I haven’t watched Frasier regularly for years, but I always considered it one of the best shows to be on TV. They assembled a great cast of characters, and managed to combine elements of slapstick, witty banter, and even some drama. Their comedy reminded me of a modern day Marx Brothers troupe. I’ll never forget episodes with such setups as Frasier not knowing if he’s on a date or business dinner, Niles dressing up like Jesus, or nobody believing Frasier was seeing a model. The writers and actors had a fantastic sense of chemistry and timing, and it’s a shame to see a show like that leave us.
Lisa and I watched the final episode, and it’s safe to say that it kicked the final episode of Friends‘ ass. Seriously, it was one of the best finales ever. While both shows did wonderful jobs with the clips (they reminded me how long I had watched Frasier as well as how many good seasons Friends actually had). But the Friends episode seemed cold and calculated, as they tried to tie up loose ends that had been left loose way too long. I laughed a little bit, but for the most part it was like “Come one, get over yourselves and just move on!” Frasier instead focused on the unknown future that was coming for these characters. They managed to pull off another funny yet touching show in the tradition they had created.
I find it odd that I am writing this because, as I said, I haven’t really followed the show for years. It just goes to show how well done the finale was. It actually reminds me of, now don’t laugh, the finale for Deep Space Nine. I was impressed on that show that they managed to give endings for every character in a way that left their future wide open. It was an appropriate way to say “Even though we won’t get to see it, there is still more to come for these characters.” I doubt anything for years will come close to the perfectly setup closing for Frasier as he embarks on a new adventure, much like the rest of his companions. Afterall, a show like that is all about the possibilities, so it is apt that we know where he is headed but left to our imaginations as to the results when he arrives.