The Frasier Reboot Unveils a Major Age Contradiction With One Simple Line

Article Overview

The Frasier reboot maintains continuity and introduces new challenges for the character played by Kelsey Grammer as he returns to Boston after a 19-year absence. In episode 5, there is a plot hole concerning Alan's miscalculation of Frasier's age, disregarding his history in Cheers and the Seattle series.

Frasier's age in the reboot is significant as it signifies the character's final act and provides the opportunity for a conclusive ending. The Frasier reboot successfully maintains continuity, however, a single line from Alan causes a noticeable inconsistency in regards to Frasier's age. Kelsey Grammer reprises his iconic Cheers character 19 years after his Seattle-based spin-off concluded. Returning to Boston, Frasier faces new challenges and strives to make amends for his past parenting mistakes with Freddy. Although he must navigate this third act without his previous companions, he is reunited with an old friend from Oxford named Alan, who faithfully ensures that Frasier remains grounded whenever he becomes overly dramatic.

Alan Makes A Mistake About Frasier’s Age

Despite initial skepticism surrounding Grammer's efforts to revive the Frasier series, the absence of key original stars such as David Hyde Pierce and Jane Leeves compounded doubts. Nevertheless, Grammer, who not only reprises his role as Frasier Crane but also takes on a producing role, remains steadfast in his belief that there are untold stories awaiting his character. While the fourth episode of the Frasier reboot finally vindicates its existence, subsequent developments in the series introduce an avoidable plot hole.

In episode 5 of the Frasier reboot, titled "The Founders' Society," Frasier experiences a significant narrative shift as he attends a Harvard function for the first time since becoming a lecturer at this prestigious Ivy League institution. This storyline follows episode 4, where Freddy harbors a grudge against his father for disparaging his career as a firefighter. Feeling like a fish out of water in his new workplace, Frasier decides to team up with Alan and Olivia in their quest to become members of the exclusive Harvard club known as The Founders' Society. However, as is characteristic of Frasier's comedic flair, his enthusiasm leads to unexpected complications.

Seeing Frasier's failure to address his self-sabotaging tendencies is rather disheartening. The situation worsens with Alan's remark about their age. Yet, Lyndhurst's character stumbles when he asserts that they are in their '60s. While Alan's exact age remains unclear, the fact that he attended Oxford in the same year as Frasier suggests they are of similar age. However, upon reflecting on the character's history in Cheers and the Seattle series, it becomes evident that Alan's assessment is incorrect.

How Old Is Frasier In The Reboot?

Frasier, portrayed by Grammer, was a late addition to the Cheers cast. He joined as Diane's rebound boyfriend in season 3 after her breakup with Sam. Despite Grammer being only 29 years old, Frasier was depicted as 32 when he made his debut on the popular NBC sitcom. Frasier remained on the show even after Shelley Long's departure in season 5 until its conclusion in 1993, when the character himself was already 40 years old. Upon returning to Seattle to start anew, Frasier reached the milestone age of 41, which became the central theme of the episode "Fortysomething."

What Frasier’s Age Means For The Reboot

After residing in the Pacific Northwest for a span of 11 years, Frasier was approximately 52 years old when the original series concluded in 2004. A gap of 19 years later, he returns to Boston following a number of years spent in Chicago, which serves as the starting point for the Frasier reboot. Taking this into account, Grammer's cherished, snobbish character should be approximately 71 years old when he endeavors to redeem himself in Boston. Consequently, Alan's age reference in episode 5 is inaccurate.

Frasier's return to television screens is his third and most likely final appearance. After this show, there will be no more chances to bring back the character and continue his personal journey. It is crucial, therefore, that the Frasier reboot provides Grammer's character with a definitive conclusion. Despite being the central figure in the original series, Frasier actually did a better job in advancing the storylines of Niles and Martin. Both characters experienced significant growth throughout the Seattle-based series and ultimately found happiness in their marriages. In contrast, Frasier remained in search of stability.

Chicago turned out to be a fortunate city for Frasier. Not only did he win over Charlotte, but he also secured a successful job as a television host. However, he found himself yearning for more when she unexpectedly departed for unknown reasons. This prompted him to realize it was time to let go of his identity as Dr. Crane. The Frasier reboot presents a final chance for the character to finally fulfill his long-standing desires, and Paramount+ holds the hope of delivering that opportunity. Don't miss the new episodes of the Frasier reboot airing every Thursday on Paramount+.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the Frasier reboot. On one hand, I am excited to see the return of the iconic character and learn more about his life after the events of the original series. On the other hand, I am concerned about the show's age inconsistency.

The fact that Alan refers to Frasier and himself as being in their 60s is a major plot hole, as it contradicts the established timeline of the show. In the original series, Frasier was 41 years old when the show ended in 2004. This means that he would be 71 years old in the reboot, which is clearly not the case. This inconsistency is disappointing, as it takes away from the believability of the show.

Overall, I am cautiously optimistic about the Frasier reboot. I am excited to see where the story goes, but I hope that the writers will address the age inconsistency in future episodes.