That first episode of the original “Frasier” was so good, so expertly crafted, it’s hard to think it would come back in any better shape.
The Emmy-winning series did (this time minus everyone BUT Frasier) and stumbled when it first began on Paramount+. When it premiered last fall, it needed to set some ground rules before it found its footing.
Now, fully entrenched, it’s quite fun to watch.
Jack Cutmore-Scott, left, and Kelsey Grammer star in "Frasier."
If you haven’t caught up with the “new” version, it arrives on DVD this month.
There you’ll find Kelsey Grammer’s character has returned to Boston, hoping to rekindle his relationship with son Freddy (Jack Cutmore-Scott). Freddy, however, doesn’t really want to light that fire. He’s a firefighter living with a friend who has a child.
Frasier’s nephew, David (Anders Keith), is more interesting and more in keeping with brother Niles. Colleagues at Harvard (where Frasier now expounds) are a mixed bag. Some bring laughs, others are characters you tolerate.
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What’s interesting is how producers have crafted the new world. Yes, it references the old one but, here, there aren’t Chihulys or duct-taped recliners to sully the fussy Frasier’s world. Where it really succeeds is in suggesting the world that begat “Frasier” – “Cheers.” There’s a well-stocked bar of Boston jokes and enough cameos to make you long for seconds.
“Frasier” won’t nudge “The Bear” or “Hacks” as the best comedy on television but it does provide a bit of comfort in a medium that is overwhelmed by true-crime dramas.
Grammer hasn’t lost a step as the show’s lead and, as you’ll see in the handful of episodes, Keith is a great surrogate for the brother who shall not appear.
The theme song got a tweak, too, and just in case you missed some of Frasier’s annoyances, they return in different form.
Also this week: ‘A Home for the Holidays’
If you happened to miss this one when it first aired, you might want to pull out the Christmas albums, roast a turkey and celebrate the holidays in May.
Like so many Hallmark/Lifetime/Prime Video holiday films, this one features two people seemingly at odds coming together over Christmas. The two battle over the ownership of a house, learn to live together and, like “The Goodbye Girl,” discover they have plenty in common. It doesn’t star anyone you know but it has the proper vibes for a feel good binge. If you haven't put away the Christmas decorations, this could be a good reminder.
Movies in a minute with film critic Bruce Miller
Movies in a Minute: "28 Years Ago"
Movies in a Minute: "Materialists"
Movies in a Minute: "From the World of John Wick: Ballerina"
Movies in a Minute: "Karate Kid: Legends"
Movies in a Minute: "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning "
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Movies in a Minute: "Thunderbolts*"
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Movies in a Minute: "Sinners"
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Movies in a Minute: "Captain America Brave New World"
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Movies in a Minute: This Oscar season, musicals are "pop u lar!"
Movies in a Minute: "Wolf Man"
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Movies in a Minute: "We Live in Time"
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Movies in a Minute: "Saturday Night"
Movies in a Minute: "Joker: Folie `a Deux"
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Movies in a Minute: "Transformers One"
Movies in a Minute: "Speak No Evil"
Movies in a Minute: "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice"
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Movies in a Minute: "It Ends With Us"
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Movies in a Minute: "Deadpool & Wolverine"
Movies in a Minute: "Twisters"
Movies in a Minute "Maxxxine"
Movies in a Minute "Despicable Me 4"
Movies in a Minute "A Quiet Place: Day One"
Movies in a Minute: "Thelma"
Movies in a Minute: "Inside Out 2"
Movies in a Minute "Bad Boys: Ride or Die"
Movies in a Minute: "Summer Camp"
Movies in a Minute: "The Blue Angels"
Movies in a Minute: "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes"
Movies in a Minute: "The Fall Guy"
Movies in a Minute: "Abigail"
Movies in a Minute: "Civil War"
Movies in a Minute: "Monkey Man"
Movies in a Minute: "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire"
Movies in a Minute: "Late Night With the Devil"
Movies in a Minute: "Snack Shack"
Movies in a Minute: "The Color Purple"
Movies in a Minute: "The Iron Claw"
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Movies in a Minute: "The Marvels"
Movies in a Minute: "Five Nights at Freddy's"
Movies in a Minute: “Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny”
Movies in a Minute: “80 for Brady”
Bruce Miller is editor of the Sioux City Journal.
