Frasier accidentally destroys Martin’s favorite chair – but Martin thinks it’s no accident.

It’s been eight years since Martin moved in with Frasier, and they’re getting on each other’s nerves. Frasier resents that he and his father have become like “an old married couple,” and Martin is tired of living with his finicky son. Their mutual irritation escalates after Martin, trying to repair an annoying squeak in his recliner, inadvertently spills oil on Frasier’s expensive carpeting.

The psychiatrist in Frasier immediately assumes Martin damaged the rug on purpose - a subconscious result of pent-up hostility over the years. The next day, Frasier moves Martin’s chair onto the patio so workmen can lay new carpeting. The sun’s reflection, through Frazier’s telescope, burns a hole in Martin’s recliner. When Frasier attempts to smother the fire, he knocks the chair off the balcony and onto the sidewalk below, just as Martin, Eddie and Daphne walk by.

Meanwhile, Daphne and Roz begin taking piano lessons from Niles. Since Daphne’s more interested in tickling Niles than the ivories, Roz soon eclipses her as a student. Martin accuses Frasier of deliberately ruining his chair, so Niles tries to do “couples therapy” on them, to no avail. As a peace offering, Martin buys a stylish leather recliner for Frasier. Although he appreciates the gift, Frasier surprises Martin with a custom-built duplicate of his old recliner. To celebrate the end of their feud, Frasier offers to take Martin out to dinner, and Niles – realizing he’ll never make a piano player out of Daphne – joins her and his family for a night on the town.