Warning! Spoilers ahead for the Frasier reboot episode 3.
Summary
Frasier finds his teaching position at Harvard to be more demanding than anticipated as the students solely focus on his fame. Freddy assists Eve in getting ready for her audition, highlighting their blossoming camaraderie and Freddy's sincere encouragement.
In episode 3 of the Frasier reboot, Frasier Crane embarks on a new professional journey which doesn't go exactly as planned. Returning to Boston after 30 years in Seattle, Frasier tries to reconnect with the city he once lived in. With a desire to make up for lost time with his son Freddy, Frasier quickly settles into his new life on the East Coast. Wanting to find purpose and meaning, he decides to become a teacher at his former school, Harvard. At first, he panics when his class resembles his old TV show, but with the encouragement of his colleague Alan, Frasier decides to push through and continue his teaching career.
Due to his thriving private practice, Frasier was able to amass wealth during his previous time in Boston. His finances continued to prosper after hosting a highly successful TV show in Chicago for over a decade. With ample resources at his disposal, Frasier could have simply retired. However, he chooses to take full advantage of life by delving into a fresh professional domain. Regrettably, despite his inclination for imparting wisdom and sharing insights, he quickly discovers that teaching presents an entirely new challenge in the Frasier reboot episode 3, titled "First Class."
10 Frasier Starts His New Job As A Teacher At Harvard In Episode 3
9 Freddy Helps Eve Prepare For Her Upcoming Audition
The third episode of the Frasier reboot begins with Frasier preparing for his inaugural class at Harvard. Unusually, he finds himself indecisive about which suit jacket to wear. He changes outfits multiple times until he realizes that David is wearing the exact same attire. In contrast to the original Frasier series, which commenced six months after his return to Seattle and depicted him already settled into his new job, the revival delves into Frasier's initial day in his current position. Despite the success of his prior guest lecture for Alan Cornwall's study group in the Frasier reboot pilot, he now encounters greater challenges in teaching his own class.
The friendship between Eve and Freddy in the Frasier reboot is one of the most exciting dynamics. In Episode 3, their relationship is further explored as Frasier's son assists her in preparing for an upcoming audition. What's interesting is that Freddy shows a genuine investment in her success, indicating his heartfelt support. With his experience in theatrics and passion for the craft, Frasier is able to guide Eve on how she should approach the role.
8 Frasier's Past Haunts Him In Episode 3
As a former radiotherapist in Seattle, Frasier is familiar with public speaking. His time in Chicago further refined this skill. Both roles contributed to his rise as a celebrity, and the eldest Crane sibling relishes in the admiration of others. However, during his initial class at Harvard, he realizes that his past presents more of a hindrance to his academic pursuit. Many students signed up for his class solely for practical advice, rather than a genuine interest in the formal lessons. This realization deters him from relying on the advantages of his celebrity status.
7 Frasier Reboot Episode 3 Reveals What Frasier's TV Show Was Like
At the conclusion of the original series, Frasier was presented with an opportunity to host a television show in San Francisco. Despite ultimately declining the offer to follow Charlotte to Chicago, he managed to secure a television job in the Midwest. Transitioning to the small screen was a natural career progression following his time at KACL, and it proved rewarding for a period of time. In episode 3 of the Frasier reboot, Frasier explains to Alan his decision to not rely on his past as a TV host while showcasing how "Dr. Crane" evolved from an authentic talk show centered around his therapy skills to a program driven by gimmicks.
6 Alan Helps Frasier To Teach A Class In Episode 3
5 Frasier Panics After His Class Is Set Up To Be A "Dr. Crane" Episode
After experiencing a mass exodus in his class, Frasier seeks solace at Mahoney's, drowning his sorrows in alcohol. Soon after, Olivia arrives, confronting him about the drop-outs and reminding him of their shared aspiration to elevate Harvard's psychology department, a goal primarily driven by her own ambition. Despite this, Olivia proposes that Frasier and Alan collaborate in teaching a class together, temporarily aiding Frasier's adjustment. Unbeknownst to him, Olivia secretly arranges the class to mirror his former TV show. This causes Frasier to panic, but Olivia coerces him into becoming a "dancing bear" in order to ensure that the class remains packed.5 Frasier Panics After His Class Is Set Up To Be A "Dr. Crane" Episode
Alan and Frasier collaborate on a strategy to engage students. However, Frasier's initial enthusiasm dissipates when Olivia undermines them by orchestrating a surprise "Dr. Crane" scenario in the classroom, complete with the iconic theme song and entrance on stairs. This unforeseen development plunges Frasier into a state of panic. Olivia compels him to continue teaching the class, eventually confessing that she needs him to be a "dancing bear" merely to compete with her sister at Yale.
4 Freddy Mocks Frasier For Wanting To Quit His Harvard Job In Episode 3
As Frasier reboot episode 3 revolves around Frasier's new venture at Harvard, his evolving relationship with Freddy takes a backseat. However, one of the standout moments from the episode involves the young Crane. Following a situation where Frasier has to embody his TV persona in his class, he returns home feeling defeated. He confesses his desire to drop out of Harvard, providing Freddy with the perfect opportunity to mock his father's reaction when he himself left the prestigious Ivy League institution. Although not a direct impersonation, Freddy's sarcastic portrayal still manages to captivate and entertain viewers.
3 Frasier Reboot Episode 3 Features Several References To Niles
In the Frasier reboot, David Hyde Pierce's character, Niles, is notably absent. This is not addressed in the first two episodes, but in Episode 3, there are a few subtle nods to Martin and Hester Crane's youngest son. One such reference occurs in "First Class," where Frasier makes a joke about their clothing similarities, prompting him to change. This scenario has happened before when both Niles and Frasier showed up at Cafe Nervosa wearing the same outfit.
Additionally, the Frasier reboot sheds light on the reason why Daphne was chosen to deliver Martin's eulogy instead of his sons. Furthermore, Olivia passionately discusses the longstanding rivalry between her and her sister, highlighting the notorious dynamic between Niles and Frasier. Lastly, in episode 3 of the Frasier reboot, Niles is mentioned by someone while Freddy admonishes his father for considering quitting Harvard. Freddy emphasizes Frasier's inclination to abandon pursuits, referring to the incident where he and Niles gave up on their restaurant venture after just one evening.
2 David And Eve Fight In Frasier's Class In Episode 3
Wanting to assist Frasier in his new position, David volunteers to enhance his uncle's reputation in front of his Harvard classmates. Regrettably, his plan backfires when Frasier selects Eve for this task. Consequently, a highly publicized clash ensues between the two, causing disruption in Frasier's class. The amusing banter between them suggests that such situations may become a recurring theme in the future Frasier reboot.
1 Olivia Lies To Keep Frasier Teaching At Harvard In Frasier Reboot Episode 3
In the final moments of episode 3 of the Frasier reboot, Frasier remains disheartened as he is forced to resort to his old TV antics to engage his students. Unfulfilled by his previous job, he confides in Alan, who provides a much-needed reality check. Alan helps Frasier recognize that he is still excelling despite his feelings of failure. However, Olivia's decision to fabricate a lie in order to maintain Frasier's TV schtick in his class is questionable. While it temporarily boosts Frasier's spirits, the manipulative nature of Olivia's deceit creates a sense of unease when the truth could have sufficed.
The Frasier reboot airs new episodes every Thursday on Paramount+.