The Not-So-Perfect Return: Uncovering the Missing Charm That Defined Frasier in Cheers & the Original Series
Frasier's reboot struggles to capture the essence of the beloved character from Cheers and the original show With an unconvincing Harvard storyline and a missed opportunity for a fresh job, the reboot fails to recapture the magic Discover what Frasier's new job should be to bring back the charm
Warning! Spoilers ahead for the Frasier reboot episode 3.
Summary
The likable qualities that made the character of Frasier successful in previous shows are missing in the Frasier reboot, detracting from the overall appeal. Despite the excellence of the new cast, their inability to capture this crucial element negatively affects the main character.
Frasier's storyline at Harvard lacks character development and encounters execution issues, indicating the necessity for a change.
The Frasier reboot undermines the essence of Kelsey Grammer's character, which was key to the success of Cheers and its spin-off. Frasier Crane was not originally intended to be a regular character in Cheers but rather a brief presence to create conflicts in Sam and Diane's relationship. On paper, Frasier isn't particularly likable, as he often comes across as an arrogant snob. Surprisingly, the original Frasier show embraced and even amplified these traits, yet the character still captivated audiences.
In the Paramount+ Frasier reboot,
Olivia Lies To Frasier In Episode 3 (And That’s Dangerous)
returned to Boston with a renewed purpose — to reconnect with his son, Freddy, and make a meaningful impact in his career. With his newfound wealth from a hosting job in Chicago, Frasier could easily retire, but instead, he chooses to dedicate his time as an educator at Harvard. There, he encounters both familiar and new faces, enriching his experiences. While the new cast members excel in their respective roles, there is one crucial element they lack, which ultimately affects the show's leading character.
In the third episode of the Frasier reboot, titled "First Class," the series finally explores Frasier's new position at the prestigious Ivy League school. Despite his extensive experience as a public speaker, he faces difficulties when he discovers that his students have enrolled in his class expecting him to provide advice. This causes him to feel disheartened as he seeks to distance himself from the reputation he developed over the past few years. However, Alan Cornwall provides him with a reality check that surprisingly improves his mood. Meanwhile, Olivia goes to great lengths to accomplish the same, even sharing a heartwarming personal story about how Frasier's TV show impacted her. Regrettably, this tale turns out to be untrue.
Throughout episode 3, Olivia has consistently employed either manipulation or blindsiding tactics in order to further her own interests. However, pandering to Frasier's ego is not an effective means of addressing his concerns. In the original series Cheers and even in the Frasier reboot, none of his loved ones and acquaintances ever deceived him about something as significant as this. Instead, they, like Alan, always provided him with a broader perspective, enabling Frasier to better handle the challenges he faced in his life. At this juncture, it appears that Olivia is exploiting Frasier, and aside from the fact that it casts her in an unfavorable light, it also undermines the character's development in the reboot.
Frasier’s Harvard Storyline Doesn’t Serve The Character
Having more money to spend in his lifetime as established in Frasier's first class, he could have indulged himself without having to work again in his life, despite his careless spending and penchant for expensive things. However, he has no desire to be a bum and instead wishes to engage in something meaningful, especially after his stint hosting Dr. Crane long after it had outgrown its original premise. Besides giving him another reason to stay in Boston, accepting the job at Harvard allows Frasier to believe that he can contribute to the development of the next generation of thinkers. Unfortunately, resorting to cheap tricks does not achieve that goal.
At Harvard, Frasier is instructing college students rather than grade schoolers. His primary duty entails imparting knowledge, which he can only effectively accomplish if his students are already engaged. Requiring Frasier to revert to his previous televised shenanigans in his new job fails to push his character development forward. This contradicts his realization to pursue meaningful and fulfilling work. Olivia's manipulation, compelling him to engage in activities he opposes, does a disservice to the character in the Frasier reboot.
Frasier’s Harvard Story Drags The Reboot Down
The original Frasier took a different approach than Cheers, positioning itself as a family comedy rather than a workplace-centered show. The creators of the Paramount+ reboot seem to recognize this distinction, as indicated by the carefully constructed dynamic between Frasier and Freddy. The addition of Martin's death and Niles' revelation that he is David's father further enhances the show's elements. Additionally, the series set in Seattle also featured an engaging workplace storyline, introducing Frasier's colleagues at KACL, including Roz, Bulldog, and Gil. Given these factors, there is an expectation that the reboot will continue with Frasier's experiences during his time at Harvard.
Frasier's time at Harvard may seem logical on paper, but its execution presents problems. Olivia's manipulation of Frasier to convince him to stay lacks a clear purpose beyond its effect on her character. The interactions between Frasier and Alan are few and far between, insufficient in establishing a dynamic comparable to his relationships with Roz or Niles in the original series. Realistically, it is challenging to envision the Frasier reboot continuing with this approach beyond its first season if Paramount+ decides to renew the revival.
What Frasier’s Reboot Job Should Be
Frasier's most admirable trait is his sincere commitment to assisting others. He possesses an unwavering optimism, always striving to see the best in people— a dynamic that the original series frequently explored, particularly in contrast to Martin's inclination towards pessimism. This quality is what makes him highly effective as a radiotherapist. Despite his haughtiness and elitism, Frasier's desire to aid others knows no bounds. Regrettably, the Frasier reboot lacks this specific facet, leaving the character unable to truly support anyone. While embodying Dr. Crane has seemingly disillusioned him when it comes to offering guidance, in reality, it is the glamorized spectacle of the show that he truly wishes to avoid revisiting.
Frasier's fondness for dispensing actionable advice is evident. Even during his Cheers days, he would frequently dole out guidance. However, this is not something he can do as a full-time Harvard professor. Therefore, the reboot needs to shift focus from his current job to something that will revive this element. If Paramount+ wishes to preserve the Ivy League aspect of the show, Frasier could become a guidance counselor, offering assistance to both students and fellow staff members. Alternatively, he could venture into podcasting, a natural progression from his previous KACL show. In any case, the Harvard storyline of the Frasier reboot needs to undergo a change as it is ineffective.
