Nicholas Lyndhurst's Iconic Sitcom Takes a Fresh Turn in Frasier Reboot

Article Overview

Nicholas Lyndhurst's character in the Frasier reboot, Alan Cornwall, is the opposite of Rodney Trotter in Only Fools and Horses in one way.

Rodney, who was frequently at the receiving end of Del Boy's schemes in Only Fools and Horses, takes on a different role in Frasier, where he becomes the mastermind behind the schemes.

Lyndhurst's expertise in portraying Rodney Trotter in Only Fools and Horses seamlessly transitions to his character in Frasier, where both shows prominently showcase comedic sibling dynamics and uproarious mischief.

Nicholas Lyndhurst's portrayal of Alan Cornwall in the Frasier reboot defies expectations, standing as a complete contrast to his renowned role as Rodney Trotter in Only Fools and Horses. While Lyndhurst may not have had the same level of recognition in the United States, his performance in Frasier quickly proved his undeniable talent. In fact, he has emerged as perhaps the standout character in this new iteration of the beloved sitcom.

In the absence of David Hyde Pierce's Niles Crane, Alan takes on the role of Frasier's foil, providing a different dynamic that is not as highbrow or pretentious as Niles. Despite this contrast, the chemistry between Alan and Frasier is exceptional. For newcomers to Lyndhurst's work, his presence brings a welcome and comedic addition to the cast. Meanwhile, for those familiar with the actor, it is a delight to witness how he effortlessly transforms his most iconic performance.

Frasier Makes Alan The Opposite Of Rodney Trotter In One Big Way

In the fifth episode of the first season of the Frasier reboot, titled "The Founders' Society," a humorous glimpse into the history of Frasier and Alan is provided. Frasier recounts various mischievous ideas and pranks conceived by Alan, a person who doesn't take anything seriously. However, these ideas always backfired spectacularly, with Frasier bearing the consequences each time. One example includes the theft of Oscar Wilde's cane, as well as an incident involving a poodle. This adds comedic value, showcasing a sharp contrast to Rodney Trotter's character.

In the iconic sitcom Only Fools and Horses, Rodney frequently found himself on the receiving end of his brother Derek's antics, also known as Del Boy (played by David Jason). Del Boy often engaged in various schemes and scams to make quick profits, such as launching a brand of bottled spring water or offering bus top tours. He would even pretend to possess the skills to restore an old chandelier, among other endeavors. As expected, despite Rodney's warnings, these endeavors typically ended disastrously for the Trotter brothers. Interestingly, Lyndhurst, who previously portrayed the voice of reason, has now embraced the role of proposing these outlandish ideas, much to Del Boy's hypothetical approval.

Nicholas Lyndhurst's Frasier Role Is Even Better If You Watch Only Fools & Horses

Nicholas Lyndhurst found playing Rodney Trotter in Only Fools and Horses to be a fantastic experience, which ultimately led him to join the reboot of Frasier. There are striking similarities between the two shows: both revolve around a pair of siblings who often engage in playful arguments and find themselves in various mischievous situations; both primarily take place in an apartment where at least one of the brothers resides; Frasier, similar to Del Boy and Rodney, shares a living space with an elderly relative; and, above all, both shows are tremendously humorous. Catch Only Fools and Horses on Britbox for your viewing pleasure.

Not being familiar with Lyndhurst's work from Only Fools and Horses is not necessary for enjoying his performance in Frasier, but it certainly enhances the experience. It is delightful to witness the actor's transition from successful projects in the UK to a larger role in the United States. The revelation of him being the mastermind adds an unexpected twist, and there are glimpses of Rodney's sarcastic nature in his character as well. This reboot provides Lyndhurst with an opportunity to build upon his previous acclaimed work while exploring new avenues. Don't miss the release of new episodes of Frasier every Thursday on Paramount+.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the Frasier reboot. On the one hand, I am excited to see the return of one of my favorite sitcoms. On the other hand, I am worried that the reboot will not live up to the original.

I think that Nicholas Lyndhurst is a great choice to play Alan Cornwall. He is a talented actor who can bring a lot of humor to the role. I am also interested to see how the writers will develop the relationship between Alan and Frasier.

Overall, I am cautiously optimistic about the Frasier reboot. I think it has the potential to be a great show, but it also has the potential to be a disappointment. I will definitely be watching the reboot to see how it turns out.