I’ve screened the first five episodes of Season 2 of the “Frasier” revival, which kicks-off with a two-episode premiere on Thursday September 19th. That also happens to be the 17th anniversary of the premiere of “Back To You”, which I still consider the greatest single-season sitcom of all-time.
That 2007-2008 FOX show was Kelsey Grammer’s first comedy series after the first run of “Frasier” ended in 2004. And it was Patricia Heaton’s follow-up to “Everybody Loves Raymond”. “BTY” fans like me loved Grammer and Heaton’s brief reunion on “Carol’s Second Act” in 2020, and now they’re together again on Episode 2 of this new batch of “Frasier” episodes. It’s definitely one of the highlights, as Dr. Frasier Crane meets bartender Holly (Heaton) while acting as Cyrano with two star-crossed lovers on a Valentine’s Day date.
Frasier and Holly will spend more time together later on this season. Also something to look forward to: Frasier’s return to Seattle radio station KACL, with Roz (Peri Gilpin) back in the booth and Gil and Bulldog there for some laughs as well. That’s currently scheduled to be the 8th episode, set for a Halloween day debut.
As for the first five, I have mostly positive praise, though Episode 1 “Ham” doesn’t get things off to a spectacular start. It’s not a terrible episode — it’s just not as sharp as it could be. “Ham” also serves as a carryover of many of the emotions and themes of Season 1. It almost begs the question: Was this a Season 1 script that got pushed into Season 2?
Ep. 2 advances things a little bit and is more entertaining. Gilpin joins-in on a girls’ night and more in Ep. 3 “All About Eve”, which also highlights another classic movie, “Three Men and a Baby”. Amy Sedaris guest stars as Freddy and the firefighters’ bubbly therapist in Ep. 4. A classic situation that plays-out is very reminiscent of some of the schemes / shenanigans Frasier & Co. took part in in the old show. And Ep. 5 is full of surprises, from special guests to interesting character references (No Spoilers). A little long… overstays its welcome a bit.
So far, “Frasier” Season 2 is definitely fun, and hopefully the second half is even better.