Sy Dukane Movies
Although it was common knowledge in the industry that the eleventh season of Frasier would be its last, NBC did not make a formal declaration of the series' cancellation until late December of 2003. The decision had largely been made by star Kelsey Grammer, who had been playing the role of psychiatrist Frasier Crane for nearly 20 years (counting the character's previous tenure on Cheers) and felt it was time to move on. Truth to tell, the series had been declining in viewereship and quality over the past few seasons, but season eleven made up for its recent shortcomings with some of the best Frasier episodes ever.
The first installment picked up where season 12 left off, with Frasier's former producer Roz (Peri Gilpin) returning to radio station KACL, ostensibly because she didn't like her new job but actually because she hoped that Frasier would dump his latest amour, the beautiful but tactless Julia Wilcox (Felicity Huffman). This he did, only to enter into another bumpy relationship with Charlotte (Laura Linney), the owner of a failing matchmaking service. Whether Frasier and Charlotte would remain together or whether she would cut things off and return to Chicago was a major source of comic suspense throughout the season. Elsewhere on the romantic front Frasier's recently married brother, Niles (David Hyde Pierce), was anxious to start a family with his cheerful cockney bride Daphne (Jane Leeves), who was still employed as part-time caregiver for Frasier and Niles' ex-policeman dad, Martin (John Mahoney). Inevitably Daphne became pregnant, a plot development cooked up to accommodate the real-life pregnancy of actress Jane Leeves. This being a sitcom, the nine-month gestation was fraught with anxiety, not least of which involved Niles' former wife Maris, who though still an unseen presence managed to raise a ruckus by killing her hot-blooded lover Esteban. In fact, ex-wives dictated several Frasier scenarios during Season Eleven, with Frasier having memorable confrontations with both his first wife, children's entertainer Nanny G (here played by Laurie Metcalf), and his second spouse, domineering psychiatrist Lilith Sternin (who else but Bebe Neuwirth?). Also appearing was the issue of the Frasier- Lilith marriage, their son Frederick, played this time around by Trevor Einhorn. The most surprising amorous development during this season, sixtysomething Martin Crane fell in love with sexy lounge singer Ronee Lawrence (Wendie Malick), who as a teenager had been Frasier and Niles' babysitter! Ultimately, Martin proposed to the much-younger Ronee, setting a wedding date for July -- which thanks to a last-minute snafu had to be bumped up to May, coincidentally just in time for the birth of Daphne's baby. Frasier's final episode, the 60-minute "Goodnight, Seattle," may well enter the annals of TV history as the series finale to end all series finales. It took some doing, but this episode managed to incorporate virtually every "Last Show" cliché known to man, setting each one of them on its ear with a clever and unexpected twist: The chaotic wedding where everything that could go wrong does go wrong, the heroine going into labor at the wrong time in the wrong place, the leading man facing a profound change of job and location, and a "will they or won't they?" romantic entanglement -- all wrapped into a neat and hilarious package and topped off with a surprise ending. Just as in its glory days, Frasier bade farewell to its fans by garnering a whole new crop of Emmy awards, including honors for series regulars Kelsey Grammer and David Hyde Pierce and guest star Laura Linney, as well as statuettes for Outstanding Art Direction for a Multi-Camera Series, Outstanding Multi-Camera Picture Editing, and Outstanding Multi-Camera Sound Mixing. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The first installment picked up where season 12 left off, with Frasier's former producer Roz (Peri Gilpin) returning to radio station KACL, ostensibly because she didn't like her new job but actually because she hoped that Frasier would dump his latest amour, the beautiful but tactless Julia Wilcox (Felicity Huffman). This he did, only to enter into another bumpy relationship with Charlotte (Laura Linney), the owner of a failing matchmaking service. Whether Frasier and Charlotte would remain together or whether she would cut things off and return to Chicago was a major source of comic suspense throughout the season. Elsewhere on the romantic front Frasier's recently married brother, Niles (David Hyde Pierce), was anxious to start a family with his cheerful cockney bride Daphne (Jane Leeves), who was still employed as part-time caregiver for Frasier and Niles' ex-policeman dad, Martin (John Mahoney). Inevitably Daphne became pregnant, a plot development cooked up to accommodate the real-life pregnancy of actress Jane Leeves. This being a sitcom, the nine-month gestation was fraught with anxiety, not least of which involved Niles' former wife Maris, who though still an unseen presence managed to raise a ruckus by killing her hot-blooded lover Esteban. In fact, ex-wives dictated several Frasier scenarios during Season Eleven, with Frasier having memorable confrontations with both his first wife, children's entertainer Nanny G (here played by Laurie Metcalf), and his second