«Great but not the greatest»
Some people talk about the dip in quality of Frasier in some of the latter seasons, and while it's true that some of the episodes were a little less fresh in season 9, it's hard to complain about a show that overall is so great. Some of the episodes in this season seemed a little clunky or forced like the one where Frasier is haunted by his ex-wives' memories or the one where he attends a retirement party for Cliff of Cheers. However, there are some really good episodes too. I think part of the issue the show faced in seasons 8 and 9 was the partial resolution of the Daphne-Niles relationship and how that affected the story lines. However, the final scene of the final episode is a highly emotional and effective hook based on these two characters that makes you want to rush out and buy season 10. All in all, if you are a fan of Frasier, you will enjoy watching this season.
[Saturday, August 21, 2010]
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«all over the place!!!!»
Since season eight there has been a different direction to the series that steers away from its initial formula; it keeps digging deeper into psychiatry, the personal psychology and relationships of the characters. Season nine literally starts off where season eight left off with a two-part episode where he battles with his affections for Claire and his lust for Lana. And in a following episode, all his ex-wives, fiancés and his Mother come to nest in his confused mind and try to answer the old-age Frasier question; why can't he hold a relationship with a woman? When Frasier tries to escape the self- inflicted analysis which he has manifested; he opens a door to escape and all the women from his past are waiting for him on the other side...yikes!!!
In this classic season Roz finally starts dating the real thing after meeting Roger played by the charming and talented Tony Goldwyn whom Frasier describes as `a combination of gentility and brute strength'. In this relationship Roz learns to deal with her prejudices; you see Roger works for the city collecting garbage and that stinks according to her.
Lana's son Kirby is still part of the scene and appears in a few episodes; watch Kirby organize Niles' library with cheese puffs on one hand and a soft drink on the other. Meanwhile Martin and Frasier are dealing with old demons as opposed to Daphne and Roz who are dealing with new demons as well as old ones; Daphne becomes jealous of a female patient being treated by Niles when she accidentally reads a confidential file and makes things worse when she spies on the woman; you've never seen Niles this upset with Daphne and you've never seen Daphne more disoriented than during her Mother and brother's visit; her Mother's comment to her brother `it's you who'll have your leg over any filth that moves' with his response `I don't care if they're moving'; is comedy heaven and her Mother's constant insults when she decides to roost in Seattle followed by Daphne giving her a piece of her mind is inspired while Simon's crude behaviour upset the Crane household in `Mother Load', topped off with Frasier throwing Simon out on the street with luggage intact!
The icing on the cake is `The Proposal' which digs into the Crane's dirty laundry while Niles is preparing an engagement party for his proposal to Daphne; the scene where the three Cranes help Niles buy the ring ends up with Frasier on his knees, Niles wearing the ring and Martin shaking his head as he shuffles out of the jewellers. That scene is soon followed by a narrow emergency escape of musicians, chefs, waiters and angels from Niles home when the party has to be cancelled; which puts a new spin on TV comedy!
The character is one of the most original on television and that's why it's been a successful series; watching this tormented man who needs to control everything, fall to pieces `like scrambled eggs, all over the place' in every episode has been a fun albeit frustrating ride; gee it almost resembles parts of my life...been there, done that!
Bibi shows up for a short stint and only one scene with a new and very handsome client, Doctor Zach played by Chris Berg; who is becoming fierce competition for Frasier's radio show. Frasier gets all hot and bothered but not as hot and bothered when an insistent and persistent agent corners him and Kenny in the locker room of his club, with fire in her eyes and a few squats to convince him that she can take his career to the next level. Frasier inherits a new fiery agent and Doctor Zach loses his pants; literally!
Bulldog only shows up later in the season for standard fare and a short scene. The supporting cast are generally absent; even Eddie, Martin's dog has fewer scenes except in the episode `Juvenilia' where he gets to shine in an inspired scene with Niles!
A few highlights are; `Frasier Has Spokane' where Frasier tries to host in a hostile city and Daphne becomes a carpenter for a day while Niles tries to be her submissive aid and Martin takes a back seat to her skills, `The Guilt Trippers' where Frasier sleeps with Roz, flies to Wisconsin and entertains Roz's family also `Moons Over Seattle' where Niles having flown to Britain puts up being manhandled so he can convince Daphne's father played by Brian Cox to join him for a family reunion which ends up with a dog jumping Niles leg, a fire in the middle of St. Henri, Frasier getting ousted out of his favourite restaurant and Daphne's touching declaration of love! This season also boasts the return of most of the Cheers cast in `Cheerful Goodbyes' it is painful for me to watch my favourite characters age; I always loved their energy and comic timing.
In the final analysis this season is one for the archives; one of the best in the series!
[Monday, August 09, 2010]
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«Great DVD - Wonderful Buy!»
This was a great purchase! The DVD was shipped promptly without damage. I would recommend this to anyone. All episodes in the season were included. There were no bonus features, however.
[Saturday, July 24, 2010]
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