Customer Reviews

Frasier: The Complete Eighth Season

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4 star:		(9)
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2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Season 8 marked a pivotal moment in the history of TV's most acclaimed sitcom. Following the sensational ratings glory of season 7 finale `Something Borrowed, Someone Blue (when Niles and Daphne finally got together) expectations were understandably high. There was unprecedented anticipation for this season, but that soon became an albatross weighing around the neck of season 8. The departure of two of the series' longest serving and most influential writers (showrunners Joe Keenan and Christopher Lloyd) added to the considerable pressure the production team faced this year. Jane Leeves (Daphne) also dropped a bombshell pre-production by announcing her pregnancy which forced some hasty re-writing. Many considered Daphne's weight gain storyline in poor taste but it's difficult to imagine how else the writers could have dealt with this without introducing a baby into Niles and Daphne's fledgling relationship. New showrunners Mark Reisman and Dan O'Shannon (whose previous work included `Cheers') certainly had their work cut out. On top of that the show's star Kelsey Grammer also requested that the show become more `Frasier' centred, the previous season having focused mainly on Niles and Daphne's characters. It was a reasonable request, but sadly it led to some extremely dull character-based episodes like `Frasier's Edge', which had one wondering if this was the same show responsible for the fast-paced high quality episodes of yore.

It's not all bad news. There are some genuinely entertaining episodes this year, including the hugely anticipated season opener `And The Dish Ran Away With The Spoon'. `Taking Liberties' saw the introduction of a butler to Frasier's apartment, `Cranes Unplugged' has some nice father and son moments for Frasier with both his father Martin and his son Frederick, and `The Show Must Go Off' sees a welcome return to the Frasier/Niles centred farces in which they try and stop an aging Shakespearean actor from making an ill-advised return to stage (guest starring an Emmy award winning Derek Jacobi).

Die hard fans will not want to be without this important and pivotal season, and there's plenty to keep the casual fan entertained too. For newcomers though, I wouldn't recommend this as an introduction to Frasier. Season 1 is the best place to start for any newcomer as unlike many comedies this show really hit the ground running. Season 4 would also offer a good starting point as it's crammed full of so many classic episodes it's almost a `best of' compilation in itself.

After ending season seven with a fan-pleasing twist, Frasier returned in its eighth iteration to fulfill it. This is the season that Niles and Daphne begin to date, and even though this development did take a lot of tension out of the series, it is possible that the writers felt they had nowhere else to go. Frasier proved an oddity while on the air: most sitcoms peak in their first two seasons and go steadily downhill after that, but while Frasier certainly had a strong opening, it had several renaissances during its run. This season was one of them, as it brought several surprises: Frasier having an existential crisis, Niles becoming a sports celebrity, as well as some others. In short, this was hardly a weak season and has more than its share of laughs.

Frasier's crisis manifests itself in "Frasier's Edge", which has Frasier reuniting with his old mentor (Rene Auberjonois of Boston Legal and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) and coming to grips with a feeling of emptiness. Funnier still is the subplot in which food critic Gil is primarily happy about being nominated for an award so as to avoid going to the annual awards show his wife throws when he's not nominated. The episode also starts off the joke about Daphne growing fatter in order to disguise Jane Leeves' real-life pregnancy. In "Hooping Cranes", Niles (almost magically) sinks a half-court charity shot at a basketball game and becomes a local hero, which, of course, causes Frasier to become jealous. The final showdown takes place over an arcade-style basketball machine and unfolds much as would be expected. Perhaps the best episode of the season is "The Show Must Go Off", in which Niles and Frasier are reacquainted with an aging Shakespearean actor (Derek Jacobi) who inspired them in their childhoods to delve into the Bard. In hopes of allowing their childhood idol to get over the heavy typecasting that came with being on a successful science-fiction show and get meatier parts, the two decide to put on a play and have him star in it. It doesn't take long to discover that the actor is horribly untalented, and then Niles and Frasier have to do everything in their power to sabotage their own production.

These are only a few of the highlights, but if you've enjoyed the show so far, chances are you'll like this. Enjoy.

Before you read this review, you must understand that there is NO greater fan of this sitcom than I. The whole show has always made me split my sides, and I love the show more than any other. Believe me, it is my favorite sitcom.

That was why Season Eight so seriously disappointed me. The magic was gone from the cast this season, and I think that the choices made by the writers and producers were huge mistakes. Frasier has a "mid-life crisis" during which he questions his career choice; every episode from then on shows a Frasier who is completely downtrodden and has no spark. One commonly-cited flaw about this season was how the writers chose to deal with Jane Leeves' real-life pregnancy: they had Daphne gaining incalculable weight, going off to "fat-camp," and then coming back only to blame the whole escapade on Niles' love for her. Needless to say, this put a damper on the comedic quality of all the Niles/Daphne humor. 'Bulldog' Briscoe was wholly absent from this season, as was Frasier's producer Bebe Glazer - and the void was glaring. Martin and Roz were almost non-entities, blending into the background and not really bolstering the floundering humor.

