Warning! Spoilers ahead for the Frasier reboot episode 3.
The Frasier reboot episode 3 attempts to fix the biggest problem it has from the original series, but the show ultimately fails. Frasier Crane has already sorted out his new home and living arrangement with Freddy, allowing him to focus on his new endeavor in Boston — teaching at Harvard. As he looks forward to his new role as an educator in the Ivy League institution, he is haunted by his past in Chicago, with the Frasier reboot finally offering a glimpse of what life had been for him in the Windy City.
Frasier has always lived a life of luxury. Thanks to his old private practice, he amassed wealth. When he moved to Chicago, he significantly grew his finances by hosting Dr. Crane. As he revealed in the Frasier reboot pilot, he decided to walk away from the gig, saying that it was time for a fresh start. While Frasier has already moved on from his celebrity status, the Frasier reboot episode 3, “First Class,” offers a sneak peek at what his old job was. Aside from filling the narrative gaps, it also allowed the show to address the biggest issue created by the old show. Sadly, its efforts failed.
Frasier’s Talk Show Class Tries To Address Its Missing Call-In Problem
Considering how rich Frasier has become, he could spend the rest of his years in retirement. However, wanting to be of service to his community, he opted to be a teacher. Frasier seems like he would do well as a lecturer, but he doesn’t, as his celebrity status becomes a hindrance to his new job when he realizes that his students only signed up for it because of his public persona. They hope that Frasier will help them navigate through their difficult situations. Unfortunately, instead of indulging them, he shoots down the idea that he is there to give out advice, emphasizing that his job is to teach them.
To be able to explain why he wants to shed his old identity so badly, Frasier shows some clips from Dr. Crane, which started as a genuine advice program. Seeing Frasier back doing what he does best — giving out actionable and sound advice, is great. His TV show had earnest beginnings, tapping into what made him so successful at Seattle’s KACL. Over time, however, it became more of a gimmicky talk show that prioritized fluff and entertainment over truly helping people with their problems, hence why he’s trying so badly to escape it.
Why Frasier Struggles To Replace The Original’s Radio Show
Frasier’s stance about revisiting his public identity as Dr. Crane already makes it difficult for the reboot to replace the original show’s call-in segment. He makes it clear that he doesn’t want to dip his toes back into doling out advice. As seen in the new Frasier, he refrains from offering his sentiments or even psychoanalyzing situations. Alan is the one who tends to do that to help him get through his issues.
The modern times further make it tricky to replicate Frasier’s KACL show. Radio is no longer the prominent entertainment medium that it once was. Even if it’s still a booming business, it’s highly unlikely that Frasier will be willing to return to it after being the host of a popular TV series.
Can Frasier’s Reboot Fix Its Talk Show Problem?
Niles liked poking fun at Frasier’s job in Seattle as a radiotherapist, but in reality, it was actually the best element of the original show. Taking calls from troubled people he didn’t know and giving them advice highlighted Frasier’s eagerness to help. It also allowed the series to bring celebrities in a stealthy and creative way. Most of Frasier’s callers during the show’s 11-season run were A-listers such as Christopher Reeve and Helen Mirren. Because of this, it’s disappointing that it isn’t something that the Frasier reboot is bringing back. That doesn’t mean, however, that it cannot find a way to do something similar to it.
Frasier’s reluctance to dole out advice comes from his experience towards the end of Dr. Crane. However, if he can do it without any acclaim or reward, perhaps he can revisit the idea in the new show. Instead of being a teacher, perhaps Frasier can be a guidance counselor at Harvard, which allows him to formally be able to guide students and even his fellow faculty through some of life’s difficulties. Otherwise, he can also try the podcasting space in the Fraasier reboot, which is essentially an updated version of the radio.
The Frasier reboot airs new episodes every Thursday on Paramount+.
