The Good Son (Frasier)
"The Good Son" is the pilot episode of the television sitcom Frasier. The episode premiered on September 16, 1993, on NBC. This first episode seeks to establish the show, introduce the primary characters and settings, and distance itself from its parent, Cheers.
| "The Good Son" | |
|---|---|
| Frasier episode | |
 Frasier and Niles discuss their father's future living arrangements, when the subject of Niles' wife Maris enters in the conversation on a note of Frasier's personal disapproval. Niles: "I thought you liked my Maris!" Frasier: "I do. I like her from a distance. You know, the way you like the sun. Maris is like the sun. Except without the warmth." | |
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 01 |
| Directed by | James Burrows |
| Written by | David Angell Peter Casey David Lee |
| Production code | 40571-001 |
| Original air date | September 16, 1993 |
| Guest appearance(s) | |
| |
Plot
Six months after the conclusion of Cheers, Dr Frasier Crane is divorced from Lilith Sternin and has moved back to his hometown of Seattle, Washington, in the hopes of a fresh start. For some time past, Frasier has been hosting a talk-radio show on KACL 780 AM Talk Radio as an on-air psychiatrist, alongside producer Roz Doyle.
Frasier is approached by his brother, Niles, who informs him that their father, Martin, a retired police officer injured in the line of duty, can no longer live by himself. In hopes of renewing their father-son relationship, Frasier reluctantly offers to take his father in.
Martin moves into Frasier's apartment but Frasier is startled when Martin brings in his tatty recliner and Parson Russell Terrier Eddie, which both annoy Frasier. Some time afterwards, Niles and his wife Maris offer to help Frasier taking care of Martin by jointly paying for a health care provider. Martin convinces Frasier to hire Daphne Moon, an eccentric immigrant from Manchester, England who claims to be "a bit psychic", much to Frasier's disapproval. After Daphne reveals that she needs to move in, Frasier, who doesn't want more people living in his apartment, dismisses her. This leads to an argument with Martin, ending with Frasier storming out of the apartment.
The next day at work, Frasier discusses his troubles with Roz, who in turn tells him the story of Lupe Vélez, pointing out that although life might not go the way we plan it to, it can nevertheless work out anyway. Frasier then takes his next call, only to find a remorseful Martin on the line, apologizing for his ungraciousness. Frasier in turn apologizes for his insensitivity and reconciles with his father. Frasier then goes on to take a call from a woman, upset and tearful about breaking up with her boyfriend, and proceeds to tell her the story of Vélez. The episode ends with Daphne, Martin and Frasier watching TV in his apartment while Eddie silently stares at an annoyed Frasier.
Awards
- David Angell, Peter Casey, and David Lee won the Primetime Emmy Award for writing this episode.[1]
- James Burrows won the Directors Guild of America Award and the Primetime Emmy Award for directing this episode.
- For his performance in this episode, Kelsey Grammer won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. This was his second nomination in this category and his first win.[2][3]
Notes
- Fox, David J. (7 March 1994). "Spielberg's 'List' a Call to 'Duty' : Movies: Holocaust film 'was a story that needed to be told,' DGA award winner says". Los Angeles Times. Timothy Ryan. ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved 23 May 2012.
- "Picket Fences and 'Frasier' Win Top Emmys". The New York Times. Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, Jr. 12 September 1994. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 23 May 2012.
- O'Connor, John J. (13 September 1994). "CRITIC'S NOTEBOOK; Of TV, Awards and, Above All, Sales". The New York Times. Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, Jr. Retrieved 23 May 2012.