Why Frasier Actually Gave David That Grade B (It’s About Niles)

Warning! Spoilers ahead for the Frasier reboot episode 8.

The Frasier reboot episode 8 sees Frasier give Davia “B” on his paper, and he may have an ulterior motive for this. Frasier’s decision to start a new life in Boston is primarily motivated by wanting to be near Freddy. Considering his expanded wealth from hosting Dr. Crane for more than a decade, he could have spent the rest of his days relaxing. Instead, he pursues his passion of wanting to hone the minds of the next generation of thinkers, hence taking a job at Harvard as a guest lecturer. Weeks after a rocky start, he finds himself facing a new work dilemma, one that involves his nephew.

In the Frasier reboot episode 8, “The B Story,” Frasier hands out the graded papers for his Harvard class. Confident that he will get an “A” — something that he always did, David is dumbfounded when he finds out that his uncle gave him a “B.” This sends him into a spiral, which includes asking Frasier for a remedial paper, which he agrees upon. David, unfortunately, fails to secure his desired grade, even with the secret help of Freddy. Frasier justifies his decision for the mark. That being said, there may be an underlying reason for the grade that he gave.

Frasier And Niles Have Always Been Very Competitive

Despite their closeness, Frasier and Niles can get very competitive with each other.

There’s no denying that Niles is sorely missed in the Frasier reboot. David Hyde Pierce is one of, if not the best thing in the original show. Aside from his personal growth as a character, his dynamic with Frasier was unique, funny, and relatable for many. Martin himself pointed out that his boys, despite their closeness, can get very competitive with each other. They love each other undoubtedly, and have time and again proved that they will be in each other’s corners when push comes to shove. That being said, when pitted against each other, they can quickly get into an intense rivalry.

This dynamic was at the center of many classic Frasier episodes. In some cases, they resulted in some of the best and most memorable moments of the old show. Frasier and Niles are very similar to each other, so they tend to inhabit the same social spaces, and even the smallest instigating matter can set them off in a competing mood. Martin attempted to always make sure that both of his sons got the attention they deserved to minimize these conflicts. In the end, because they spent so much time with each other, rivalry issues were inevitable.

Why David’s B Grade Is Odd

Even Freddy is confused by Frasier’s grading.

The Frasier reboot may have officially moved on from Niles and Martin, but their presence looms large in the show. David represents his father, and that may very well be the reason why he got a “B” in his uncle’s class.

David presents a great revised paper, especially after Freddy helped him to polish it. Despite that, Frasier elects to just increase his grade to a disappointing “B+.” Even Freddy, who is well-versed in the topic, is confused by his father’s grading. Not wanting to show off his intellect, however, he keeps his mouth shut and refuses to argue on David’s behalf.

David’s B Grade Could Be An Indication Of Frasier’s Insecurities

Another factor that may have affected David’s grade is Frasier’s true feelings towards Freddy.

Interestingly, it’s weird that Frasier seems to be so stingy with David’s grade. Whether consciously or unconsciously, his decision may have been impacted by his natural inclination to compete with Niles. The original show established that Niles is actually smarter with a 157 IQ, compared to his older brother’s 123, and this may be something that is driving Frasier’s decision. Despite experiencing a boom in his popularity, starting as a local personality with his successful KACL show and then hosting Dr. Crane for years in Chicago, which he won an Emmy Daytime for, not to mention his massive wealth, Frasier may still feel inferior to Niles.

Another factor that may have affected David’s “B” grade is Frasier’s true feelings towards Freddy’s decision to drop out of Harvard and become a firefighter instead. While he loves his son and is making strides in getting to know the life he chose to lead, the Frasier reboot episode 8 makes it clear that he still secretly prefers him to be more intellectual like his parents. David personifies that, as he chooses to follow in the footsteps of Niles. It’s curious if Frasier’s grade on the paper would change if he knew that his son had a hand in revising it after a drunken session at Mahoney’s.

The Frasier reboot drops new episodes every Thursday on Paramount+.