The reason I am still able to love the show, despite this uncharacteristically poor season, is because I have seen what followed Season Eight. The Final Season (11) is wonderful again, so I know that the show turned around eventually. Hopefully Season Nine is again brilliant, and finds the characters having broken out of their individual funks. While the show Frasier is amazing, and my personal favorite, Season Eight was the most disappointing of all thus far. If you are a die-hard Frasier fan, you obviously need to own all the seasons, as I do. If, however, you just have an interest in seeing some funny Frasier episodes (but don't necessarily need to see them all), this is NOT the season for you.

Frasier is one of the all time great shows, however season 8 is not one of the better seasons of this eleven seasons series. But as per other reviewers opinions (and strongly supported by me), an average season of Frasier (a.k.a. season 8) is clearly better than just about any comedy show ever produced. A strongly recommended series and those of you not familiar with the characters, I have added a small summary of the main characters of the show.

Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer): The lead character. He holds degrees in psychology from Harvard University and lives in Seattle. His list of selective hobbies include playing the piano, attending the opera and expensive charity events, collecting expensive art and participating in wine tasting events. Of course his main past time is unsuccessfully trying to curb his competitive nature - especially when it comes to his brother Niles.

Niles Crane (David Hyde Pierce): The undoubted star of the show IMHO. Frasier's brother and practicing psychiatrist. Niles shares similar interests and educational background to Frasier (he was however educated at Yale University) and is probably even more finicky than his brother. Niles has an aversion to bugs and has several weird characteristics (extreme ethical standards, strong food allergies, dusting the chair before sitting and so on).

Martin Crane (John Mahoney): Frasier and Niles' father. He was in the police force for long until he was shot in the hip during an armed robbery. Martin moves in with Frasier (bringing his dog and a battered armchair into the life of Frasier and Daphne into the life of Niles). Martin's no-nonsense attitude and straightforward outlook on life often lead to confrontations with Frasier and Niles, who aspire to greater levels of sophistication.

Daphne Moon (Jane Leeves): An immigrant from Manchester, England. Daphne was hired by Frasier to be Martin's physiotherapist. Daphne often relates bizarre tales involving her family.

Roz Doyle (Peri Gilpin): Roz is the producer of Frasier's radio show. Roz is known for her relaxed attitude (especially when it comes to men) and quick-witted remarks, and enjoys deflating Frasier's ego - a favor often reciprocated by Frasier.

Any way the episodes for season 8 are:

1: And the Dish Ran Away with the Spoon: Part 1
2: And the Dish Ran Away with the Spoon: Part 2
3: The Bad Son
4: The Great Crane Robbery
5: Taking Liberties
6: Legal Tender Love and Care
7: The New Friend
8: Mary Christmas
9: Frasier's Edge
10: Cranes Unplugged
11: Motor Skills
12: The Show Must Go Off
13: Sliding Frasiers
14: Hungry Heart
15: Hooping Cranes
16: Docu.Drama
17: It Takes Two to Tangle
18: Forgotten But Not Gone
19: Daphne Returns
20: The Wizard and Roz
21: Semi-Decent Proposal
22: A Passing Fancy
23: A Day in May
24: Cranes Go Caribbean

Once again the entire series is strongly recommended and not only season 8.

The season starts off with a bang; betrayal, frustration, carefully timed divorce proceedings, a new, young, hip radio station owner who needs a mentor and a pompous ass who takes on a butler, while Mel finally gets her unplanned moment of being dumped by Niles during Frasier's snooty pre-opera party! The series gets a shake down and shapes up for more hilarity! The fun continues when Dr. Mary, the bubbly radio show host returns to KACL and joins Frasier for the Christmas parade banter, live on TV but the icing on the cake is Daphne getting ever so large while Niles nor she seem to notice, instead they both blame the dry cleaners for shrinking her clothes and in a moment of truth when Daphne trips no one Crane alone can lift her off the floor but three, not to mention spending Valentine's Day with Daphne and Niles smooching sauce off each other; very funny and charming. Other highlights include `Frasier's Edge', where Frasier's self-analysis tortures him and shakes him up....a lot; the only episode in Frasier history not to end on a high note but a sombre one, also `Cranes Unplugged' where frustrated Frasier tries to desperately bond with his teenage son and a very frustrated Roz tries to hitch a drop-dead gorgeous surgeon who has a voice like a Greek God! The `pieces de resistence' are when Frasier and Niles decide to coast through a mechanics course with hilarious results and when John Glenn joins the cast for space exploration and everyone goes overboard and the episode where Martin insists that Niles let Frasier back into the wine club; Martin's line `are you going to let your brother play?' repeated over and over till he gets results is comedy heaven! Also a very touching episode when Daphne returns from the fat farm. The season also hosts a well-written role for Jean Smart who returns in the role of Lana; in the vein of the season's tendency to develop characters we witness a very interesting relationship between her and Frasier as well as one of the most understated and creative episodes in the series' history is the touching `A Day in May', which beautifully tells the stories of three relationships; a sweet one, a challenging but charming one with a touch of realism and a sad and devastating one.

