Season 4 · Episode 12 · 1996
Death And The Dog
18 cultural references across 8 categories.
Fashion
2Aqua Velva
A popular American men's aftershave and grooming brand, known for its strong scent.
“Aqua Velva, it's a little strong but I think he can pull it off.”— Martin
Grey Flannel
A men's cologne by Geoffrey Beene, launched in 1975, known for its classic woody fragrance.
“Grey Flannel. I don't know why!”— Daphne
Historical Figure
1Literature
4T.S. Eliot
Thomas Stearns Eliot (1888-1965), American-British poet, essayist, and playwright, author of 'The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock' and 'The Waste Land.'
“T.S Eliot.”— Niles
The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock
A poem by T.S. Eliot (1915) containing the line about the eternal Footman, exploring themes of mortality and paralysis.
“I have seen the eternal footman hold my coat and snicker.”— Frasier
William Shakespeare
English playwright and poet (1564-1616), widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language.
“Mozart'll tell me he's busy but then later I'll see him out with Shakespeare and Lincoln!”— Niles
For Whom the Bell Tolls
A novel by Ernest Hemingway (1940), though the phrase originates from John Donne's Meditation XVII (1624): 'never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls…
“We know for whom the bell tolls!”— Frasier
Music
3The Beatles
Iconic British rock band consisting of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.
“If Eddie were one of the Beatles, I think he'd be George. I don't know why!”— Daphne
George Harrison
English musician and guitarist, known as the quietest Beatle, member of The Beatles.
“If Eddie were one of the Beatles, I think he'd be George. I don't know why!”— Daphne
Mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791), Austrian composer widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in Western classical music.
“Mozart'll tell me he's busy but then later I'll see him out with Shakespeare and Lincoln!”— Niles
Mythology/Religion
1Other
3Drano
A commercial drain cleaner brand, referenced here as a dangerous household poison.
“First off, you don't want to swallow Drano or rat poison.”— Martin
Speculum
A medical instrument used in gynecological examinations to dilate an opening for inspection.
“do you know what a speculum is?”— Roz
Charlatanism
The practice of claiming expertise or knowledge one does not possess, derived from the word 'charlatan.'
“Honestly, Dad, they are the very definition of charlatanism!”— Frasier
Philosophy/Psychology
3Plato
Ancient Greek philosopher (c. 428-348 BC), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, one of the founders of Western philosophy.
“Must not all things at the last be swallowed up in death. / Plato. / Even deader.”— Niles
Agoraphobia
An anxiety disorder characterized by fear of places or situations that might cause panic, helplessness, or embarrassment, often resulting in avoidance of leavin…
“Hey, how about all you agoraphobics, I know you're not outside!”— Frasier
Dog personality profile
fictionalA fictional psychological assessment tool developed by the fictional Dr. Shaw to evaluate canine patients by proxy through their owners' perceptions.
“First, I'd like to administer a dog personality profile quiz- -I developed.”— Shaw