The Frasier Reboot Episode 7 Demonstrates its Complete Departure from Martin & Niles

Article Overview

In episode 6 of the Frasier reboot, the focus shifts away from Martin and Niles Crane, recognizing their presence while highlighting their diminished relevance. Frasier redefines the term "Crane boys" by including himself and Freddy, originally encompassing Martin and Niles as well.

Losing Niles and Martin poses a risk for the Frasier reboot, but it allows the show to focus on new relationships and avoid relying too much on nostalgia.

In episode 6 of the Frasier reboot, it becomes clear that the show has moved on from Martin and Niles Crane. NBC made a conscious decision to introduce plot inconsistencies for Cheers when they brought Frasier Crane's family to Seattle. In the past, the arrogant therapist had claimed to be an only child and had also told Sam Malone that his father had died long ago. Interestingly, the Cheers gang had no reason to question Frasier. They simply didn't care much about his ramblings, and only his mother, Hester, had visited him during his time in Boston.

Despite the undeniable plot hole, the decision to deviate from continuity proved to be a huge success for the original Frasier show. The introduction of Martin and Niles can be argued as its most brilliant creative move, as both characters played indispensable roles in the series' triumph. While Frasier always felt like an outsider on Cheers, he discovered a sense of belonging with his family in Seattle, even though he often stood out in comparison to his brother and father. Sadly, their absence in the revival is disheartening, and although the Frasier reboot acknowledges their existence, episode 6 suggests that their relevance has diminished over time.

Frasier Changes The Meaning Of The “Crane Boys” In Episode 6

The "Crane boys" was originally him, Martin, and Niles

In episode 6 of the Frasier reboot, titled "Blind Date," Frasier decides to give dating another shot. There haven't been many details about what happened between him and Charlotte in Chicago, but we do know that she broke up with him. Frasier's romantic life has always been a significant part of his personal journey, so it's not surprising that the revival is exploring this aspect as well. As he excitedly prepares for his date, which was actually intended for Freddy, Frasier celebrates both their flourishing love lives by proclaiming, "The Crane boys have got it going on."

The line may not appear significant at first, but it carries a deeper meaning. Frasier cleverly uses the title to include himself and Freddy, thereby altering its original implication. However, initially, the "Crane boys" referred to Frasier, Martin, and Niles. Throughout the original series, they frequently used this term to describe themselves in various contexts. One of the most memorable instances was in "The Maris Counselor," an episode from Season 5 of Frasier. In this episode, Frasier remarked, "Here's to the Crane boys - love's big losers," highlighting their collective failures in the realm of romance following Niles' decision to permanently end his relationship with Maris.

Why The Frasier Reboot Needed To Move On From Martin and Niles

Losing Niles and Martin poses a big risk to the Paramount+ project.

Moving on from Niles and Martin in the revival is truly heartbreaking. The pilot episode revealed that the Crane patriarch has recently passed away, similar to John Mahoney's death in 2018. While the Frasier reboot has made a few references to Niles and his wife, Daphne, no specific details about them have been shared. This absence is a result of David Hyde Pierce and Jane Leeves choosing not to participate in the project, despite Kelsey Grammer's invitation. Without Martin and with Niles gone, the Frasier reboot has no option but to progress its storytelling without them.

The absence of Niles and Martin poses a significant risk to the Paramount+ project since it cannot utilize the strong relationships from the original show. Fortunately, the Frasier reboot can still rely on the familial dynamics by focusing on Frasier's relationship with Freddy. Balancing this relationship alongside Frasier's attempt to redeem himself in Boston is fair, considering that holding onto Martin and Niles could weigh down the new series. Moreover, relying too much on nostalgia opens the door for criticism and potentially leads to its downfall.

Can Niles Still Appear In The Frasier Reboot?

Peri Gilpin's Roz Doyle will appear as a one-time guest.

Currently, there are no plans to bring Niles back for the Frasier reboot. This is mainly because Pierce declined the project when it was offered to him. It's no secret that Grammer and his team had to make significant changes to their original concept for the revival after Pierce decided not to reprise his Emmy-winning role. It's understandable that Pierce made this choice, considering that his character had a satisfying ending in the original series. On the other hand, Niles' brother didn't have such a great conclusion, which is why the new series is focusing on him.

Just because Pierce declined the offer to be a regular on the series doesn't mean he won't consider making a cameo. Roz Doyle, played by Peri Gilpin, will make a special appearance, which is already very exciting. If the project can figure out a way to bring Frasier's former KACL producer to Boston, it will be much easier to explain why Niles is visiting. Apart from Frasier, their son David is also in the city, attending Harvard. The couple can take the opportunity to catch up with family before flying to the UK to visit Daphne's brothers. Alternatively, Frasier, Freddy, and Martin can fly out to Seattle for a family gathering.

How The Frasier Reboot Can Honor Niles and Martin’s Legacy

Moving on doesn’t mean forgetting Niles and Martin.

Moving on from the old show is essential for the Frasier reboot to thrive. The success of the Seattle-based project can be attributed to the decisions it made after the immense popularity of its parent series, Cheers. While Cheers was a workplace sitcom, Frasier was positioned as a family series and excelled in that role, establishing its own unique identity. However, moving on should not mean forgetting about Niles and Martin. It would be disrespectful, not to mention strange, for Frasier to never even mention his brother and father, especially considering Martin's recent passing.

The creators of the Frasier reboot seem to already understand this, as evidenced by a few subtle references to the pair. Moving forward, there are a few ways to continue honoring their legacy. Firstly, since Freddy spent considerable time with both his uncle and grandfather, it would be wonderful to hear his reflections and thoughts about them. Perhaps he can even reveal that his inspiration to become a firefighter came from Martin. Secondly, David's perspective on Niles and Martin will add value to the show's storytelling, as he grew up in Seattle.

The Frasier reboot drops new episodes every Thursday on Paramount+.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, 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 show will not be the same without Martin and Niles Crane.

I think that the decision to focus on new relationships and avoid relying too much on nostalgia is a good one. The Frasier reboot needs to stand on its own two feet and not just be a rehash of the original show. However, I do think that it is important to honor the legacy of Martin and Niles. They were two of the most beloved characters on the original show, and their absence will be felt.

I am hopeful that the Frasier reboot will be a success. I think that the show has a lot of potential, and I am excited to see what the future holds for Frasier Crane. However, I will always remember the original show and the characters that made it so special.