Summary
I find the newFrasierreboot season 2 casting update exciting but it also makes Niles and Daphne’s continued absence more upsetting. When news of theFrasierrevival first broke out in 2021, I was half excited and half cautious. Like many, it is one of, if not my favorite comedies, but I’ve seen so many reboots in the last couple of years that ended up being massive disappointments. The risk of bringing backFrasierwas much higher since it has a legacy to protect — 37 Primetime Emmys and a ratings winner for NBC.
By himself, Frasier can be annoying. How you like him depended on the people he surrounded himself with. While he was the titular character of the spinoff, it wasn’t lost on me that a big reason for Frasier’s success was the rest of its ensemble. Unfortunately, Frasier’s move to Boston for his final act killed the chances of regularly seeing the people he spent time with in his 11 years in Seattle. Somehow, however, theFrasierreboot season 1 finalewas able to bring back Roz, with more familiar faces coming in for season 2.
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Frasier’s Reboot Bringing Back More Characters Makes Niles & Daphne’s Absence Stand Out More
Bulldog & Gil Are Confirmed To Appear In The Frasier Reboot Season 2
As production continues, it has been announced that Edward Hibbert and Dan Butler arereturning as Gil and Bulldog in theFrasierreboot season 2. Specifics about their appearance are still under wraps, but it would be great to see both of them after two decades. Some of the original’s best moments featured them. I still end up cackling at"Ham Radio" —Frasier’s highest-rated episode, no matter how many times I’ve seen it, and both Gil and Bulldog were there. As exciting as this is, however, it highlights the glaring void that Niles and Daphne’s absence has in the revival.
If Frasier’s former co-workers can visit him in Boston, there is no justified reason for Niles and Daphne not to be able to do the same.
John Mahoney’s role as Frasier’s father, Martin, made him the heart of the original series. However,David Hyde Pierce’s Niles was also equally importantto the success of the originalFrasier. I’d argue that he was actually the show’s main character, considering that he had the best overall arc, and a big part of that was his romance with Daphne. Not having them in theFrasierreboot has been my biggest gripe, and now, it just got worse. If Frasier’s former co-workers can visit him in Boston, there is no justified reason for Niles and Daphne not to.
Why The Frasier Reboot Needs Niles & Daphne
The Frasier Reboot’s Story Demands For Niles & Daphne To Appear
I liked the reboot enough to argue in myFrasierrevival season 1 reviewthat it deserved a chance. But while Grammer is still great in the role, and there’s potential in the rest of the cast, I’ve long accepted that it would be difficult to top what the original series did in terms of dynamics. Storytelling-wise, the banter between Frasier and Niles was top-notch. A big part of that was the flagship’s incredible writing, but Grammer and Pierce’s chemistry as brothers was also second to none. It would be great to see that again.
Aside from my selfish reasons for wanting to seeNiles and Frasier reminisce about their days dining at Le Cigare Volante or their road trips with Martin aboard “RDWRER”, theFrasierreboot’s story demands the Crane/Moon couple make an appearance too. For starters, it doesn’t make sense that they would still be based in Seattle, especially after Martin’s death. At this point, the family should be all together, and since nothing is binding them to the Emerald City (I assume Niles has enough money to make the trip, or even relocate), they should be able to at least visit Boston.
On top of Frasier and Freddy, Niles and Daphne’s grown-up son, David is also now based in Beantown, attending Harvard.
On top of Frasier and Freddy, Niles and Daphne’s grown-up son, David is now based in Beantown, as well, attending Harvard. I found it odd that he was flying back to Seatle for the holidays in theChristmas-themedFrasierreboot season 1 finale when it would be more practical for his parents to fly to Boston since Frasier, Freddy, and even Roz were already with him on the East Coast. The revival had David mention his parents from time to time, but that wasn’t remotely enough to make up for their absence. If anything, it only made it worse.
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Why Niles & Daphne Aren’t Really In The Frasier Reboot
Niles & Daphne’s Absence Isn’t Because Of The Lack Of Trying To Get Them
Having been covering theFrasierreboot since Grammer started talking about its potential, I know that Niles and Daphne’s absence isn’t because of the lack of trying to get them. The original plan for the revival was to bring back the pair, with the premise supposedly seeingFrasier and Niles run a black box theater. Unfortunately, Hyde Pierce and Jane Leeves decided to pass up the opportunity. For what it’s worth,Pierce has always been against the idea of revivingFrasier, arguing that it was a reflection of its time. He also cited the risk of tainting the show’s legacy.
I totally understand Pierce’s sentiments, especially since the original series wrapped up his character’s story in such a satisfying way. However,not having Niles and Daphne in the Frasier reboot is actually more detrimentalto the franchise’s legacy. The fact that the brothers couldn’t spend together their first Christmas after Martin died negatively impacted their dad’s memory, considering how much he loved the holiday. At the very least, Niles and Daphne should make a guest appearance in the revival.
Will Niles & Daphne Ever Appear In The Frasier Reboot?
Grammer Has Been Open About Pierce & Leeves' Possible Cameo
The last time Pierce was asked about the matter, he was happy for Grammer and the team behind the Frasier reboot, but he has maintained his stance on the matter. While Leeves has yet to make an official comment on the matter, it’s safe to say that she, too, is standing behind her original decision about the issue. Grammer, on the other hand, has been vocal about theFrasierreboot’s door being open for Niles and Daphne, which means that the decision solely lies in Pierce and Leeves' hands.
Considering the sheer number of guest stars already booked for theFrasierreboot season 2, the chances of Niles and Daphne appearing, even if the actors change their minds in the next couple of weeks, will unlikely result in their cameos. However, perhaps a much better critical review for its sophomore year may finally convince them that Grammer is doing something great by adding to the comedy’s established lore. Personally, I would rather see them in the potential third season, so the show can properly come up with a story for their awaited appearance.
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.
