Summary
The Frasier revival introduces a grown-up David, Niles and Daphne's son, who appears to be nothing like his father or uncle.
David's distinct mannerisms and attitude hint at Daphne's profound impact on shaping his character, whereas his affinity for beer might be attributed to his experiences alongside Martin.
By being part of the revival, David brings forth a fresh and exclusive bond with his uncle Frasier, creating an opportunity for an exciting new partnership with Freddy. This further contributes to the success of the original series by incorporating additional familial connections.
The Frasier revival images unveil the first glimpse of an adult David (Anders Keith), a character who bears no resemblance to the Cranes Brothers. Kelsey Grammer, known for his iconic role as Frasier Crane, will make a comeback to television screens in a few months. After spending nearly a decade at Sam's bar in Cheers, Frasier returned to his hometown of Seattle to embark on a fresh chapter following a distressing divorce from Lilith. This formed the foundation of his critically acclaimed spin-off, Frasier, which also introduced the other members of the Crane family: Frasier's father, Martin, and his brother Niles. Both of them played pivotal roles in the series' captivating 11-season narrative.
Though Frasier was the central character in the Cheers spin-off, the sitcom simultaneously developed the personal storylines of the other Cranes. For Niles, this included a tumultuous romantic history throughout the show's duration, beginning with an unhappy marriage to Maris and culminating in his union with his true love, Daphne. Towards the end of Frasier, the couple welcomed a son named David, who will also appear in the upcoming Paramount+ project. The recently released Frasier revival images provide a glimpse into the adult version of David, giving viewers an idea of what to expect from this character.
Frasier's Reboot Shows How Niles & Daphne's Son Is Already Different
Paramount+ has launched its marketing campaign for the upcoming Frasier revival, which is scheduled to premiere on October 12, 2023. The initial promotional stills provide a glimpse into Frasier's return to Boston, where he will reconnect with his son, Freddy. However, Frasier won't be the only Crane of the third generation in the show, as David will also be based in New England and play a significant role. Being the son of Niles Crane, it is anticipated that David will resemble his father, but the marketing images indicate otherwise.
Martin's sons were known for their refined and extravagant tastes, often seen donning Italian suits and shoes while maintaining a polished appearance. However, unlike Niles, who was ostentatious and discerning, David seems to have developed a different personality. In the revival, Frasier's nephew is depicted wearing green cargo joggers, bright yellow shoes, and a printed sweater – an ensemble that his father would probably disapprove of. Interestingly, David is also shown carrying a beer case, despite his father's minimal consumption of alcohol in the original Seattle-based series.
Why Niles & Daphne's Son Being Different To The Cranes Is Mostly Good For Frasier's Reboot
David's uniqueness compared to Niles and Frasier proves to be a positive aspect for the revival. Firstly, it implies that Daphne played an integral role in his upbringing. If Niles had been the one raising him, there is a high chance that David would have mirrored his father's characteristics. However, Daphne was able to bring balance by ensuring that her son remained grounded. Secondly, David's demeanor serves as a testament to the impact Martin had on him. While Freddy grew up without his grandfather's influence, David always had Martin by his side in Seattle. Unlike Frasier and Niles, who preferred sherry, wine, or port, Martin always enjoyed beer, which seems to have rubbed off on David.
Nevertheless, there are also drawbacks to David not resembling the Crane boys. Firstly, it may appear repetitive, considering Freddy's significant differences from his father. However, more importantly, the Frasier revival misses out on the opportunity to have a more direct replacement for Niles, who played a major role in the original series' success. Unfortunately, David Hyde Pierce declined the chance to reprise his iconic sitcom role on Paramount+. He stated that he didn't want to simply repeat his previous performance, despite its greatness.
How David Crane Will Become Integral To The Frasier’s Revival Success
Unlike Freddy, who has a confirmed integral relationship with his father in the revival, David's arc is more unpredictable. As mentioned earlier, Niles and Daphne will not be in the show, meaning neither of David's parents will physically appear. However, David's consistent presence in the project will allow it to rely on its familial elements, which played a crucial role in the success of the original comedy.
The Frasier revival has the potential to develop a unique dynamic between David and his uncle. Additionally, it will be interesting to see how he and Freddy interact, as they never had the opportunity to do so in the original Seattle-based show. David was born just as Frasier was preparing to leave the Pacific Northwest, so it remains uncertain if they spent any time together as children before settling in Boston. If they hit it off, they could become the next dynamic duo of the series, much like Niles and Frasier in the original project.