Frasier has re-entered the building, though we’re not sure why.
Revivals are rarely a risk worth taking.
The result is a little more chaotic than comical, but subsequent episodes have a calmer confidence.
Kelsey Grammer, Jess Salguerio, and Jack Cutmore-Scott on ‘Frasier’.Chris Haston/Paramount+
(“Ah, the limelight.
Some of the biggest laughs in the new series come from clips ofDr.
“My greatest nightmare is that that will be my whole legacy,” he frets to Alan.
Kevin Daniels, Kelsey Grammer, Jimmy Dunn, and Jack Cutmore-Scott on ‘Frasier’.Chris Haston/Paramount+
Frasierthe show, however, is perfectly fine with indulging in fan service.
Those reminders spark a moment of joy, but they also underscore that thisFrasieris not thatFrasier.
The revival’s cast suffers by comparison as almost any sitcom cast would.
(Again, very few actors can.)
Only Lyndhurst, a well-known UK sitcom star, jells with Grammer from the outset.
“We’re in our 60s, man.
What’s wrong with ‘good enough’?”
Alan asks his old friend at one point.
“What’s wrong with ‘this’ll do’?”
Lord knows the TV industry runs on “good enough” much of the time.