spouse, domineering psychiatrist Lilith Sternin (who else but Bebe Neuwirth?). Also appearing was the issue of the Frasier- Lilith marriage, their son Frederick, played this time around by Trevor Einhorn. The most surprising amorous development during this season, sixtysomething Martin Crane fell in love with sexy lounge singer Ronee Lawrence (Wendie Malick), who as a teenager had been Frasier and Niles' babysitter! Ultimately, Martin proposed to the much-younger Ronee, setting a wedding date for July -- which thanks to a last-minute snafu had to be bumped up to May, coincidentally just in time for the birth of Daphne's baby. Frasier's final episode, the 60-minute "Goodnight, Seattle," may well enter the annals of TV history as the series finale to end all series finales. It took some doing, but this episode managed to incorporate virtually every "Last Show" cliché known to man, setting each one of them on its ear with a clever and unexpected twist: The chaotic wedding where everything that could go wrong does go wrong, the heroine going into labor at the wrong time in the wrong place, the leading man facing a profound change of job and location, and a "will they or won't they?" romantic entanglement -- all wrapped into a neat and hilarious package and topped off with a surprise ending. Just as in its glory days, Frasier bade farewell to its fans by garnering a whole new crop of Emmy awards, including honors for series regulars Kelsey Grammer and David Hyde Pierce and guest star Laura Linney, as well as statuettes for Outstanding Art Direction for a Multi-Camera Series, Outstanding Multi-Camera Picture Editing, and Outstanding Multi-Camera Sound Mixing. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1994
While shopping at his favorite clothing store, Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) finds himself flirting with an attractive clerk named Carrie (Sara Melson). Energized by the experience, Frasier considers entering into a relationship with the girl, who certainly seems willing. But there's one little problem: Carrie is all of 22 years old, and Frasier is...well, let's just say that he's been a bit more forgetful and backward-looking than usual in the past few days. And yes, that "guest voice" during Frasier's call-in radio show is exactly whom she sounds like. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) would like to buy a new chair for his father, Martin (John Mahoney), but the old man is sentimentally attached to his faithful old recliner. Casting caution to the winds, Frasier decides that the best way to convince Martin that he really needs a new chair is to throw the old one away. Instead, a desperate Martin scours Seattle in search of his beloved recliner -- and stumbles right into a "murder mystery," high-school style. Watch for a very young Brittany Murphy in a supporting role. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Both Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) and Roz (Peri Gilpin) are nominated for the "SeaBea," Seattle's most coveted broadcasting award. At the urging of his mercenary agent, Bebe (Harriet Sansom Harris), Frasier mounts a shameless campaign to win the award, culminating in the promise of expensive gifts for the voters. But our hero's euphoria turns to abject shame when he realizes that neither he nor Roz are the most deserving contestants. This episode marks the first time that canine thespian Moose receives on-screen credit as Eddie the dog. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) hasn't had a moment's peace or solitude since his father Martin (John Mahoney) and Martin's brash physical therapist, Daphne (Jane Leeves), moved into his apartment. Making matters worse, everyone from fellow KACL radio personality Bulldog (Dan Butler, in his first Frasier appearance) to Martin's dog, Eddie, has been making demands on Frasier's time. The limit comes when Frasier's space is invaded by a waiter (Dean Erickson) who dreams of being a rock musician. Listen for the voice of "Superman" (or at least one of the movie Supermans) during Frasier's call-in radio show. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The first of Frasier's eleven seasons began just where the series' predecessor, Cheers, left off -- with psychiatrist Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) bidding farewell to Boston and heading to his new home in Seattle, WA, where he has accepted a job as host of a radio advice show on station KACL. Though it was clear that there would be no love lost between Frasier and his producer and call-screener, the abrasive Roz Doyle (Peri Gilpin), our stylishly neurotic hero could take heart in the fact that he now lived in one of the fanciest apartments in all Seattle. But he didn't live there alone: At the behest of his married brother and fellow psychiatrist Niles Crane (David Hyde Pierce), Frasier reluctantly invites his father, retired policeman Martin Crane (John Mahoney), to move in with him. Semi-invalided since sustaining a gun wound, Martin relies upon the round-the-clock ministrations of his attractive, outspoken, and seemingly psychic cockney caregiver, Daphne Moon (Jane Leeves), who likewise moves into Frasier's apartment -- along with Martin's tiny, phlegmatic dog, Eddie (played by Moose the dog), who seems contemptuous of Frasier's very existence.
