Summary
Ahead of its premiere,Frasierseason 2 already creates a plot hole involving Freddy. Kelsey Grammer’s beloved snooty intellectual will soon return to the small screen for another round of adventure. Thefirst 10 episodes ofFrasierfocused on establishing the character’s final act as he returned to Boston. Aside from wanting to redeem himself in his old haunt, another major motivation forFrasier to come back to Beantown was to re-establish his relationship with his grown-up son, Freddy. This was inspired by his own experience with fixing his fractured dynamic with his father, Martin Crane, in the original show.
Understandably,Frasierseason 1 veered away from relying on nostalgia. The show did feature some deep-cut references and tributes to Frasier’s TV history, but the revival didn’t lean on them.Frasier doesn’t even mention the Cheers bar, let alone express any desire to revisit it. Admittedly, this was a divisive move, but, ultimately, it was for the better to establish this new act for the character separate from what came before it. TheFrasierseason 1 finalecould have functioned as a satisfying series ending, but luckily, Paramount+ gave it another chance to continue the character’s story.
I Know Why Frasier Returns To Seattle In Season 2 (It’s Another Tragedy After Martin’s Death)
The Frasier reboot season 2 finale will see Kelsey Grammer’s Boston-based educator return to Seattle, and I think I have a good idea why.
Freddy Accompanies Frasier Back To Seattle In Season 2
Frasier Finds Himself Back At KACL
Interestingly, Grammer and his team are changing things up forFrasierseason 2. This time, they’re dialing up on nostalgia in a couple of ways. For starters, the Paramount+ revival will bring back some notable faces from Frasier’s time in his hometown. While season 1 only featured Bebe Neuwirth’s Lilith Sternin and Peri Gilpin’s Roz Doyle, its sophomore year will includeDan Butler and Edward Hibbert as Bulldog Briscoe and Gil Chesterton, as well asHarriet Sansom Harris as Bebe Glazer.Their returns, however, coincide withFrasierseason 2’s most nostalgic episode, as Grammer’s character comes home to Seattle.
Frasier’s trip back to the Pacific Northwest marks the first time since he had to return home for Martin’s funeral, which predated the events of the Paramount+ project. Specific details as to why he flies back home are still unclear, but the newFrasierseason 2 trailer reveals him and Roz stepping back into their booth at KACL 780. It does seem like the pair will be hosting a special episode ofThe Dr. Frasier Crane Show.Beyond that, the promotional video also shows Freddy accompanying his dad to his old workplace, where he meets some of Frasier’s former co-workers.
Bulldog & Freddy’s Interaction Contradicts Their Meeting In The Original Frasier
Young Freddy Wouldn’t Listen ToGonzo Sports Show
TheFrasierseason 2 trailer features other scenes from the upcoming year. It includes a look at Frasier back at Harvard and him with his Boston group hanging out at Mahoney’s. Amid a barrage of new scenes, however, the Seattle-based ones stand out. The clip ends with ahilarious exchange between Freddy and Bulldog. KACL’sGonzo Sports Show’s former host shakes the younger Crane’s hand and asks Frasier if it’s his son. This contradicts his earlier interaction with Freddy in the original Frasier show where they were already introduced, which means that Bulldog’s question about Freddy’s identity doesn’t make sense.
When they first met inFrasierseason 4, episode 16, “The Unnatural,” Freddy wasn’t interested in Bulldog’s antics, let alone his show.
Bulldog may not have recognized Freddy. After all, he didn’t get to attend Martin’s funeral. However, that’s not the only inconsistency in their conversation. In response to Bulldog’s greeting, Freddy claims that he was an avid listener ofGonzo Sports Showwhen he was a kid. That’s difficult to believe, however. When they first met inFrasierseason 4, episode 16, “The Unnatural,” Freddy wasn’t interested in Bulldog’s antics, let alone his show. The young Crane even questioned the host’s penchant for using a gong. Additionally, Freddy also wasn’t into sports as a kid, as he was non-athletic.
Cheers Bar’s Sad Status Saves It From Frasier Reboot’s Risk Of Ruining Ted Danson’s Comedy
The sad status of Cheers bar in Boston effectively ensures that it is saved from the Frasier reboot potentially ruining the legendary sitcom’s legacy.
Adult Freddy Needed To Be More Like Martin
It’s no secret thattheFrasierrevival had to change certain aspects of Freddy’s character. Frasier and Lilith’s son had been a part of theCheersuniverse since the NBC flagship show. He continued to appear in the Seattle series occasionally, but it wasn’t until the Paramount/+ project that he became a narrative focus.Jack Cutmore-Scott’s version of Freddy, however, is different from his predecessors. His younger version shared many qualities with his parents, while this older iteration is more like Martin.
This is a creative decision rooted in Paramount+ wanting to somehow recreate the dynamic between Frasier and his father. If Freddy is similar to his dad, there isn’t any organic conflict between the pair, which would render the new show pointless. Admittedly, this older Freddy in the newFrasierwill realistically listen to Bulldog’s sports show, but his younger self won’t.
Frasier
Cast
Follow Frasier Crane in the next chapter of his life as he returns to Boston, Mass., with new challenges to face, new relationships to forge and an old dream or two to finally fulfill.
