Frasier

Martin is increasingly worried that he may not actually be the biological father of both Niles and Frasier. Even though Daphne has not yet become pregnant, she goes ahead and registers an imagined child at a prestigious, well‑known, exclusive school.

"Fathers and Sons" is an episode‑length programme that falls squarely within the comedy‑drama genre. It forms part of a broader series that routinely explores familial relationships, with this particular instalment focusing on the complexities of parent‑child ties. The format is that of a single, self‑contained episode, allowing the story to unfold in a concise, yet complete, narrative arc. The central thread follows Martin, who becomes increasingly uneasy about his role as the biological father of both Niles and Frasier. His doubts about paternity drive much of the episode’s tension. Meanwhile, Daphne, despite not having conceived a child, takes the unusual step of enrolling a non‑existent baby at an elite school. Her decision adds a layer of absurdity to the already fraught situation, highlighting the lengths the characters will go to in order to maintain appearances. Beyond the immediate plot, the episode underscores the theme of identity within a family context, using humour and irony to examine how characters respond when their assumptions are challenged. The exclusive school setting serves as a backdrop that amplifies the characters’ anxieties about status and legitimacy. By juxtaposing Martin’s genuine concern with Daphne’s farcical enrolment scheme, the story offers a snapshot of how the characters navigate uncertainty while trying to preserve the façade of a conventional family life.