Frasier (TV Series 1993–2004): review

We started to watch this series after we had completed watching the big bang theory. Avenger used to watch this back in the day, and that was my only reference. Then I used to wonder what this was about. Now, like a decade later, I was reminded of those days. Nostalgia.

As we continued, we saw that this is about the relationship between a father, Martin Crane and his two grown up sons (Dr Frasier Crane and Dr. Niles Crane. We also have Dr. Frasier Crane's radio show producer, Roz Doyle , and his father's caretaker, Daphne Moon. Who can forget Eddie, Martin's pet dog who hangs around at home? Following a failed marriage, Frasier has moved back to his hometown. Him, his father, Daphne and Eddie live together. Most of the sequences are shot at Frasier's home, in the KACL radio station, where he works hosting a psychiatry - related show with Roz, or in Cafe Nervosa.

Now, one might think the humour here may be dry. After all, how many jokes can you crack between a father, his grown up sons, his care taker, and his son's social circle? But the writing is so intelligent, and the cast is so convincing and brilliant, that you will be proved wrong, again and again, and again. The humour is very polished, refined and subtle.There are so many complicated words, and a lot of French words, it will plod you on to explore and learn more. Kudos to the writers for having come up with so many references to psychiatric terms and concepts. 

Frasier, Niles & Martin

Martin is a simple, hardworking and straightforward man, now retired from the police service. A street- smart person, and a thorough gentleman. The kids are poles apart from him. Psychiatrists, both, they take delight in analyzing, over-analyzing, dissecting arguments, looking at everything through the fine glass that psychiatry is. Jung V/s Freud galore. You learn so much. For me and you, I may be sad. For them, satisfaction isn't achieved until all possible theories for my sadness have been spawned, explored, debated, wrestled and concluded. And then, Martin comes along and announces that I may be sad because, say, we're out of beer :) A constant source of altercation is the clash of decor/ looks/ feel/ character of the house - Frasier's fine furniture (snooty?) and Martin's ragged but reliable chair. There are many instances when the Father - son relationship has been depicted beautifully. Every once in a while, the trio indulge in a common activity, such as camping at a guesthouse in the woods. These episodes are always heart- warming, as the close bond between them is depicted in a simple way, evoking nostalgia and good vibes.

Let's have some sherry, Niles.

Fraiser and Niles are intensely competitive, something which they've carried from their childhood days. When other kids were out playing football or in the gym, these two kids explore classical music, books and other nerdy stuff, thereby making them the butt of everyone's jokes. This enchantment with the arts gets more and more refined as they grow older, and they indulge in high society activities such as art exhibitions, wine tasting, operas, and the like :) There is cut - throat rivalry between Frasier and Niles for invitations to exclusive events, art galleries, wine tasting and clubs, something which they're ready to do anything for, including insult and cheat each other. The siblings engage in intellectual duels all the time, attempting to belittle each other, especially when the stakes are high.

Niles and Frasier are always looking to entice the high society crowd by throwing lavish parties, which always end up being disastrous and absolutely hilarious! The siblings are also never content, in the sense, negligible flaws are not ignored by them. That's just plain shoddy for these perfectionists.  Another engaging and recurring battle is the brothers (who aim for the moral high ground always) reason their way down from a noble, selfless and virtuous pedestal to one beneath their dignity (just because it's the easy, tempting and fun option :) One trait of Niles is to hold on to relationships long past the point of no return. I would call him an optimist. If I think about the brothers, I find a lot of similarities to my good old friends, Gecko and Tempo :)

Eddy, Daphne, Frasier, Martin

Daphne is delightful, the English caretaker with a quirky family, and a penchant for the occult. She runs a tight ship, and doesn't hesitate to speak her mind when she feels things are out of line. Niles is bewitched by her endearing ways but hesitates in making a move, for the longest time. Roz is entertaining always, with her struggles to find herself and the meaning of love. There are other well - developed characters in this show, which adds depth to the already cerebral script. Bebe, the mercurial and expressive agent. Bulldog, the chauvinistic sports show commentator who is always suggestive, but harbors feelings for Roz. Noel, the quirky star wars fan who is also absolutely smitten by Roz! Gill, the effeminate restaurant reviewer. The wives - Lilith, Frasier's intellectual equal, has grown out of the marriage, although the occasional spark flies. Maris, never seen but always spoken about in unwanted and unneeded ways :) This review isn't complete without writing about the intelligent and playful Eddy. He is a delight to watch, his tongue sticking out, and being such a wonderful actor!

Staring contest :)

Brilliant as it might be, I didn't like a few things in this series. The constant ridiculing of Roz's character - for her being too "loose", or "easy" - I felt this could have been presented in a smarter or less degrading way. Or this may be the difference in cultures speaking. Also, her kid had no real role in the series, apart from being a filler and a cute distraction sometimes. Another thing is, towards the end of the series,  there were a few weird things happening, I was unsure why. The plot headed towards some strange directions. Eddies in the space- time continuum, perhaps? Overall, this is a fantastic series - thoroughly entertaining, intelligent humour, with lots of polish and sophistication.

Have you seen this series? What do you think about it? Please share your comments.

(Thanks, Krips for proofreading this :) )