Frasier's Reboot Unveils a Mysterious Twist with Lilith's Return: Exploring Potential Plot Holes
Frasier's upcoming reboot raises questions about how Lilith's return will impact the storyline Will the show address the unresolved issues from their original show? Find out what's in store for Frasier and Lilith's complicated relationship
Warning! Spoilers ahead for the Frasier reboot episode 4.
Summary
The Frasier reboot has sparked speculation regarding Lilith's character growth and her connection with Frasier, as their current interactions differ from their previously harmonious on-screen relationship.
It remains to be seen how Freddy, their shared son, will react to Frasier's mockery of his mom. However, if their co-parenting relationship has remained civil, Lilith's return may not be as chaotic as expected. The Frasier reboot episode 4 introduces a hilarious joke about Lilith, which raises questions about the upcoming arrival of Bebe Neuwirth. While none of the original characters are returning as regulars, Kelsey Grammer was able to arrange some cameo appearances, including one from his on-screen ex-wife. Lilith's presence in the Frasier reboot makes sense due to the prominent role of her and Frasier's son, Freddy. Although there have been previous mentions of the character, the latest one stands out for a compelling reason.
Like Grammar, Neuwirth began her journey on Cheers as Lilith. Her and Frasier formed a captivating romantic duo, effectively filling the void left by Sam and Diane as the show's central love story after Shelley Long's departure in season 5. While not officially part of the main cast of the original Frasier, Lilith made regular appearances throughout the series, solidifying her role as its most notable recurring character. Consequently, considering Lilith's significance to Frasier's overall story, she deserves a place in the revival.
Frasier's Lilith Joke Doesn't Fit With Where They Left Things In The Original Show
Lillith and Frasier's relationship was mostly confrontational after their bitter split in Cheers. Frasier's return to Seattle after their divorce was an attempt to start over. However, over the course of the 11 years of the show, their relationship gradually became more amicable. In fact, during Lilith's final appearance in the 11th season's "Guns N' Neuroses," they were almost friendly towards each other and even helped a young couple reconcile. Therefore, Frasier's comment about his wife in the 4th episode of Frasier, "Trivial Pursuits," doesn't really make sense.
The episode begins with Frasier and his colleagues from Harvard participating in a competitive trivia contest at Mahoney's. Surprisingly, their fiercest competitors are Freddy and his fellow firefighters. One memorable moment during the trivia contest at Mahoney's involves a question with "arctic circle" as the answer. Frasier knows the answer but chooses to mock his wife by suggesting that Lilith has a cold demeanor. However, this joke doesn't align with the more positive dynamics of their relationship the last time they were seen together. Lilith had significantly softened, especially towards Frasier.
What Will Happen When Lilith Returns In Frasier's Reboot?
Given Freddy's upbringing in Boston, Lilith was primarily responsible for raising him. It is interesting to see how he responds to Frasier's teasing about his mother. Despite their previously contentious relationship, Frasier and Lilith did an excellent job co-parenting. If they were able to remain civil, as they did in their previous on-screen appearance in the original Frasier, then Lilith's return in the Frasier reboot may not be as chaotic and tense. However, Frasier's joke about his ex-wife in episode 4 of the Frasier reboot suggests that this may not be the case. New episodes of the Frasier reboot air every Thursday on Paramount+.
