# Fraiser Finale - Now THAT is how you do it! **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 14, 2004, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fraiser-finale-now-that-is-how-you-do-it/245049 "2004-05-14T02:05:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2004, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fraiser-finale-now-that-is-how-you-do-it/245049/41 "2004-05-14T17:56:19Z")
> [@Riqay](#): > > **related hijack** > Where does Frasier rank in terms of the longest lived fictional characters on TV? It’s gotta be 16 or 17 years for him, right? [Frasier Crane made the big 2-0 this year](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106004/trivia): > [@](#): > > As of 2004, Kelsey Grammer will have been playing the character of Frasier Crane for 20 consecutive years. This is one of the longest periods that an actor has played the same character on American prime time (non-soap opera) television. Fellow record holders include James Arness of “Gunsmoke” (1955) who also played Marshall Dillon for 20 years straight. ---
**Author:** ![NDP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ndp/32/55_2.png) [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2004, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fraiser-finale-now-that-is-how-you-do-it/245049/42 "2004-05-14T18:46:11Z")
> [@](#): > > When I first heard Chicago mentioned I thought “Hmmm…psychiatrist and Chicago”. I’m not sure if I would have laughed my ass off or thrown something at the TV screen if the “Frasier” finale ended with Bob Newhart and Susanne Pleshette in bed together , and Bob saying “Emily - I just had the weirdest dream!” You’re not the only one. When, in the previous episodes, Laura Linney’s character mentioned having to move back to Chicago, I almost expected that in the final episode, Frasier would join her and, in the very last scene, we’d find out he’s joined a practice with … Dr. Robert Hartley! ---
**Author:** ![Darkhold](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90db22/32.png) [@Darkhold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darkhold)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2004, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fraiser-finale-now-that-is-how-you-do-it/245049/43 "2004-05-14T19:18:18Z")
Was I the only one that hated the Chicago woman? First she lies to him. Then she steals his money. Then she sleeps with him a microsecond after breaking up with her boyfriend. Then she’s not upfront about moving then the second he brings up a long distance relationship she doesn’t even consider it. What a bitch I cannot see why he was attracted to her at all. ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2004, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fraiser-finale-now-that-is-how-you-do-it/245049/44 "2004-05-14T19:51:18Z")
> [@Riqay](#): > > **related hijack** > > Where does Frasier rank in terms of the longest lived fictional characters on TV? It’s gotta be 16 or 17 years for him, right? I’m pretty sure Frasier takes the prize for character longevity if we are talking strictly about TV. If we broaden it to include characters who crossed over from TV into film, then I think the original _Star Trek_ characters have him beaten by a mile. It was a good finale, but I would have liked it better if the ends were tied up a little more. ---
**Author:** ![Liberal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2004, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fraiser-finale-now-that-is-how-you-do-it/245049/45 "2004-05-14T20:04:04Z")
I think you missed Bordelond’s post and link, Spectre. Incidentally, I also liked that Roz became the new station manager. Good for her. ---
**Author:** ![lightingtool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/57b2e6/32.png) [@lightingtool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lightingtool)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2004, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fraiser-finale-now-that-is-how-you-do-it/245049/46 "2004-05-14T20:20:10Z")
I missed the finale (never been that big of a fan), but I thought this might be worth sharing: I was talking with a good friend of mine this morning who was pretty high up in the chain of things on the Fraiser set. He said that they included many of the designers and crew in the final episode; many were outside the window while Fraiser signed off, and a bunch more were on the plane with Fraiser. I thought that was a classy way to tie the whole effort (the actors and the behind-the-scenes foks) together for the end. ---
**Author:** ![Senggum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@Senggum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senggum)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2004, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fraiser-finale-now-that-is-how-you-do-it/245049/47 "2004-05-14T20:21:11Z")
> [@](#): > > … but don’t think it drew more than 40 million viewers … ☹ … the finale was only watched by an estimated 25.4 million viewers ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Beadalin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3be4f8/32.png) [@Beadalin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beadalin)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2004, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fraiser-finale-now-that-is-how-you-do-it/245049/48 "2004-05-14T20:42:48Z")
> [@](#): > > _Originally posted by **bordelond** :_ > As of 2004, Kelsey Grammer will have been playing the character of Frasier Crane for 20 consecutive years. This is one of the longest periods that an actor has played the same character on American prime time (non-soap opera) television. Fellow record holders include James Arness of “Gunsmoke” (1955) who also played Marshall Dillon for 20 years straight. Did anyone else catch Kelsey on _David Letterman_ earlier this week? He said that he and James Arness had been invited to appear together on _The Today Show_, where they were going to do a segment on the fatc that Kesley had just tied James for playing a single character for the longest period of time. James’ reponse was that he absolutely would not appear on _The Today Show_, and “tell Kelsey Grammer ‘fuck you!’.” Wow. Thought that was pretty interesting. I suppose James thought he’d have the record forever, and didn’t appreciate it being broken. ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2004, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fraiser-finale-now-that-is-how-you-do-it/245049/49 "2004-05-14T21:02:19Z")
> [@Beadalin](#): > > Did anyone else catch Kelsey on _David Letterman_ earlier this week? He said that he and James Arness had been invited to appear together on _The Today Show_, where they were going to do a segment on the fatc that Kesley had just tied James for playing a single character for the longest period of time. > > James’ reponse was that he absolutely would not appear on _The Today Show_, and “tell Kelsey Grammer ‘fuck you!’.” Wow. That’s pretty damn petty. NBC should spitefully offer Kelsey Grammer a part-time role as Dr. Frasier Crane either on _ER_ or _Scrubs_, just so he can put some distance between himself and Arness. Hey … and then after a few seasons of that, they can start dropping Dr. Crane into any old show they happen to come out with in the future. And hey … if Grammer ever gets tired of the character and refuses to go on, CGI should be advanced enough by then to “Gollumize” Frasier Crane as needed. The CGI artists can age him appropriately as needed. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![ISiddiqui](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/97f17d/32.png) [@ISiddiqui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ISiddiqui)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2004, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fraiser-finale-now-that-is-how-you-do-it/245049/50 "2004-05-14T22:19:53Z")