Although the relationship between Daphne and her two male "roommates" is strictly platonic, she becomes the object of obsessive adoration on the part of Niles -- who, of course, would never, ever admit to yearning for Daphne (who seemed oblivious to his ardor), lest he damage his already fragile relationship with his fabulously wealthy -- and never seen -- wife, Maris. Season one of Frasier introduced one supporting character who would soon become a series regular: The insufferably macho Bob "Bulldog" Briscoe (Dan Butler), KACL's resident sports-show host. Others making their first appearances were such recurring characters as Frasier's carnivorous agent Bebe Glazer (Harriet Sansom Harris), Roz's moony eyed admirer and full-time Star Trek freak Noel Shempsky (Patrick Kerr), and KACL's snobbish restaurant critic Gil Chesterton (Edward Hibbert). Also established during this inaugural season was the series' habit of using celebrities to provide the voices of Frasier's mixed-up listeners: Among those heard in the first 24 episodes were Mel Brooks, Christopher Reeve, Joe Mantegna, Eddie Van Halen, Mary Tyler Moore, and even LSD guru Timothy Leary. Arguably the most memorable of the first-season episodes was the self-explanatory "The Show Where Lilith Comes Back," in which Kelsey Grammer's former Cheers co-star Bebe Neuwirth made a memorable return appearance as Frasier's insufferable ex-wife Lilith. Conspicuous by his absence was Frasier and Lilith's son, Frederick, though his existence was alluded to from time to time. Frasier wound up its maiden season with four Emmy awards including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (Kelsey Grammer), Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series (single episode) (James Burrows), and Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series (single episode) (David Angell, Peter Casey, David Lee). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Although the relationship between Daphne and her two male "roommates" is strictly platonic, she becomes the object of obsessive adoration on the part of Niles -- who, of course, would never, ever admit to yearning for Daphne (who seemed oblivious to his ardor), lest he damage his already fragile relationship with his fabulously wealthy -- and never seen -- wife, Maris. Season one of Frasier introduced one supporting character who would soon become a series regular: The insufferably macho Bob "Bulldog" Briscoe (Dan Butler), KACL's resident sports-show host. Others making their first appearances were such recurring characters as Frasier's carnivorous agent Bebe Glazer (Harriet Sansom Harris), Roz's moony eyed admirer and full-time Star Trek freak Noel Shempsky (Patrick Kerr), and KACL's snobbish restaurant critic Gil Chesterton (Edward Hibbert). Also established during this inaugural season was the series' habit of using celebrities to provide the voices of Frasier's mixed-up listeners: Among those heard in the first 24 episodes were Mel Brooks, Christopher Reeve, Joe Mantegna, Eddie Van Halen, Mary Tyler Moore, and even LSD guru Timothy Leary. Arguably the most memorable of the first-season episodes was the self-explanatory "The Show Where Lilith Comes Back," in which Kelsey Grammer's former Cheers co-star Bebe Neuwirth made a memorable return appearance as Frasier's insufferable ex-wife Lilith. Conspicuous by his absence was Frasier and Lilith's son, Frederick, though his existence was alluded to from time to time. Frasier wound up its maiden season with four Emmy awards including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (Kelsey Grammer), Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series (single episode) (James Burrows), and Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series (single episode) (David Angell, Peter Casey, David Lee). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kelsey Grammer, David Hyde Pierce, (more)
- 1993
