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While it may be premature to declare the “Frasier” revival a success, the return of a beloved character in season 2, episode 5, coupled with the confirmation of Peri Gilpin’s Roz Doyle as a recurring guest this season, are promising signs.
Despite the best efforts of lead actor Kelsey Grammer, the modern version of “Frasier” has struggled due to a supporting cast that has not lived up to the high standards set by the original series. However, as more characters from the iconic ’90s sitcom make their comeback, the revival is starting to feel more familiar to fans. While it’s clear that the 2024 “Frasier” leans heavily on nostalgia, it’s a strategy that seems to be working, much to the delight of the original series’ fans. With Frasier set to return to Seattle later in the season, the new episodes are expected to be warmly received by viewers.
Meanwhile, the sixth episode of the series continues season 2’s trend of incorporating elements from the classic “Frasier.” Not only does Gilpin return to boost the series, but the episode titled “Cape Cod” also features a trip by Frasier, his son Freddy (Jack Cutmore-Scott), Eve (Jess Salgueiro), David (Anders Keith), and Roz to the eponymous region, resulting in a classic “Frasier” farce. Moreover, a new “Frasier” guest star is introduced, who not only reprised a role from the original series but also has a personal connection to Grammer.
Who’s the Frasier revival guest star related to Kelsey Grammer?
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In the episode “Cape Cod,” upon arrival at their beach house, Roz’s daughter Alice joins the party. This marks Alice’s first appearance since the 2004 episode “Goodnight, Seattle: Part 1.” Alice, who was born at the end of the season 5 episode “The Life Of The Party,” became a recurring character in the original series. She was mostly portrayed by Ashley Thomas in the original series. However, in the revival, Alice is portrayed by a new actor in “Cape Cod,” who happens to be Kelsey Grammer’s second daughter, Greer Grammer.
This isn’t Greer’s first on-screen role. The 32-year-old actor, who is the daughter of Grammer and make-up artist Barrie Buckner, has been acting since her 2010 appearance in an episode of Nickelodeon’s “iCarly.” She also played Lissa Miller in MTV’s “Awkward” and recently appeared in the 2021 Netflix film “Deadly Illusions.” Now, she’s acting alongside her father in “Frasier,” portraying an older version of Alice who arrives at the beach house and immediately develops feelings for Freddy, demonstrating some of her mother’s influence.
In the “Frasier” revival, Alice has moved to Providence to study architecture, providing a convenient reason for the return of Roz as a recurring character. This also allows viewers to see another character from the classic “Frasier” series all grown up and reimagined for the new series. The writers have handled Alice’s return well, and her presence helps to gradually improve the show as it connects more closely with its predecessor.
Why Greer Grammer could be a valuable addition to Frasier
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While Greer Grammer’s screen time as Alice in “Cape Cod” is limited, she fits well with the rest of the cast. This may be due in part to her familiarity with the show. Greer told Nylon in an interview, “I remember going to tapings of ‘Frasier’ when I was around four. I knew I was at my dad’s work, but I didn’t get that he was acting for TV. It wasn’t until the second grade that it really hit me.” This experience allowed her to see first-hand how her father and the original “Frasier” cast put together an episode, arguably preparing her more than anyone else to join the revival and contribute to the episode.
With Roz now a recurring character on the revival, it’s likely we’ll be seeing more of Alice in future episodes, which is a positive development. In “Cape Cod,” Alice’s arrival complicates the potential romance between Freddy and Eve, adding an element of intrigue to the revival. The more the series focuses on the dynamic between Freddy and Eve and less on the awkward relationship between Toks Olagundoye’s Olivia and Jimmy Dunn’s Moose, the better. If Alice can help drive this storyline, the show should utilize her character as much as possible.
Meanwhile, fans are eagerly awaiting the return of David Hyde Pierce as Niles to restore “Frasier” to its former glory. While nothing has been confirmed yet, the actor has seemed more open to the idea in recent months. For now, viewers can look forward to more scenes between Grammer and his daughter.
New episodes of “Frasier” premiere every Thursday on Paramount+.
FAQs:
Q: When do new episodes of “Frasier” premiere?
A: New episodes of “Frasier” premiere every Thursday on Paramount+.
Q: Who is the new actor playing Alice in the “Frasier” revival?
A: In the “Frasier” revival, Alice is portrayed by Greer Grammer, Kelsey Grammer’s second daughter.
Q: Will David Hyde Pierce return as Niles in the “Frasier” revival?
A: While nothing has been confirmed yet, David Hyde Pierce has seemed more open to the idea of returning as Niles in recent months.
Q: What is the role of Greer Grammer in the “Frasier” revival?
A: Greer Grammer plays an older version of Alice, Roz’s daughter, in the “Frasier” revival.
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