Jeez… that’s harsh! I mean really, Arness to let it go! Though I really could NOT see Frasier in Scrubs. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![BobT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e8cbc/32.png) [@BobT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobT)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2004, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fraiser-finale-now-that-is-how-you-do-it/245049/51 "2004-05-14T22:30:58Z")
To be fair, James Arness has a reputation for not liking anybody. He gave few interviews during his time on “Gunsmoke”. Well, maybe not fair, but James Arness is not warm and fuzzy. I loved Laura Linney’s character. But I pretty much love anything she’s in because she’s a fabulous actress. The episode where Frasier tried to get her to break up with her old boyfriend was one of my favorites. I identified with Frasier there because I’m the sort of guy whom boyfriends/husbands let meet their wives and find me incredibly non-threatening. I must give off a wimpiness scent. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2004, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fraiser-finale-now-that-is-how-you-do-it/245049/52 "2004-05-14T22:56:57Z")
> [@rookie523](#): > > Is Frasier the most successful spinoff show? Depends on what it takes to qualify as a) successful, and b) a spinoff. If a) is mere longevity, and originating as a recurring animated short on the Tracy Ullman Show qualifies the series as a spinoff, then _The Simpsons_ is the champ. And come 2007, Arness and Grammer are going to be hearing the combined footsteps of Dan Casetllenata, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright and Yeardley Smith. What a racket that’s going to make! ---
**Author:** ![ISiddiqui](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/97f17d/32.png) [@ISiddiqui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ISiddiqui)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2004, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fraiser-finale-now-that-is-how-you-do-it/245049/53 "2004-05-15T00:19:33Z")
I dunno… I don’t think they’ll last that long. And I wonder if a cartoon voice counts. ---
**Author:** ![Kaitlyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/73ab20/32.png) [@Kaitlyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kaitlyn)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2004, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fraiser-finale-now-that-is-how-you-do-it/245049/54 "2004-05-15T00:33:53Z")
I think the most successful spinoff in terms of longevitiy has to be _The Simpsons_, and in terms of popularity and longevity combined, _Happy Days_, which came from an episode of _Love, American Style_. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2004, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fraiser-finale-now-that-is-how-you-do-it/245049/55 "2004-05-15T00:36:22Z")
> [@ISiddiqui](#): > > I dunno… I don’t think they’ll last that long. And I wonder if a cartoon voice counts. \ Ask **rookie523**. As far as the future of the series, I guess that will depend on how long FOX can continue making money with it. ---
**Author:** ![ISiddiqui](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/97f17d/32.png) [@ISiddiqui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ISiddiqui)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2004, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fraiser-finale-now-that-is-how-you-do-it/245049/56 "2004-05-15T01:01:37Z")
Just saw it again. What an utterly great finale. The end was so emotional when Frasier said bye to everyone, it was like Kelsey Grammer was saying bye to the rest of the cast and the tears flowed (even mine! :o). Emotional, but not forced sentimentality. WOW… even the second time it really hits you. ---
**Author:** ![dwyr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dwyr/32/363_2.png) [@dwyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dwyr)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2004, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fraiser-finale-now-that-is-how-you-do-it/245049/57 "2004-05-15T01:43:48Z")
> [@NDP](#): > > You’re not the only one. When, in the previous episodes, Laura Linney’s character mentioned having to move back to Chicago, I almost expected that in the final episode, Frasier would join her and, in the very last scene, we’d find out he’s joined a practice with … Dr. Robert Hartley! Ah, but the Hartleys left Chicago at the end of their show. Frasier would have to hook up with Jerry or Howard instead. ---
**Author:** ![Odinoneeye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/97f17d/32.png) [@Odinoneeye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odinoneeye)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2004, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fraiser-finale-now-that-is-how-you-do-it/245049/58 "2004-05-15T04:58:34Z")
I liked the show but I wish Frasier hadn’t gone to Chicago. The reason is because I figured from the start he would go there and I knew that was where the plane was headed even after all the San Francisco stuff. I like to be surprised. Some of my favorite episodes have been the one where Frasier speaks Klingon at Freddie’s Bar Mitzvah, the recent one where Martin has the heart attack (I loved the bit about the nurse afraid of clowns) and the one with Patrick Stewart as a Frasier’s “boyfriend”, and the one where they open the restaurant. ---
**Author:** ![NDP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ndp/32/55_2.png) [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2004, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fraiser-finale-now-that-is-how-you-do-it/245049/59 "2004-05-15T06:27:50Z")
> [@](#): > > Ah, but the Hartleys left Chicago at the end of their show. Frasier would have to hook up with Jerry or Howard instead. :smack: I forgot about that. They moved to Oregon. (Although, Bob and Emily did look like they were back in their Chicago apartment when Bob woke up from his dream in the last episode of “Newhart”.) ---
**Author:** ![pepperlandgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f17d59/32.png) [@pepperlandgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pepperlandgirl)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2004, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fraiser-finale-now-that-is-how-you-do-it/245049/60 "2004-05-15T06:38:17Z")
I’m so happy they replayed it! I watched it tonight, and of course, I cried at the end. And laughed delightedly at all the sitcome cliches that abounded but worked anyway. “BOOM!” hee. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fraiser-finale-now-that-is-how-you-do-it/245049.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fraiser-finale-now-that-is-how-you-do-it/245049.md?page=4)