Unveiling the Mind-Blowing Twist: Frasier Episode 3 Shatters Expectations!

Warning! Spoilers ahead for the Frasier reboot episode 3.

Summary

The third episode of the Frasier reboot confirms that the initial concept for the show involving Niles was subpar and lacked innovation for the franchise.

David Hyde Pierce, who portrayed Niles in the original series, declined to participate in the Frasier reboot. He explained that he wanted to avoid replicating his widely praised performance and felt that there were no further opportunities to explore the Niles character.

Niles will not be appearing in the first season of the Frasier reboot. However, there is a chance that he may make a cameo in a potential second season if the show gets renewed and if David Hyde Pierce changes his mind about the project.

Episode 3 of the Frasier reboot reveals the flaws in its original plan involving Niles. Frasier's move to Boston brings him a new set of challenges as he starts fresh in both his personal and professional life. Since he appears to have lost touch with his old friends from Cheers, he must navigate his new situation mostly on his own. This becomes increasingly difficult without his confidante and brother, Niles, by his side to help him process his thoughts. Unfortunately, despite being invited by Kelsey Grammer, who also produces the revival in addition to starring in it, David Hyde Pierce has chosen to decline the opportunity.

The original Frasier, despite having a protagonist, was truly an ensemble cast, and this became even more evident as the years went by. Each supporting character had their own unique quirks that made them lovable, and when they all came together, it was a brilliant combination. Among them, Niles stood out prominently. David Hyde Pierce portrayed the character with such effectiveness, which is evident from his numerous Emmy nominations and wins. It is no wonder that fans feel his absence keenly in the new show. However, if Pierce had agreed to appear, Paramount+ did have a plan in place, though it wasn't particularly impressive. The third episode of the Frasier reboot, titled "First Class," proves this.

Frasier Reboot’s Original Niles Plan Explained

Co-showrunners Chris Harris and Joe Cristalli have unveiled their initial proposal to incorporate Niles into the Frasier reboot. Their idea involved Frasier and Niles operating a black-box theater, which seemed compelling given their enthusiasm for arts and culture. Similar to how the original Frasier was conceived as a family comedy to distinguish it from Cheers, a workplace sitcom, this concept would have exposed the brothers to fresh experiences as business owners. While it remains uncertain whether Martin's death was integrated into this version, considering it was a fundamental part of the original premise, it's likely that the Crane patriarch's passing was already incorporated.

It comes as no surprise that Pierce declined to participate in the Frasier reboot. The actor has consistently voiced his opposition to reviving the show, primarily out of concern for tarnishing its legacy. According to Grammer, his on-screen brother explained that he doesn't wish to replicate his acclaimed performance, and furthermore believes that there is no further storyline development for Niles, which is understandable considering the character's concluded narrative on the original show. Consequently, Paramount+ was compelled to steer the show in a different narrative direction, ultimately bringing Frasier back to Boston.

Freddy Reminds Frasier Of His & Niles’ Disastrous Restaurant Venture

Niles' appearance in the Frasier reboot would have thrilled fans of the original show. However, "First Class" reveals the shortcomings of the initial plan for Pierce's character. The idea was for Frasier and Niles to become business owners, but the previous Seattle-based series already demonstrated why this concept is flawed. Freddy taunts his father about his desire to quit teaching at Harvard by reminding him of the failed attempt to revive a restaurant with Niles. They had to give up after just one night due to its lack of success.

"The Innkeepers" episode showcased another failure in Frasier and Niles' collaborative efforts. Their attempt to write a book together ended in disaster. This recurring pattern of their inability to work harmoniously was mentioned by Martin, suggesting that it happened frequently prior to the events of the original show. Therefore, their partnership in managing a black-box theater doesn't introduce anything fresh to the franchise. Moreover, it is not a sustainable premise if the show continues past its first season.

What Niles’ Return Story Should Have Been

It is unclear if Niles' black-box theater story is the sole arc proposed to Pierce. Nevertheless, if it was the only choice put forward, his rejection is understandable. As previously stated, it fails to offer any new opportunities for character development. However, just because the initial idea was subpar, it does not mean that Paramount+ couldn't have presented better alternatives for Niles' involvement in the Frasier reboot. Considering that Martin's absence was inevitable due to John Mahoney's passing in 2018, the project should have focused on the brothers navigating the loss of their father.

Unlike Cheers, the original Frasier had a reputation for skillfully balancing comedy and drama. Despite its sophisticated humor, it fearlessly addressed significant issues. As trained psychiatrists, Niles and Frasier possess the ability to guide others through personal struggles, yet it becomes a different challenge when they must apply their own advice. Reevaluating their relationship with their late father while simultaneously juggling their roles as fathers to Freddy and David, creates an intriguing premise that encompasses three generations of the Crane family.

Will Niles Appear In The Frasier Reboot (& How)?

None of the original cast members from the previous series are returning as main characters in the Frasier reboot. The show's new setting in Boston provides a convenient reason to exclude these characters, who are said to still be residing in Seattle. Bebe Neuwirth and Peri Gilpin will be making appearances as Lilith and Roz, but only as guest stars. As a result, Niles will not be part of the Frasier reboot, at least in its first season. However, if Paramount+ decides to renew the show for a second season, Kelsey Grammer and his team may approach David Hyde Pierce once again for a potential cameo.

If the team behind the revival presents Pierce with a more enticing story idea and the first season receives positive reviews, it is not out of the question for the character of Niles to make an appearance. From a narrative perspective, there doesn't appear to be any conflict between Niles and Frasier. Moreover, David Crane, spends a significant amount of time with his uncle in Boston. It is difficult to believe that he wouldn't discuss his brother's experiences in Beantown with his father. All these factors make it relatively easy for the Frasier reboot to incorporate Niles into its storytelling, should Pierce have a change of heart about the project.

The Frasier reboot airs new episodes every Thursday on Paramount+.