Season 1 · Episode 11 · 1993
Death Becomes Him
15 cultural references across 8 categories.
Art
1Food/Dining
3Linseed tort
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
Krugle
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
Michaelson's
fictionalA 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
Mythology/Religion
2Shiva
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
Covering mirrors during Shiva
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
Other
3B-52
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 magazine
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
Sunday Times
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
Philosophy/Psychology
1Theatre/Opera
1Travel
2Lake Shalonne
fictionalA 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
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
Wine/Alcohol
2Chateau Certair '75
fictionalA 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
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