Meanwhile Bulldog and the rest of the supporting cast are unplugged for most of the season, except for Kenny who pulls a few punches on the show; the stories center mostly with the lead cast.

This season is formidable, epic in its approach and extremely entertaining; definitely one of the best in the series and a strong contender for the ultimate Frasier experience; it surpasses the sitcom standard. This season goes through many changes and emotions with fantastic character development. I only have one frustration; the writers present the best woman Frasier has ever met on one of the final episodes but choose to let her slip through his hands once again, it is a quite a torture they have put us through with Frasier constantly missing great opportunities...Season Eight is a true to form classic!

I have been a fan of "Frasier" since the pilot episode and for the first seven seasons it was the finest sitcom on television. But time and new writers have taken their toll and it shows in the eighth season.

Although the development of the Niles/Daphne relationship gave "Frasier" a new direction to explore, this season lacks the oomph of previous ones. There is no stand-out episode, just several nice moments spread out over 22 shows.

We start off with the follow-up to last season's climactic "Something Borrowed, Something Blue". And while the presence of Simon (a wonderful Anthony LaPaglia) is very welcome, the episode lacks the zing and fire needed to make it memorable. Follow up episodes get better with great guest stars like in "The Great Crane Robbery" featuring an impressionable Alan Tudyk (best known perhaps as "Steve the Pirate" from "Dodgeball") who copies Frasier's dwelling a bit too much. Or "Taking Liberties" with Victor Garber (of "Alias" fame) being letter perfect as the butler Ferguson. And I'm sure Rene Auberjonois was happy to act without tons of makeup from his Star Trek:DS9 days in "Frasier's Edge"

Jane Leeves' pregnancy forced the writers to come up with a "fat Daphne" storyline to cover her condition. Which leads to the strange episode "Hungry Heart" which Daphne is forced to face her expanding waistline. Unfortunately the tone runs counter to the attempted farce of the situation and is more uncomfortible to watch rather than funny.

This season also marks trips to experimental fare like "Sliding Cranes" which carries two seperate "what if" storylines without being confusing...or sadly, not being rather funny. And more location filming with episodes like "Hooping Cranes" or "A Day in May". "Daphne Returns" starts of being cringe-worthy when flashback scenes are introduced (usually the sure sign of creative bankrupcy) when we see the current Frasier and Niles put into each scene, a very nice touch.

Bright moments include Martin's priceless reaction to Roz's secret in "Semi-Decent Proposal". Or Frasier's desperate attempt to keep his new love from reading a less than respectful email in "Legal Tender, Love and Care".

Overall, the Eighth season is also how I'd rank it compared to the previous seven. And while it's entertaining enough to keep "Frasier" from "jumping the couch" so to speak, it also has too many "dramady" moments of unnecessary seriousness (like Martin facing his shooter in "A Day in May") that reminds me of the latter, sadder days of "M*A*S*H".

Tidbits:

- Frasier's comment about the hairlength of a sci-fi nut in "The Show Must Go Off" seems rather out of character considering his hair was almost as long during the first two seasons.

- Jane Leeves missed five episodes because of her maternity leave. She would become pregnant during the final season of "Frasier".

- Where's Bebe? Where's Bulldog? And why does Lilith literally "phone in" her performance in the final episode "Crane go Carribean"?

I purchased this dvd set as a gift for my mother. She is very happy with the product. It came quickly and in great condition.

I thought the beginning of this season was a little lame...and slow as far as plots. Although I did appreciate that they worked around the off-stage pregnancy, by just "pretending" she had gotten obese; instead of the usual hiding behind scenery. I really thought it was cool that they managed to tell you she had the baby without blowing the script line ("She's lost 9'12oz"). Overall, enjoyed as usual...will be looking forward to getting the next season.

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.

I, like many other reviewers, am the proud owner of all 8 seasons, and just recently compromised my principles by ordering the final season - after having promised myself I would not order that one until all the other 10 were released. I just couldn't stop myself.

Of all the seasons, this one is the "least great". But any fan would probably agree that a bad season of Frasier beats a good season of literally anything else that's out there.

The one thing I do miss is the littany of callers. The series over time began slowly eliminating them so that now they're almost non-existent. I used to test my knowledge by trying to guess what actor was posing as the caller before the credits showed it.

In all ways, however, you just can't beat this series for intelligent humor and endearing characters.

Anyone hear anything about the release of season 9?