During Martin's birthday, a blackout happens, which intensifies the fact that Frasier's family and friends are at each other's throats.
Tropes:
- Berserk Button: When Frasier at one point compare Niles to Dad, Niles instantly becomes defensive.
- Big Blackout: The power goes out in the city plunging Elliot Bay Towers into darkness and forcing everyone to stay in the apartment. It happens just as Martin blows the candles on his cake, causing Niles to quip that at least they know Martin’s lungs work OK.
- Continuity Nod: There are numerous mentions of the fact Frasier and Niles forgot Martin's birthday last year.
- Heartbreak and Ice Cream: Roz and Daphne, both in extremely bad moods, decide that they should eat the ice-cream in the freezer so it won't melt now the power's out.Frasier: There's no need to worry, ladies. The freezer will keep them cold for at least 24 hours.
Roz and Daphne: Shut up! - I Never: Frasier suggests a variation called "I'm The Dullest Person" where people give up pennies rather than drink.
- I Want Grandkids: Roz's family are having a big reunion in Wisconsin and she hasn't gone, a decision she regrets. After talking with Frasier, she reveals that despite her successful career, some of her relatives simply want to know why she's not married or why she doesn’t have any kids. Interestingly, despite the trope name, her mother is not one of those relatives.
- Really Gets Around: Roz reveals she's had sex in a phonebooth, an elevator, on an plane and on a Merry-Go-Round.Roz: I was in College, I was trying to find myself.
Niles: All you had to do was look under the nearest man. - Rule of Three: Daphne thricely throws Martin's cane to the floor when he aggravates her.Martin: Stop doing that!
- Straight Man: Deconstructed; Frasier just wants to have fun with his friends and family but they’re all neurotic Sitcom Character Archetypes and so he spends all his time having to deal with their problems. Finally he gives a "The Reason You Suck" Speech because not only do they not show gratitude but they turn on him the moment they feel inconvenienced.
