Frasierseason 2, episode 5 has the reboot’s most direct references yet to Niles Crane, which ends up being both a blessing and a curse.David Hyde Pierce didn’t return as Niles forFrasier’s reboot, with the actor choosing not to come back as he was focused on new projects. However, the character does still have a presence in the series, not least thanks to his and Daphne’s son, David (Anders Keith), being a series regular.
Nicholas Lyndhurst being part of theFrasierreboot’s castasAlan Cornwall is the closest the reboot has to a Niles, in terms of his close relationship with Frasier, which sometimes spills into a rivalry. But with Frasier writing his memoir in season 2’s “The Squash Courtship of Freddy’s Father,” there’s a chance to bring Niles “back,” at least in a fashion.
Niles' Comments On Frasier’s Memoir Are A Way Of Bringing Him Back Without David Hyde Pierce
It’s The Closest Thing Yet To A Niles Appearance
Niles may not appear on-screen inFrasierseason 2, episode 5, but his character does have a clear role in the story. Frasier looks for feedback on his memoir, and David has sent a copy to Niles for his thoughts, which are suitably witty and cutting.It does its best at capturing Niles' voice, with some pointed barbs and gentle ribbing of his brother, along with references to things likeDante’s Inferno, and contains a few great gags, such as:
Alan: Makes you long for death.
Frasier: I think that’s a bit much, Alan.
Alan: No, that’s what Niles wrote on the back of your memoir.
These don’t just bring Niles' voice and personality into the show, but recapture the sibling rivalryand wit that helped make the original series so great. With Pierce not wanting to return, then it’s good the reboot can still find a way to reference and honor the character. He should be a part of Frasier’s life, after all, and this is a good way of including him.
Niles “Return” Shows How Much The Frasier Reboot Misses Him
David Hyde Pierce’s Absence Leaves A Big Hole In The Series
If there’s a downside to Niles making comments on Frasier’s memoir, it’s that it makes his absence more conspicuous, and felt all the more keenly. Niles was always one of the funniest parts ofFrasier, and while characters like Alan are enjoyable,there’s no one who quite matches the comedy - both verbal and physical - that Pierce brought to the show. He added so much to the original’s high farce, and that simply cannot be replicated.
How Frasier Is So Rich (How Much Money Did He Earn?)
Frasier’s lifestyle was always expensive. How could the radio psychiatrist afford it and how is he so rich in the 2023 reboot?
Frasier’s move to Bostondoes help to mitigate the issue, but only to a degree. It provides a built-in explanation for why he isn’t a permanent fixture on the show, but doesn’t address why he hasn’t turned up to visit not only his brother, but even more so, his son.
Christopher and Kevin Graves (Cheers)
Luke Tarsitano (Frasier, original series)
Trevor Einhorn (Frasier, original series)
Jack Cutmore-Scott (Frasier, reboot)
Bebe Glazer
Harriet Sansom Harris
Hopefully, ifFrasierseason 3 happens, then perhaps the actor could be talked into an appearance for an episode. Seeing him, and indeed Daphne (Jane Leeves), again would fill the final gap inFrasier’s reboot, making it feel like a stronger continuation and properly fixing the issue with his absence. Frasier and Niles together have their own kind of magic, and if the reboot is really going to get close to matching the original, then bringing that back would do the trick, but it does appear unlikely to ever happen as things stand.
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.
Fraiser is a comedy-drama sitcom that stars Kelsey Grammer as a psychiatrist who takes up the role of a radio show host in Seattle after his life in Boston is upheaved. A spin-off of the series Cheers, Fraiser follows the titular character adjusting to the single life while caring for his father (a retired police officer,) his brother, and other eccentric co-workers.