Roseanne and Dan get stuck in another financial mess when their business partner Roger (Tim Curry) takes off and they are left with a fixed-up house that they can't sell. Fortunately, Jackie steps up to buy the house. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Ever yearning to expand his cultural vistas, Frasier purchases a beautiful -- and very expensive -- painting from famed Seattle artist Martha Paxton (Rachel Rosenthal). To celebrate his acquisition he throws a lavish dinner party at his apartment and invites the artist to show up as the guest of honor. Alas, Martha Paxton is harboring a terrible secret concerning her "masterpiece" -- so secret that she has manages to suppress it in her own subconscious until the worst possible moment. This episode first aired on October 21, 1993, as a last-minute replacement for the originally scheduled Frasier installment, "Call Me Irresponsible." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Rumors are flying that the executives at radio station KACL are planning to fire one of the on-the-air personalities. With no facts to back him up, Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) speculates that the unlucky employee will be his nemesis, macho sports-show host Bulldog (Dan Butler). Overhearing this bit of gossip, Frasier goes ballistic and quits his job, unaware that the rumor was never true in the first place. Now it is up to loose-lipped Frasier to persuade Bulldog to come back -- and to persuade management to take him back. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
In the first episode of season five, Dan tries to make it through the going-out-of-business sale on the last day of Lanford Custom Cycle, while Roseanne goes to a job interview. This leaves Mark (Glenn Quinn) without a job, so he considers going to work in Minneapolis, but Becky wants him to stay in Lanford with her. Eventually, she calls home to reveal that she and Mark have gotten married. Part one of a two-part episode. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- 1992
Roseanne finally opens her restaurant, the Lanford Lunch Box. After getting threatened by one of her first customers, Roseanne is prompted to take a self defense class with Jackie and Nancy (Sandra Bernhard). Meanwhile, Arnie (Tom Arnold) returns to Lanford to try and get back together with Nancy. Its up to Roseanne to tell him that Nancy is gay. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- 1991
In an episode blatantly inspired by current events (those of early 1991, that is), the network carrying "FYI" is taken over by a huge corporation called American Industrial Enterprises. Almost immediately, the company's barracudalike VP Barbara Boyle (Nancy Youngblut) begins imposing Draconian budget limitations on the "FYI" staffers; at one point, investigative reporter Frank [Joe Regalbuto] is forced to go undercover wearing only a ludicrous pair of "Groucho glasses" as a disguise. Finally, Murphy (Candice Bergen) decides to stage a revolt--with astonishing results. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1991
When Murphy (Candice Bergen) makes a flippant on-air comment about short men, she incurs the wrath of the "66 Club", comprised entirely a small-statured males. One of the club members demands that Murphy make a personal apology to himself and his brethren. But upon meeting the "66 Club", Murphy realizes that they are just as prejudiced against those who are unlike themselves as she appears to be. Paula Zahn and Mark McEwen, then the cohosts of CBS This Morning, appear as themselves in this, the first Murphy Brown episode NOT directed by Barnet Kellman. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
The marriage between Corky (Faith Ford) and Will (Scott Bryce), which had brought Season Two of Murphy Brown to a joyous conclusion, is already showing signs of strain. Murphy (Candice Bergen) suggests that the best way for Corky to win back Will's wavering affections is to throw a fancy dinner party. Alas, as usual, Murphy's advice does nothing to help the situation--and in fact may have done it even more harm! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Murphy (Candice Bergen) has of late pulled so many practical jokes on her coworkers that she has completely lost whatever newsroom credibility she ever had. The "fun" backfires on our heroine when she is kidnapped by a doltish band of eco-terrorists (including Curtis Armstrong of Moonlighting) fame)--and no one takes her plight seriously! Larry King appears as himself in this episode, which ends on a comically poignant note. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Long before The Commish and The Shield, Michael Chiklis guest-starred on this Murphy Brown episode as a foul-mouthed, misogynistic standup comedian named Andrew Dice...er, named Tony Rocket. Not wishing to put up with Rocket's patented anti-feminist slurs, Murphy refuses the opportunity of interviewing the man (sort of like what's-her-name on Saturday Night Live, remember?) But Miles (Grant Shaud) forces Murphy to proceed with the interview, struggling to keep her cool in what the CBS publicity folks described as "Rocket's Red Glare"! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
