According to Radio Times, the long-delayed Frasier reboot is finally coming together. Kelsey Grammer recently reported that the writers are “in the final stages of the final script for the first episode of the Frasier reboot,” and noted that he cried while reading through the most recent draft. Sadly, due to the 2018 passing of actor John Mahoney, Marty Crane won’t be making an appearance in the reboot.
But, from Niles to Daphne to Roz, it’ll be great to see most of the old gang back together again. From the boorish Bulldog to the pompous Crane boys, the characters of Frasier varied wildly in likability.
Bob “Bulldog” Briscoe
A character like Bob “Bulldog” Briscoe wouldn’t be featured in a sitcom today, because the supposed humor of his characterization makes modern audiences uncomfortable. Bulldog’s defining character trait is sexual harassment. He earned his nickname because he boorishly barks like a hound whenever he’s in the presence of an attractive woman.
Bulldog occasionally shows signs of vulnerability, like when he falls madly in love with a woman who’s just looking for something casual, but it’s not enough to make him likable. In the episode “Bad Dog,” he used a pregnant Roz as a human shield during an attempted armed robbery at Café Nervosa.
Dr. Niles Crane
In a bid to make the eponymous doctor more relatable, the writers gave Frasier a younger brother who’s even more snooty and pretentious than he is. On top of that, Niles lustfully obsesses over Daphne. Niles’ uncontrollable infatuation with Daphne is by far his least likable quality. It was written as a lighthearted running gag in the ‘90s, but it’s extremely inappropriate by today’s standards.
Challenging the assertion that chivalry is dead, Niles is much more of a gentleman than the more macho and chauvinistic Bulldog, but he still spends the first half of the series pining after an oblivious Daphne. He bizarrely smells her hair at every opportunity.
Roz Doyle
Frasier’s producer Roz Doyle has a hilariously biting sense of humor. She’s a great comedic foil for Frasier as she takes every opportunity to tear him down from his high horse. Roz is often shamed for her promiscuity, but she always has a sharp comeback in the chamber. Roz’s lifestyle is reckless, self-serving, and irresponsible in the early seasons, but she matures midway through the series’ run after becoming a mother.
Roz often acted selfishly in the first few seasons of the show, but raising her daughter Alice made her a much warmer and more sympathetic character. She ably took on the responsibilities of parenthood and looking after a child made her appreciate the needs of others.
Dr. Frasier Crane
The title character in Frasier is snooty, pompous, and full of himself. The comedic engine of the show is that nothing ever works out for Frasier. Fans enjoy watching things blow up in his face. He’s constantly filling up his own tires and the show’s brilliantly ironic storytelling always takes the air out of those tires. Still, Frasier has plenty of likable qualities to make up for his snobbish tendencies.
Frasier is compassionate to his friends and family and he’s always happy to lend an ear when they’re in need. Plus, he believes in the innate goodness of human beings, even when there are mountains of evidence to the contrary. Frasier’s strong moral compass was explored in depth in the episodes “Good Samaritan” and “Miracle on Third or Fourth Street.”
Martin Crane
Frasier’s live-in dad Martin is humble, down-to-earth, and – in stark contrast to his snobbish sons – gleefully unsophisticated. His friendship with his adorable little dog Eddie is endlessly endearing; from Bart Simpson to John Wick, it’s impossible to dislike a character who has the love of a canine companion. Marty doesn’t always appreciate everything Daphne does for him, but he’s arguably the most honorable character in the show. He never does anything immoral, even when it’s difficult to remain ethical, and always encourages others to follow suit.
As a cop before the events of the series, Marty always did the right thing. He only ever bent the law a couple of times in the name of justice, like lying under oath that he’d read the Miranda rights in full to keep a repeat offender off the streets.
Daphne Moon
The sweetest, kindest member of the main cast of Frasier is Daphne Moon. When Marty moved in with Frasier and the two immediately started butting heads, the burden fell on Daphne to act as the voice of reason in the Crane household. As Marty’s physiotherapist, Daphne’s whole line of work is dedicated to helping others. Whereas Frasier and Niles practice psychiatry to stroke their own egos as much as they want to help their patients, Daphne is fully committed to providing helpful healthcare services for the good of her clients.
Daphne has a few oddball quirks, like believing she has psychic powers and sharing unbelievable stories from her past in Manchester, but none of them make her unlikable – just a bit strange. She occasionally loses her temper at Frasier, but it’s always more than justified. Living with the self-obsessed radio psychiatrist requires the patience of a saint.
