The original Frasier show has already disproven the significance of the reboot's new main character. Paramount+ is reviving the critically acclaimed series, bringing back Kelsey Grammer's Frasier Crane to the small screen. Frasier, a spin-off of the beloved sitcom Cheers, followed the character as he moved from Boston to Seattle to start a new life. Returning to his hometown allowed Frasier to reunite with his father, Martin Crane, and brother, Niles Crane, while also starting fresh as a radiotherapist. After over a decade in Seattle, the series concluded with Frasier moving to Chicago in the Midwest.
Now, two decades later, Frasier embarks on his fourth chapter. The Frasier revival begins with another move, this time back to Boston, bringing the titular character back to his familiar Cheers stomping grounds. This change in setting introduces a completely new ensemble cast, with Niles and Daphne not making a return, and Lilith and Roz only appearing in cameo roles. Frasier's grown-up son, Freddy, will be prominently featured in the project. However, the most intriguing addition to the Frasier revival is Nicholas Lyndhurst's Alan Cornwall.
The Frasier Reboot's Alan Cornwall Is Supposedly Frasier's First Friend
Specific plot details regarding the Frasier reboot are being kept tightly under wraps, but the first 10 episodes of the series have already finished production. In addition to portraying the eponymous character, Grammer is also involved in the creative process and has given fans a glimpse of what to expect from the Paramount+ venture. While he is cautious not to reveal spoilers, Grammer introduces Alan as Frasier's first ever friend. The concept for Alan stemmed from David Hyde Pierce declining the invitation to reprise his role as Niles, posing challenges for Grammer and his team. They had to think outside the box to develop the premise of the series.
Grammer explains that Alan is inspired by the realization that Frasier has never had a true friend. Although he spent a decade socializing with the people at Cheers, he never truly belonged among them. His presence in Sam Malone's bar was solely because of his relationship with Diane. Even after she left Boston, Frasier would continue to visit the bar, but he never felt fully accepted for who he truly was. Instead, he was constantly subjected to ridicule for his sophisticated tastes and demeanor. If anything, he had to conform to fit in with the rest of them.
Frasier Has Already Contradicted Cornwall's Billing In The Reboot
After Frasier relocated to Seattle, he set out to establish a new social circle. Contrary to his time in Boston, he rarely frequented bars upon returning home. Instead, he became a regular at Cafe Nervosa and explored various dining options in Emerald City. This presented challenges in terms of mingling and meeting new people, hence his increased reliance on spending time with his brother Niles. The close bond between the Crane brothers became a recurring theme in the original Frasier series. While they can be considered friends, their primary connection will always be as brothers, especially since they share the responsibility of caring for their father, Martin.
Despite what Grammer stated, Frasier's character did indeed have friends during his time in Seattle. In the 10th episode of the seventh season, titled "Back Talk," Frasier himself acknowledged Roz and Daphne as his friends during a moment of introspection on his birthday. This declaration contradicts the notion that he lacked friends until reconnecting with Alan in the Frasier revival. By making his own declaration in the original sitcom, Frasier diminishes the significance and uniqueness of Lyndhurst's Cornwall and his relationship with him.
How The Frasier Reboot Can Fix Alan Cornwall's Character
Alan will be a unique addition to the Frasier revival, as he brings a fresh dynamic to the group of friends. Unlike Frasier's previous companions, Alan's intellectual background sets him apart. Having first met in college and later reconnected, the fact that Alan is now a professor in Boston allows him and Frasier to easily spend time together again. This disparity between Alan's background and that of Roz and Daphne should be the central focus of the new Frasier show.
Alan will be the first friend who truly resonates with Frasier. Unlike Frasier's previous social circles, such as the Cheers crowd, his friendships with Daphne and Roz were mainly based on convenience. If it weren't for their professional or familial connections, it is unlikely that Frasier would have crossed paths with them. While Niles and even Lilith share some similarities with Frasier, they are family. Alan, on the other hand, is a genuine friend to Frasier. Their shared experiences as peers in college have forged a strong bond, and they have many common interests.
Why Alan Cornwall Will Be Integral To The Frasier Reboot's Success
While Alan's role in the Frasier revival may have been inaccurately described, there is no doubt that Lyndhurst's character will be integral in the upcoming show. The success of Frasier has always relied on the supporting cast around him. On his own, Frasier could come across as annoying and exaggerated. The key to maintaining his relatability and fun to watch factor is to surround him with a talented ensemble that either accentuates his positive qualities or grounds him. The Frasier reboot has already addressed the family aspect of the series, with the inclusion of Frasier's adult son, Freddy, despite the absence of Niles and the death of Martin.
However, the revival must be cautious not to fall into the same pitfalls as the original series. Despite being the central character, Frasier was not always the primary focus in the Seattle-based show. By the end, both Niles and Martin had clear character arcs, while the eldest Crane son had remained largely unchanged. To address this, focusing on his dynamic with Alan could be beneficial. This would allow Frasier to be more transparent and open with his thoughts, knowing that his friend will understand them.