Season Four of Frasier - One of the Best of the Series
Frasier is quite simply one of the most funny and entertaining television comedies ever made. It's superlative writing, extensive use of word play and double entrendre, a superb cast (both individually and also as an ensemble), witty set-pieces, and excellent direction all combine to make this show stand apart from most others, and that includes the likes of The Dick VanDyke Show, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and All in the Family. That may seem like a difficult claim to make, but hundreds of reviewers of Frasier that you can read here essentially all say the same thing, and after you've watched a season or two yourself (if you have not already), you may find yourself agreeing. Frasier is a psychiatrist who has a radio talk show in Seattle, and his brother, Niles, also a psychiatrist, has his own private practice. The two brothers are extremely close, and spend most of their free time together, yet are locked in an interminable competition for love, fame, and attention. Their father, Marty, a retired policeman who was injured with a gunshot wound, forcing his retirement, lives with Frasier in his posh high-rise apartment, as does Daphne, a health care worker from Manchester, England who takes care of the father. Frasier's producer at the radio station, Roz, is a woman constantly in search of love. And the regular cast is topped off by "Eddie," Marty's little doggie, who seems to be the most talented animal to appear on TV since "Mr. Ed." Yes, this description sounds perhaps a bit mundane, but it is not essentially this story backdrop that makes the series what it is. It is rather the consistently superb writing and acting that makes Frasier so special, so full of laughs that you'll find yourself doubled over at times with fits (and yes, "fits" is probably the best word to describe it) of laughter. The show pulled in 37 Emmy's during its 11-year run, and that is only one small piece of evidence speaking to the show's quality. Although I recommend that one start with Season One and watch the shows in order (because there is lots of building of characters and story lines that are carried through the entire show), because I am here reviewing Season Four, I can say that this season starts out just as strong as all the others, and is sometimes pointed to by fans as one of the strongest of the 11 years. That may be true, but each season is so good that it is largely a distinction without a difference. Frasier gets us laughing in the pilot episode of Season One, and keeps us laughing all the way through the end (OK, Season Eight may not be the best, but it is still better than most other comedy shows at their best points). Frasier also carries within it's comedy structure one of the most poignant and touching love stories ever seen on TV. It takes all 11 years for the love story to come to fruition, but it's there from the beginning, seeing it first "peak" in Season Two, but then at punctuated points throughout the seasons. It's a love story worth seeing, and can be both painful and joyous at times, but its as powerful a love story as you've likely ever seen on the small screen. This show is an easy five stars. Note: If you wish to save about $40 - $50 dollars, you can purchase the entire 11 seasons at one time, rather than each individual season. Read more
