Frasier's new butler Ferguson (played by Victor Garber) is the cat's meow and offers to help Frasier plan a party to impress snobs.
Tropes:
- The Ace: Ferguson's lifetime spent living with the elite has given him both savvy and connections that make him a much more competent social climber than Frasier, who gets frustrated with Ferguson’s constant (but undeniably effective) improvements to his own plans. Frasier eventually puts his foot down and insists he doesn’t need everything managed for him - naturally at the worst time possible, when the butler is trying to hurry everyone out before Mel and Niles blow up. Cue Fras pleading for some plan to salvage the situation.
- Embarrassing Ringtone: Mel changes Niles' ringtone to "La Cucaracha" at top volume, and then refuses to let him answer when it goes off during a society funeral. On learning this Frasier apologises because he called Niles twice during said funeral.
- Football Hooligans: Daphne and Ferguson bond over stories of their Manchester United supporting relatives. Daphne's uncle got a can of beer cracked over his head by Sir Bobby Charlton, and proudly keeps the can.
- Glad I Thought of It: When Frasier initially decides to have a party following an opera, Ferguson suggests it instead be held before it, to make things easier for the older guests. Frasier compliments him for building upon his own idea.
- The Jeeves: Ferguson, Frasier's butler, is a quintessential gentleman whose work, particularly the liberties he takes, is greatly appreciated by the family.
- Kick the Dog: Mel accepts an invitation to a New Year's Party for herself and Niles while looking directly at Daphne, making it clear she won't be letting them go any time soon.
- Know When to Fold 'Em: Frasier manages to stop Niles from trying to acquire Ferguson by saying that Daphne won’t have to clean his penthouse anymore.
- Love Epiphany: After dealing with the Cranes, particularly the relationship drama Daphne and Niles have to deal with due to Niles' marriage to Mel, Ferguson is reminded of an old love of different social standing and decides to resign in order to pursue her.
- Moment Killer: At one point, Niles and Daphne are having an intimate moment...only for Ferguson to answer a call from Mel, who requests Niles to show up to a soiree and act boorish as part of their divorce preparations. Mel later shows up at Frasier's party after an invited guest brings her along, scuttering plans for Niles and Daphne's romantic evening.
- Open Mouth, Insert Foot: When Ferguson overhears Mel and Niles arguing during the party, he tries to encourage the guests to leave for the opera, but Frasier thinks he's crossed the line with taking liberties and insists he knows what he's doing. Cue Niles and Mel outright yelling at each other, and Frasier's immediate attempt to rush everyone out is now too late to save the immediate drop in their reputation.
- Psycho Ex-Girlfriend: "Phase 2" of Mel's divorce plan continues. Not only does she demand Niles continue publicly humiliating himself but always finds some reason to occupy his nights to keep him from Daphne.
- Status Quo Is God: The episode ends with Ferguson deciding to pursue an old romance instead of staying with the Cranes.
- That Came Out Wrong: Daphne's attempt to explain to Ferguson about how she and Niles each ran out on a marriage to be together, but Niles has to stay married and keep Daphne a secret. It sounds like a mistress in denial.
- Woman Scorned: Mel is still putting Niles through hell by dangling the promise of a quick divorce in front of him. Niles finally decides he's had enough after she accepts the New Year's invitation.
- Wounded Gazelle Gambit: At Frasier's party, Niles reaches his breaking point and publicly announces his love for Daphne. Immediately, Mel plays the victim, getting the entire party to take her side and treat the Cranes with disdain.
