Frasier

Maris Returns (1) (11x7)

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Niles receives a phone call from a panicked Maris, who asks to meet him for lunch. She asks for advice on how to handle her violent, philandering lover. Niles recommends that she leave him immediately. Frasier and Martin warn Niles not to tell Daphne about the lunch, as she is experiencing severe mood swings due to her pregnancy. Niles wants to tell Daphne anyway, but changes his mind after she freaks out about a phone call from Maris. Niles ends up having to pile lie upon lie to keep the news from Daphne, and even has to throw her a baby shower at the last minute after she suspects that is the reason for his odd behavior and nervousness. Maris's lover, Esteban, shows up at the shower in search of Niles. He mistakenly punches out Frasier as he tries to retaliate for Niles' advice. Daphne is furious to learn that Niles lied to her, and storms out. She later returns, and Niles promises that Maris will never come between them again. Just then, a radio report announces that Maris has been arrested for Esteban's murder. Meanwhile, Frasier reconsiders his decision to return to private practice after his first two days are marred by a series of disastrous (and short) sessions.