The Ultimate Frasier Reboot Premiere: Unveiling the Long-Awaited Cheers Mystery
Frasier Reboot expertly addresses a major plot hole from Cheers in its very first episode Discover how Alan's origins play a crucial role in the success of the highly anticipated Frasier revival
Warning! Spoilers ahead for the Frasier reboot pilot.
Summary
The Frasier reboot cleverly resolves a plot hole by offering an explanation for how Frasier came to meet Alan, his college friend who was notably absent in Cheers. Alan's character is poised to play a crucial role in the success of the Frasier reboot, injecting a refreshing dynamic into Frasier's new story.
To ensure a successful reboot, it is crucial to introduce a fresh ensemble cast. One way to accomplish this is by exploring the dynamic friendship between Frasier and Alan.
In the pilot episode of the Frasier reboot, the show effectively addresses a major plot hole from Cheers. In the fourth act, Kelsey Grammer's character, Frasier, returns to Boston for new adventures, marking his long-awaited comeback to New England after thirty years in his hometown of Seattle. With many changes occurring in Beantown since Frasier's departure, he must once again rebuild his social circle. Fortunately, he is not starting from scratch, as he reunites with familiar faces like his adult son, Freddy, and his old friend, Alan Cornwall, portrayed by the legendary British comedic actor, Nicholas Lyndhurst.
Alan’s Origins Solves Frasier Reboot’s Big Cheers Problem
: Despite living on opposite ends of the country, Freddy, the only child of Frasier and Lilith, has been a prominent figure in the Cheers/Frasier franchise for a long time. With the Seattle-based series focusing on Frasier's familial connections and Freddy residing in Boston, it is logical for the storytelling to revolve around the relationship between father and son. Conversely, Alan is a brand new character who enters the scene as Frasier's college friend, generating considerable intrigue. Nonetheless, Alan's presence also introduces certain inconsistencies in the plot.
Frasier's time at Harvard for his undergraduate studies led him to Boston, where he resided until returning to Seattle. Based on Alan's character biography, it has been assumed that they crossed paths at Harvard during their college years. This raises speculation regarding Alan's whereabouts during the events of Cheers. If they were truly close friends, it seems odd that Frasier never mentioned him throughout his time on the '80s sitcom. However, the Frasier reboot pilot resolves this issue by revealing that Frasier and Alan actually first met at Oxford, rather than Harvard.
Why Alan Is Integral To The Frasier Reboot’s Success
Undoubtedly, there exist options to elucidate Alan's absence from Cheers despite his Harvard background. Given that Frasier was introduced in Cheers several years after Alan's college graduation, it is plausible that they simply grew apart. This explanation would effectively account for why Frasier never introduced his college friend to his favorite bar or included him in significant milestones. However, even this reasoning falls short, considering their close relationship in Paramount+'s Frasier reboot. By revealing that Alan and Frasier were friends in Oxford, all doubts are dispelled.
The original Frasier was not afraid to create plot inconsistencies if it meant enhancing its storytelling. The characters of Martin and Niles exemplified this, as Frasier's dad was previously deceased and he was an only child in Cheers. Considering this, it would have been understandable if the Frasier reboot never fully addressed Alan's origins. However, it is fantastic that it did, as he is expected to play a vital role in the series. Frasier's charm has always relied on the people surrounding him, making it essential to have a talented ensemble.
In order to create a successful reboot of Frasier without the original cast, it was essential to establish a fresh ensemble that could support the narrative of Frasier's new journey. One effective approach was to delve into his friendship with Alan, which was evident from their enjoyable chemistry showcased in the pilot episode. Additionally, the presence of Lyndhurst, a comedic genius, in the role of Alan further added to the appeal.
