Season 10 · Episode 21 · 2002
The Devil and Dr. Phil
14 cultural references across 5 categories.
Film
1Literature
4Faust
Faust is the protagonist of a classic German legend, most famously dramatized by Goethe, about a scholar who makes a deal with the devil in exchange for knowled…
“Still, I can't help thinking there's something Faustian about this whole thing.”— Niles
Faust
Faust is the protagonist of a classic German legend about selling one's soul to the devil, referenced again in the scene title pun 'If At Faust You Don't Succee…
“IF AT FAUST YOU DON'T SUCCEED...”— Niles
Faust
Second direct reference to Faust, with Frasier dismissing the character as foolish while unknowingly walking into his own Faustian bargain.
“Faust was a moron. I'm gonna be a star!”— Frasier
The Devil and Daniel Webster
'The Devil and Daniel Webster' is a 1936 short story by Stephen Vincent Benét about a man who sells his soul to the devil and is defended by Daniel Webster. The…
“The Devil and Dr. Phil”— Frasier
Music
2Madrigal
A madrigal is a form of vocal music, typically a part-song for several voices, that flourished during the Renaissance period.
“Is it Madrigal Madness already? I had no idea it was this close to Whitsun.”— Frasier
Gregorian chant
Gregorian chant is a form of monophonic, unaccompanied sacred song of the Roman Catholic Church, developed mainly in western and central Europe during the 9th a…
“He opens the window and the choir music grows louder, a low, somewhat ominous Gregorian chant.”— Frasier
Mythology/Religion
4Siren
In Greek mythology, Sirens were creatures who lured sailors to their doom with their enchanting music and singing.
“You're a siren, luring me to the rocks. But I must resist or you'll hurt me again.”— Bebe
The Apocalypse
The Apocalypse refers to the end of the world as described in the Book of Revelation in the Bible, often associated with the Antichrist.
“I think I figured it out: Bebe wants to have sex with a human male to bring about the Apocalypse.”— Niles
Whitsun
Whitsun (or Whitsunday) is the Christian feast of Pentecost, celebrated on the seventh Sunday after Easter, commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit.
“Is it Madrigal Madness already? I had no idea it was this close to Whitsun.”— Frasier
Suite 666
666 is the Number of the Beast referenced in the Book of Revelation, commonly associated with the Devil or Antichrist, used here to reinforce the Faustian/devil…
“He pulls the door open, reels upon seeing that he's in Suite 666, then rushes out.”— Frasier
Other
3Dr. Phil McGraw
Phil McGraw is a real American television personality and psychologist who hosts the TV show Dr. Phil, known for his folksy Texas manner and catchphrase 'How's …
“Dr. Phil? ... Dr. Phil McGraw, in person.”— Daphne
Emmy Awards
The Emmy Awards are the major American awards recognizing excellence in the television industry.
“It's fun catching up, but Phil's interviewing stylists for the Emmys.”— Bebe
Buffalo nickel
The Buffalo nickel (also known as the Indian Head nickel) was a United States five-cent coin minted from 1913 to 1938, featuring a Native American on one side a…
“This guy is so cheap, he could squeeze a nickel 'til the buffalo chokes.”— Martin