Season 6 · Episode 12 · 1998
Our Parents, Ourselves
20 cultural references across 8 categories.
Film
3Wile E. Coyote
A cartoon character from the Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies Warner Bros. animated series, known for his futile pursuit of the Road Runner.
“it evolved from Niles to Nilesy to Niley to Nile E. Coyote and now simply "The Coyote."”— Niles
On the Waterfront
A 1954 American drama film directed by Elia Kazan, starring Marlon Brando. Eva Marie Saint won an Oscar for her role as Edie Doyle.
“[N.B. Eva Marie Saint's first (and Oscar-winning) film role was as Edie Doyle, Marlon Brando's love interest in 1954's "On the Waterfront."]”— Niles
Wuthering Heights
Likely referring to the 1939 film adaptation of Emily Brontë's novel, directed by William Wyler and starring Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon, widely considere…
“they're showing "Wuthering Heights" downtown. I think it's the most romantic movie ever made.”— Daphne
Food/Dining
1Historical Figure
1Literature
3Shangri-La
A fictional utopian place described in James Hilton's 1933 novel 'Lost Horizon.' Here used as the name of a local establishment (likely a bar or club).
“Oh God, look. The group coming in the door, they're from the Shangri-La.”— Niles
Wuthering Heights (novel)
An 1847 novel by Emily Brontë, a classic of English literature depicting the passionate and destructive love between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw.
“they're showing "Wuthering Heights" downtown. I think it's the most romantic movie ever made.”— Daphne
Dorothy Parker
American poet, writer, critic, and satirist (1893-1967), renowned for her wit, wisecracks, and sharp literary style.
“she's a cute baby, but she ain't no Dorothy Parker.”— Roz
Music
2Bruce Springsteen
American rock singer-songwriter and performer, known as 'The Boss,' famous for extensive touring schedules.
“In college, I dropped out of pre-law because it interfered with Bruce Springsteen's touring schedule.”— Roz
Lady of Spain
A popular song written in 1931 by Tolchard Evans with lyrics by Stanley J. Damerell and Robert Hargreaves, often performed as an instrumental piece.
“Miss Germany just played "Lady of Spain" on a French horn.”— Daphne
Other
5Super Bowl
The annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL), the most-watched sporting event in the United States.
“Not football, Einstein, the Super Bowl.”— Larry
Hail Mary
A long, desperate forward pass in football, named after the Catholic prayer to the Virgin Mary.
“A Hail Mary.”— Frasier
H-bomb
The hydrogen bomb, a thermonuclear weapon developed during the Cold War arms race, a major source of anxiety during the mid-20th century.
“And the H-bomb.”— Joanna
Pompeii
An ancient Roman city near modern Naples, Italy, destroyed and buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Referenced in the scene title 'The Last Onion …
“A.K.A THE LAST ONION OUT OF POMPEII”— Frasier
Dairy Queen
An American chain of soft-serve ice cream and fast-food restaurants. Used here as a pun on Joanna being from Wisconsin, America's Dairyland.
“Well I hope he remembers to curtsey before the Dairy Queen!”— Frasier
Travel
2Caracas
The capital city of Venezuela, used here as a double entendre by Daphne.
“It's Miss Venezuela. If that dress of hers was slit any higher, you could see Caracas.”— Daphne
Tacoma
A city in Washington state, south of Seattle.
“Saturday he's made plans to, uh, drive Duke to Tacoma for that all day... Tacoma-Fest.”— Frasier
Wine/Alcohol
3Vodka martini
A classic cocktail made with vodka and dry vermouth, typically served in a martini glass.
“I'll have a vodka martini, very dry.”— Niles
Whiskey sours
A classic cocktail made with whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar.
“I used to live on cigarettes, whiskey sours and bacon cheeseburgers.”— Joanna
Sherry
A fortified wine made from white grapes grown near Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain.
“Oh, yeah? In high school, I ran my own informal shoplifting clinic. In college, I dropped out of pre-law because it interfered with Bruce Springsteen's touring schedule. And now I'm an unwed mother. W…”— Roz