I think the writers probably were just using the wife = bitch template. Note they even had to turn Daphne into one when she became a wife.
I think Daphne's transformation into a controlling wench is quite overstated.She's never as bad as Mel, There's always some sweetness about her.
I'd like to offer another explanation for this:
Niles. Niles has remained the submissive party in this relationship, and all others, from the start of the show.
Maris, Mel, his dog, even his parrot are all in the authority/ control position.
I think that's why I also like Niles and Daphne as a couple. I like this dynamic. Perhaps because I also enjoy being controlled by women.:D
Is there any wonder that he always ends up with a "Maris"? He likes being controlled.
I think that's what also adds to his tragi-comical vulnerability as a character, and makes him so likable.
Even in his relationship with Frasier.
Remember when in
Shrink Rap, Frasier wanted to high-five him , and Niles thought he was about to be struck. He has this fear of authority figures.
Though I think Niles is the far more mature of the brothers, when it comes to providing insight into situations regarding which Frasier remains clueless.
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shrilltrills
8 years ago
I think Frasier and Niles are both very capable of seeing when the other is doing something self-destructive. Not so much with themselves, but they can both pretty easily see when the other is engaging in masochistic or immoral behavior. Frasier called Niles out on letting Maris walk all over him and trying to sabotage Daphne's relationships and Niles called Frasier out when he was trying to justify doing things that were unethical, such as banging his married ex wife.
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Gothish
8 years ago
I think Daphne's transformation into a controlling wench is quite overstated.She's never as bad as Mel, There's always some sweetness about her.
Thank you, and I agree. I don't know why people act like Daphne became this horrible person once she and Niles got together. There were many sweet and tender moments between them as a couple, and Niles was no pushover.
Once you become a couple and are more relaxed around each other, you develop a shorthand and are often more blunt and to the point about things.
"Two gin and Frescas"
"Shaken, not ridiculed"
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Rockhound6165
8 years ago
I don't agree with your assessment. Perhaps with women but overall, especially with Frasier, Niles always wanted to by top dog. In that same Shrink Wrap episode, Niles not only put his name on top of Frasier's, he made his much bigger. Also, running for corkmaster and winning at the wine club. Always wanting to one up Frasier like when they were buying birthday presents for their dad, Niles was the one who bought the horse. There are many more examples.
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ClayGorgon
8 years ago
You're right about that. But I don't think it necessarily runs contrary to what I said.
I think it stems from his feeling of inferiority to Frasier, his need to compensate.
Niles always felt the less successful,and probably the less loved, envious of his brother's celebrity status. That's why when given the chance , he wanted to make the bigger gesture/impression on others.
There's this strife to grow out of his brother's shadow, to gain extra recognition, something which in Niles' estimation, Frasier gets without applying effort.
The zingers with which Niles peppers his talk when he refers to Frasier's profession on the radio are all just a coping mechanism.
As for running for corkmaster, it was at Mel's initiative, not his own.
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