Frasier Ham Radio (1993–2004) Online

At first glance of the premise, one might think this a variation on the 'Lucy, Ricky, Fred & Ethel Put on a Show' formula, (which is usually a primary symptom of Shark-Jumping) however this episode is anything but that. Frasier & Friends stage a radio re-creation of a 1940's-type murder mystery ("Nightmare Inn") for KACL's 50th anniversary, however Frasier's Orson Welles complex takes over and he's soon directing, starring, and re-writing the script. Not to digress, but while living in Orlando, Florida, you could get the audio from the local CBS affiliate (WCPX Channel 6) on your car radio at 87.7FM, and that's where I first experienced this episode. I didn't see it on TV until years later, and the amazing thing, for me anyway, is that it completely works as a stand-alone radio play. Very tightly paced, and packed with great development moments for each character, "Ham Radio" goes like Gang-Busters, so don't blink, or you'll miss something great. Wonderful farce, with lots genuinely big laughs, this should make just about anybody's top list of great TV half-hours.

This episode of Frasier is definitely a top 5 of the series for me. The episode is about Frasier & his friends & colleagues stage a recreation of the radio station's murder mystery for it's 50th anniversary. Frasier then runs everyone away by being too "bossy", directing, acting & constantly criticizing everyone's performance. Every one of the actors are fantastic but the best part, for me, is at the end. Gil (Edward Hibbert) just wanted his monologue & Frasier kept cutting it out, giving Gil more creative ways to try & squeeze it in anyway. And Niles (David Hyde Pierce) getting fed up with his brother "directing" him so he killed off all of his 6 characters & others in a hilarious way. I was bent over in tears literally, my cheeks hurt. Bravo!

While not one of the more innovative or original episodes, "Ham Radio" has to stand as one of my all time favourite episodes not only of "Frasier" but probably of any series. Containing some of the more traditional elements of farce they are utilised to such great effect in a story using the very simplistic premise of Kelsey Grammar's titular protagonist attempting to celebrate a major milestone in the radio stations history. This is to be achieved by recreating a hammy radio murder mystery play with staff members playing each role.

What marks this out in it's brilliance is not only the always top notch performances and the inspired hilarity that ensures but they manage to pull off such farcical comedy in a relatively small, compact running time and to such great effect. Everyone is practically flawless and is given their own individual intricate comical moments but for me David Hyde Pierce and Edward Hibbert who plays the stations camp, upper-crust Chef are just given that bit more edge in the hilarity stakes. What makes it all the more amusing is that Niles has been more or less thrown in the deep end and that is just the beginning of what he has to contend with. But to say any more more would be to give too much away, I defy practically anyone not to be wiping away the tears by the end of this episode. If you ever loved "Fawlty Towers" then chances are you will love this.