This season has stood out from the rest for the humor of watching Niles' clever gawking, however distant, has been replaced by mutual affection. This episode is the first so-called "clip-show", in that we see a few of the best scenes of Niles & Daphne's budding romance. The writers have left us wondering why Daphne was gaining weight, causing rumors of pregnancy to circulate, but as we learn in the beginning of this episode, they have yet to consummate the relationship! Niles is frustrated, not from the lack of sex, but rather from an outside Psychologist's reasoning for Daphne's weight gain that clashes with his own. After an awkward confrontation upon her return, Frasier checks on Niles to help him understand the other perspective. They look back together in a series of *Emmy-winning for best editing* scenes and realize that Niles has always considered Daphne to be "perfect", so much so that he failed to realize that she was gaining 60 lbs all year. Together they come to the conclusion that Niles is holding onto an illusion and was making Daphne nervous about being in a relationship. Likewise, Niles was also worried that he might not measure up, be worthy of these standards. In the end, Niles confronts Daphne, reassuring himself and her that their relationship is indeed, quite real.
Review of Daphne Returns
