Jeffrey Richman Movies

First telecast March 13, 2005, the ABC sitcom Jake in Progress starred John Stamos as Jake Phillips, a handsome, stylishly dressed celebrity publicist who worked for the Magnum PR Agency. It was Jake's function in life to handle damage control for the rich and famous -- and to endure the constant insults hurled his way by his high-strung boss Naomi (Wendie Malick), who in the earliest episodes was twice as contentious as usual because she was in the last stages of pregnancy. Although supremely in charge on the job, Jake was less fortunate in his private life, unable to sustain any sort of lasting romantic relationships. Offering comfort and advice to the protagonist were his two friends, a dentist named Adrian (Ian Gomez) and a funky (and remarkably ubiquitous) street magician named Patrick (Rick Hoffman). Almost universally panned by critics during its initial 13-week run, Jake in Progress went on a lengthy hiatus, resurfacing on January 9, 2006. Evidently taking the criticism to heart, the producers endeavored to make the somewhat abrasive Jake more likeable and the episode plotlines more credible; also, two new regular characters were added, Annie (Charlotte Ross) and Mark (Dondre Whitfield). However, the series still languished in the ratings, posting the lowest numbers of the four major networks in its time period. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Stephanie Faracy guest stars as Mimi, a patient of psychiatrist Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer). Hoping to cure Mimi's phobia about clowns, Frasier dons a clown suit and makeup and prepares a big surprise for the woman. But the surprise is on Frasier when he himself is frightened by a mask-wearing Martin (John Mahoney). Accused of having no sense of humor, Frasier plans an elaborate practical joke to get even with his father -- and nearly kills the old man in the process. All ends well, however, when another surprise is delivered by Martin's lady friend, Ronee (Wendie Malick). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

News flash! Both Crane brothers are nervous Nellies this week. Niles is getting more anxious than ever about his impending fatherhood, while Frasier worries that after years of radio work he is no longer qualified for private practice. The brothers' spirits are given a lift when they are reacquainted with their childhood babysitter, Ronee Lawrence (Wendie Malick in her first series appearance), who has matured from a sexy teenager to a voluptuous, sharp-witted lounge singer. But as Frasier and Niles vie for Ronee's attentions, they find they have an unexpected romantic rival -- their own father, Martin (John Mahoney). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Attending a singles "mixer" in this episode are Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer), his brother Niles (David Hyde Pierce), and his very pregnant co-worker Roz (Peri Gilpin). In the early stages of the party, much time is expended over a rivalry between Frasier and Niles over the same woman. But all this (or at least most of this) is forgotten when Roz exercises her "TV sitcom regular" prerogative by suddenly going into labor. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

As the pregnant Roz's due date approaches, she begins to worry about what her baby will look like. Everyone is amused by the fact that the child's father, like his father before him, has an enormous nose -- everyone, of course, but Roz, who isn't keen on naming her kid "Cyrano" or "Durante." Meanwhile, Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) runs into trouble when he fails to inform Daphne (Jane Leeves) that the earrings he bought her are somewhat less than valuable. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

For financial reasons -- and also because they've been evicted by Joe (Tim Daly) and Helen (Crystal Bernard) -- Brian (Steven Weber) and Casey (Amy Yasbeck) move in with Antonio (Tony Shalhoub). Unfortunately, the over-emotional cabbie is even more insufferable than usual due to the fact that his girlfriend has dumped him. Meanwhile, Joe and Helen soon have cause to regret their brief and furtive fling with nudism. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Patricia Wettig guest stars in this episode as Stephanie, the attractive new neighbor of Niles Crane (David Hyde Pierce). Hoping to get better acquainted with the lady, Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) accepts an invitation to Niles' housewarming party, where Stephanie will be present. What Frasier hadn't counted on was the (literally) strong attachment between Niles and his pet cockatoo, "Baby" -- whose manic behavior at dinnertime proves beyond doubt that cockatoos make lousy lovebirds. ~ All Movie Guide

It's a leap year, it's February 29th, and middle-aged Roy Biggins (David Schramm) is now officially 12 years old. Helen (Crystal Bernard) thinks it would be a wonderful idea to celebrate the occasion by reconciling Roy with his son R.J. (Abraham Benrubi), who has been estranged from his dad ever since coming out of the closet. This episode was supposed to conclude with a gay wedding, but was written to avoid comparisons with a similar, like-vintage episode on the NBC sitcom Friends. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Joe (Tim Daly) and Helen (Crystal Bernard) can't stand living with Brian (Steven Weber) and Casey (Amy Yasbeck) while waiting for their new house to be built, so they buy another house. This turns out to be an extremely costly proposition--and worse, the couple they may not be able to unload the unfinished house to another buyer. A spectacular event eerily reminiscent of the season opener caps this final installment of Wings' seventh season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Lowell (Thomas Haden Church) welds together a modest birthday gift for Casey (Amy Yasbeck), who is so impressed by Lowell's handiwork that she donates the gift to an art museum. Soho art dealer Maya (Christine Mellor) is likewise impressed, to the extent that she thinks Lowell has a brilliant future as a sculptor -- and he might have, too, were it not for Casey's decision to act as his agent! Meanwhile, Brian (Steven Weber) plays a nasty joke on Joe (Tim Daly) which backfires on Helen (Crystal Bernard). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Debbie Reynolds, who seemed to have cornered the market in eccentric sitcom moms in the '90s (vide Roseanne), is cast in this episode as Deedee Chappel, the mother of siblings Helen (Crystal Bernard) and Casey (Amy Yasbeck). Arriving in Nantucket, Deedee surprises Helen with a wedding gift -- surprising in that it falls far short of the 10,000 dollars she has promised! Turns out that Deedee has a gambling problem, which Helen assumes is rooted in the "fact" that Deedee always liked Casey best. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Now that they're a "permanent item," Brian (Steven Weber) and Alex (Farrah Forke) decide to move in together. Alas, what seemed like a good idea at the time is anything but. Before long, both Brian and Alex would like to move out, but neither will admit it. And back at the terminal, Lowell (Thomas Haden Church) plays a very special version of "the name game." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Aspiring actor Woody (Woody Harrelson) lands his first starring role in a stage revival of Our Town. The prospect of making love to the production's Emily Webb (played by a pre-Friends Lisa Kudrow) has Woody nervous -- and his girl friend Kelly (Jackie Swanson) fuming. Meanwhile, the guys at Cheers wager on who can grow the longest beard. Fans of Kelsey Grammer's later series will be amused by a reference to the "late" father of Frasier Crane. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide