Death Becomes Him

Roy Lichtenstein (1923-1997) was an American pop artist known for his comic-strip-inspired paintings using Ben-Day dots.

“I saw a Lichtenstein hanging in his office.”— Niles

A tort (or torte) made with linseed (flaxseed), a health-conscious dessert associated with the deceased's health-fanatic lifestyle.

“when I went to pick up this linseed tort I thought of Gary and...”— Gail

Likely a reference to kugel, a traditional Jewish baked casserole or pudding dish, often served at gatherings including shivas.

“Oh my, is that Krugle? Excuse me.”— Frasier

A fictional catering company referenced as providing food for Frasier's funeral arrangements.

“Who are you using? / Michaelson's. / Oh, they're very good. Excellent.”— Frasier

Shiva (or sitting shiva) is the week-long mourning period in Judaism observed after the burial of a close relative.

“Oh, the family are sitting Shiva.”— Allen

In Jewish mourning tradition, mirrors are covered during the shiva period so mourners are not concerned with their appearance.

“We always cover mirrors at a Shiva. So those grieving don't have to be concerned with their own appearances.”— Bobbie

The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range strategic bomber used by the United States Air Force since the 1950s.

“No, it was a B-52.”— Niles

Cosmopolitan is a popular women's magazine known for its quizzes and articles about relationships and sexuality.

“Read a magazine. Oh, here, here. Take the Cosmo quiz.”— Frasier

The Sunday edition of a major newspaper (likely The New York Times or The Seattle Times), known for being particularly large and heavy.

“And the Sunday Times is very heavy, I'm thinking of canceling.”— Frasier

Fear of abandonment is a psychological concept relating to anxiety about being deserted or left behind, commonly addressed in therapy and workshops.

“I had my "fear of abandonment" workshop today, and I've already been a no-show twice.”— Niles

Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) was an Italian opera composer famous for La Bohème, Tosca, Madama Butterfly, and Turandot, among others.

“you took your mind off it by reciting the names of all of Puccini's operas. Right then I knew you'd never be a cop.”— Martin

A fictional or obscure lake location mentioned as the site of Dr. Newman's weekend house, implied to be an upscale destination.

“Actually he has a long drive in from his weekend house at Lake Shalonne.”— Receptionist

Spokane is a city in eastern Washington state, about 280 miles from Seattle, implying a very long commute.

“My God, where's he coming from, Spokane?”— Frasier

A fictional or obscure wine referenced as a prized vintage bottle in Frasier's collection.

“Let's celebrate life with a bottle of Chateau Certair '75”— Frasier

Beaujolais Nouveau is a light, fruity red wine from the Beaujolais region of France, released each year on the third Thursday of November, considered a simple e…

“Well, perhaps a bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau would be more appropriate.”— Frasier