The Implications of Nicholas Lyndhurst's Alan as Niles' Successor in Frasier's Reboot

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The Frasier reboot encountered a setback with David Hyde Pierce's decision to not reprise his role as Niles. However, the addition of Nicholas Lyndhurst as Alan Cornwall has proven to be a positive move. The absence of Niles is evident in the Frasier reboot, despite the emphasis on Frasier's bond with his son. Niles' presence was crucial to the original show's triumph.

Alan Cornwall shines as a standout performer in the Frasier reboot, but there are certain aspects of his character that require attention in order to fully harness his comedic potential.

The Frasier reboot acknowledges the challenge presented by Nicholas Lyndhurst's portrayal of Alan Cornwall as Niles Crane's replacement. Kelsey Grammer has invested years of effort in bringing back his iconic character, and the show was eventually picked up by Paramount+. Ideally, Frasier's highly anticipated return to the small screen would have featured not only Niles but also other beloved original characters, resulting in a true continuation of the acclaimed Cheers spin-off. Unfortunately, David Hyde Pierce declined the opportunity to reprise his role as Niles. While he has publicly expressed support for Grammer's endeavor, he has consistently been opposed to the idea of a Frasier revival, fearing potential damage to its esteemed legacy.

Admittedly, the absence of Niles (or any other original character) in a Frasier show may seem discouraging. The success of the old show was largely due to the ensemble surrounding Grammer's character. However, in the fourth episode of the Frasier reboot, the series justifies its existence by focusing on the complex relationship between Frasier and his grown-up son, Freddy. Despite this, the Paramount+ show does suffer from Niles' absence. Introducing Lyndhurst as an unofficial replacement for the younger Crane brother was a positive move, considering the exceptional talent of the legendary British comedy actor. Nevertheless, Freddy points out some issues with his character in the fifth episode of the Frasier reboot, titled "The Founders' Society."

Alan Is Supposedly Frasier’s First Friend

With Niles and Daphne out of the picture for the Frasier reboot, Grammer and his team had to get creative in determining the show's new direction. After exploring various options, including a pilot centered around Martin Crane's funeral in Seattle, Paramount+ ultimately decided to bring the titular character back to his former home in Boston, where he aims to redeem himself. This move not only provides a rationale for the absence of Frasier's brother and sister-in-law but also necessitates the introduction of a fresh ensemble to accompany the leading character.

Freddy Points Out The Glaring Issue With Frasier and Alan’s Relationship

Lyndhurst's character was inspired by Grammer's realization that Frasier has never had a true, genuine friend. Despite regularly spending time with the people at Cheers, he never quite felt like he belonged with them. However, this idea is still a topic of discussion since he referred to both Daphne (before her relationship with Niles) and Roz as his dear friends on the original show. Nevertheless, what distinguishes Alan from them is that he shares a similar wavelength with Frasier in being highly educated professionals from Ivy League schools and sharing a fondness for psychology. Niles comes closest to filling this role, but he will always be primarily known as Frasier's brother.

While attending the Founders' Society, Frasier and his colleagues discuss their objective, triggering a wave of nostalgia for Frasier's past experiences with Alan. Frasier and Alan first met during their time at Oxford University and quickly formed a strong bond. Surprisingly, Frasier had never mentioned Alan prior to the events of the revival. Eagerly recounting their shared history, Frasier is interrupted by Freddy, who amusingly concludes the anecdote on his behalf. As Frasier proceeds to share a new story, everyone interjects, revealing that they are already familiar with it. Freddy astutely observes that Frasier and Alan seemingly only have five stories, exposing the less-than-rich breadth of their friendship.

Freddy openly admits to his father that he and Alan have only five stories. During Frasier's brief time back in Boston in the reboot, it appears that he has recounted those stories numerous times, to the extent that even Eve and Olivia are familiar with them. The Paramount+ series chose not to depict these encounters on-screen but establishes that despite being best friends in theory, Frasier and Alan have had limited shared experiences, which devalues their friendship. Frasier may have shared far more memorable moments with the gang at Cheers, and they are not particularly close friends with him.

Why The Frasier Reboot Needs Lyndhurst’s Alan

The original Frasier stood out for its clever blend of highbrow humor and physical comedy, resulting in a more sophisticated sitcom experience. While Grammer excelled in both aspects, Pierce arguably surpassed expectations. Niles was truly a remarkable character and it's no surprise that he became a fan favorite. However, in the Frasier reboot, Grammer will need a new partner who can fill the void left by Pierce. This is where Lyndhurst comes in, with his impeccable comedic timing and delivery of hilarious lines.

How The Frasier Reboot Can Fix Alan Cornwall

Despite the flaws in the original concept for Lyndhurst's character, it is not necessary for the show to completely eliminate him. Alan has consistently stolen the scene despite having limited screen time in the Frasier reboot. His interactions with Frasier have always been fascinating, and it is intriguing to see how their friendship will develop in the upcoming episodes. The revival is not attempting to replicate Niles through Alan, which is a positive aspect. If anything, the show simply needs Lyndhurst to establish his own identity for the character.

It is crucial to retain Alan in the revival, but certain adjustments are necessary to fully capitalize on his character. One key and essential modification is to emphasize the friendship between Frasier and Alan. While previous episodes have showcased some memorable scenes between them, it is not until episode 5 of the Frasier reboot that their dynamic truly shines. While Freddy's complex relationship with his father remains the core storyline of the Paramount+ endeavor, there should be a deeper exploration of Alan's connection to his pretentious therapist. This aligns with the original Frasier show's focus on Frasier's distinct relationships with his father and Niles.

If the intention of the new Frasier is to emphasize that Alan is Frasier's initial friend, it should provide reasons to support this claim. While "The Founders' Society" suggested that they had few significant shared experiences, the show can change that by incorporating more of them. Given Grammer and Lyndhurst's incredible on-screen chemistry, making these adjustments should not pose a challenge. In fact, they would enhance the overall quality of the show without compromising anything.

New episodes of the Frasier reboot are released every Thursday on Paramount+.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of the original Frasier series, I was initially skeptical about the reboot. The absence of David Hyde Pierce's Niles Crane was a huge disappointment, and I couldn't imagine how the show would fill the void left by his character. However, I have to admit that the introduction of Nicholas Lyndhurst as Alan Cornwall has been a pleasant surprise. Lyndhurst brings a unique charm and energy to the role, and his chemistry with Kelsey Grammer is undeniable.

Overall, I believe that the Frasier reboot has the potential to be a successful and enjoyable show, even without Niles. The addition of Alan Cornwall has given the show a fresh and exciting new direction, and I am eager to see how his character develops in future episodes.