the door to Frasier and Martin. Niles: Come in. Frasier: Niles! [they embrace] What have you heard? Niles: Not much. The TV news is still pretty sketchy. Dad, did you find anything out? Martin: Well, I called some buddies at the station. They'll call back when they know something. Frasier and Martin hang up their coats and head for the bar, to which Daphne has brought some plastic cups and where there are still refreshments left over from the fake baby shower. Daphne: It's just so freaky! I can't believe that man is dead. He was standing right where you are just a few hours ago. Martin: How are you holding up, son? Frasier: As well as can be expected. [He moves his hand to his eye.] Martin: I meant your brother. Niles: Oh, well, I'm--I'm stunned of course, the idea that Maris actually killed someone. Frasier: Well, we've all seen
SUMMARY:
Maris has been arrested for the murder of her Argentine boyfriend, and the police have called in Niles for questioning. It soon becomes apparent that the murder weapon was an antique crossbow belonging to Niles, which he had lent to Maris for an artistic re-enactment. Even though Niles emerges unscathed from the police interview, he and Daphne have to endure several days of persecution by the press and sleep deprivation , not to mention endless phone calls from Maris in prison. The situation becomes worse when Frasier offers to make a television statement on Niles' behalf, and once on camera makes a horrendous malapropism , mistakenly saying his brother should be " executed " (meaning to say " exonerated "). All this time, Niles is dealing very calmly with the whole situation - almost too calmly, in fact, and Frasier knows the dangers of repression . Things finally break down in Café Nervosa, when Niles suffers a nervous breakdown . He undresses and ends up sitting at a table, completely naked, reading a newspaper. Roz defends Niles, keeping everyone in the restaurant from calling the police, while Frasier is able to get him to safety. After things have calmed down and Niles' breakdown ended, Maris calls once more. He says he'll help her, but his and Daphne's life is first and foremost and she cannot call every second.