Frasier: Season Ten

It seems that lately television series come and go in the blink of an eye. Many don’t get renewed for a second season. With the venerable TV format of the sit-com there are more than a few that get pulled after only a handful of episodes. There was one series that had longevity, Frasier. It lasted for a remarkable eleven seasons. It even garnered several worlds’ records including Emmy nominations and an unprecedented 37 wins as well as its star, Kelsey Grammer playing the same character for twenty years. While some of the episodes were pedantic and predictable there were moments of genius in both the writing and performances. As with anything in life practice makes perfect and this cast and crew had over a decade working together. Of all the series that have started as a spin off of another Frasier is the gold standard, reaching and even exceeding the popularity of its parent show. Paramount is almost done with releasing the entire run of this series to DVD. Now they are up to the penultimate season, number ten. This season is a combination of some typical sit-com faire with ones that start to set the stage for the coming final episode. All of the sub plots that have progressed in the previous seasons begin to mesh together here as these beloved characters start to wind up their time in our living rooms.

There are so many factors that made this series such a hit. By this tenth year most audience members feel that they know these characters. We have watched them for a decade and seen their failures and successes. There is enough of the typical sit-com high jinx to make the audience comfortable. Sure a lot of the stories are predictable but even then there is a definite unique spin that the writers manage to bring out. Some of the zany antics are reminiscent of the Marx Brothers. The characters carry on with great abandon that is atop a foundation of incredible comic timing. There are also episodes here that feel like a well honed Broadway comedy. They don’t need elaborate settings or props to get the jokes across; just the talent of this ensemble cast. Timing is everything in comedy. With nine seasons under their belt this cast and crew seem able to read each other’s mind. They mess amazingly well together with a synergy that few other shows have ever achieved. Ultimately, it is the humanity of the series that carries it. These are not the superficial portrayal of prototypes that most sit-coms offer. Over the years these characters have developed back stories and interrelationships that make them real to the viewers. The audience is afforded an opportunity to become more emotionally invested in the characters than other series provide. To be honest here there are some flaws in this season. Some of the episodes seem to repeat gags that have been used before or have long ago worn thin. After so long on the air it had to be difficult for the writers to come up with completely fresh ideas and there are signs of wear and tear beginning. The main focus of the season was to set up the next and last one. Because of this some of the threads are not fully resolved within the episodes presented in this set.

Unlike other series that have more than a few years under its belt this one managed to keep its core cast intact. Dr. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) is an Ivy League trained psychiatrist who has long since traded a private practice to be an on air radio personality at KACL in Seattle. In this season Frasier has some doubts in his choice. When the station manager Kenny Daley (Tom McGowan) finally realizes that his divorce is final and his ex-wife is gone he seeks professional help from Frasier. Frasier agrees to treat him and finds that he misses the in depth analysis of a patient. For so long Frasier has given only superficial advice but now feels that he has returned to his true calling. As it turns out Kenny gets more help from Frasier’s dad, Martin (John Mahoney). The down to earth retired police officer helps Kenny more over a few beers than all the couch time with Frasier could. Martin has always been at odds with his sons. They were more like there mother, also a psychiatrist than him. While most fathers want to see themselves in their sons Martin’ sons seem like they are from another planet to him. In this season bridges are built between him and his son as he realizes that even if they are too stuffy for his liking they have become good, decent men. In many ways Frasier’s brother Niles (David Hyde Pierce) is a mirror image. He is also a psychiatrist and has lived in Frasier’s shadow all of his life. For most of the series he has pined for the love of Dad’s live in therapist and housekeeper, Daphne Moon (Jane Leeves). While their love has been more or less out in the open for a couple of season and in season 10 they finally run off and elope. Happiness is sleeting for Niles when he is diagnosed with a critical heart condition that requires immediate surgery. One of the best episodes of the series, ‘Rooms with a View’ comes out of this thread. As Niles is recovering from surgery each of the main characters have flashbacks of pivotal moments in their lives that occurred in a hospital room. This episode mixes comedy with real emotion in a perfect combination. Frasier’s long time producer of his radio show, Roz Doyle (Peri Gilpin) goes through some major development and changes in this season. She comes to odds with Frasier’s financial advisor and later love interest Julia Wilcox (Felicity Huffman). Things begin to sour between Frasier and Roz to the point where Roz tells Frasier to dump Julia or they can no longer be friends. When Frasier refuses Roz leaves the station for another job as part of the season cliffhanger. Some other recurring characters make an appearance in this season. One of the best and most welcomed is Bebe Neuwirth reprising her role as Frasier’s formidable ex-wife Lilith.

What can possible be said about the cast here. They are now legends in television. They each do the best possible job in their roles. Kelsey Grammer just embodies Frasier. He can act the part of a pompous man with a heart of gold. While he presents Frasier as self centered there is always a concern for others present. David Hyde Pierce continued to be the perfect counterpoint to Grammer. They work so well off of each other their bits just always seem funny. Over the years Jane Leeves has been able to let her character grow from a somewhat silly one into a woman with depth and understanding. John Mahoney has kept his portrayal of Martin one that is almost always a joy to watch. This is a great character actor who was still bringing his ‘A’ game in the tenth season.

Paramount falls a little short of their usual excellence with the release of this DVD season set. The full screen video is a touch soft; the colors just don’t seem to pop like other season sets Paramount offers. The Dolby stereo audio is unremarkable but gets the job done. Unfortunately, there are no extras on this set. This is a must for the many fans out there.

Posted 12/08/07