While touring together on a publicity junket, Murphy (Candice Bergen) and Jim (Charles Kimbrough) end up snowbound somewhere in the middle of Kansas. Stuck in their hotel, the two journalists begin playing games with each other's minds--especially Murphy, who challenges her uptight companion to show off his flirtation skills at the hotel bar. Amazingly, Jim's line of patter wins over an attractive woman named Nancy (Jennifer Bassey)...but the long-range consequences of this dalliance may prove disastrous. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Hauled before a federal grand jury, Murphy (Candice Bergen) gallantly accepts a jail for refusing to reveal a source. After preparing to go into full martyr mode while serving her time, Murphy is a bit disappointed when she is sentenced to a luxurious "Club Fed" minimum-security facility. Her cushy incarceration quickly turns out to be too much of a good thing--and it looks like it will be a long, long time before her appeal comes through. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
For several years, Murphy (Candice Bergen) has been engaged in a nasty war of practical jokery against her most hated rival in the Washington media. So imagine her surprise when, after her rival's death, Murphy not only finds that the man spoke glowingly of her in his will, but he also requested that she deliver his funeral eulogy. At first intending to use the occasion to get the last laugh on her nemesis, Murphy changes her mind when she comes across some surprising background information on the man--and that's not all she digs up! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
Murphy's tough and relentless interview technique has a somewhat negative effect on a corrupt judge (John Capodice), who drops dead right in mid-telecast. Traumatized by this tragedy, Murphy is terrified to conduct any more interviews, meaning that her usefulness to "FYI" may be at an end. To overcome her fear, she begins attending a group therapy session conducted by Dr. Paula Hayes (Janet MacLachlan)--a tough cookie in her own right. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
Murphy (Candice Bergen meets her match--literally--when "FYI" agrees to a joint telecast with its counterpart on Russian television. Almost immediately, Murphy clashes with Soviet investigative reporter Vladia (Robin Strasser), who turns out to be Murphy's equal in every way...right down to the oversized ego and mercurial temperament. As air time for the international telecast approaches, it looks as though the Cold War is going to start heating up all over again! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
Jay Thomas makes his first series appearance as potty-mouthed tabloid journalist Jerry Gold, arch rival of the "FYI" team. Bringing the antagonists together (in a manner of speaking) is a challenge made by Jerry to Murphy (Candice Bergen) that her team can't stick to their new, eco-friendly garbage recycling program for a whole two weeks. Murphy accepts the challenge, even though she will be forced to appear on Jerry's show as a guest (or victim!) if she loses. (As noted by several Murphy Brown aficionados, this episode marks the introduction of those colorful "FYI" recycling bins that will remain a studio fixture for the entire run of the series). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
The real-life controversy surrounding a "private" memo issued by a certain Today Show anchorman which dissed a certain Today Show weatherman is the obvious inspiration for this episode. To get a few gripes off her chest, Murphy (Candice Bergen) pens a personal memo on her computer in which she harshly criticizes her coworkers at "FYI." Unfortunately, the memo falls into the hands of Lewis Kletter (Judd Trichter), a student at Walt Whitman Junior High--and an accomplished computer hacker. Now Murphy must act quickly to prevent aspiring journalist Lewis from printing the memo in his school paper! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
