Fraiser Season 5, Episode 13

This episode of ‘Fraiser’, Season 5: Episode 13, focuses on Niles finally breaking free from the toxic relationship with his then-wife (Maris) and finally discovering his worth.

Throughout the series, we follow Niles who is constantly at the foot hold of his wife Maris. Often forcing him to beg his way back into their relationship or to began back under her control. We never see her, however from her description, she is a terrible unimaginable human that people can’t work out why Niles puts up with her.

In this scene signifies the growth of Niles. He has finally reached a point where he can see exactly what the audience has seen all along, “He is better than this”.

He emotional heartbreaking speech about realisations of his worth and deciding to finally feel Martis, is true pathos. Because although we are proud of Niles, we still see him heartbroken. He is relieved he is free, broken is marriage is over and overwhelmed that he put up with such a toxic relationship for so long.

This scene shows strength in a character that would not be impacting if we didn’t know Niles and see what he has achieved and grown throughout the series.

In relation to my screen work, focus on your characters arcs. Understand what your character is thinking and doing and every scene and their motives, like normal people, change over time.