Frasier (TV Series) The Good Son (1993) User Reviews

Pilot

[bobcobb301 · 8/10 · 4 October 2017]

A pilot might not mean much in 2017, but when this show premiered almost 25 years ago it was essential to get over to a good start. Frasier was already a memorable character from another show, but this strong pilot helped usher in the idea that he could lead a franchise of his own.

Funny, charming and more importantly unique. The style of joke appealed to the clever fan, not opting for fart jokes or fat jokes, but ones about a higher quality standard of living.

Frasier existed in the 90's, my favorite era of comedy television, and this pilot proved that it was going to be one of the best of that decade.

Stunningly written pilot

[tlfirth · 9/10 · 23 April 2015]

Frasier often gets overlooked when it comes to the best comedies around the world, but its pilot perhaps proves many wrong to not include it. Probably because it is conceived in group writing schemes where the writers bounce ideas off each other and build the script from there, this pilot succeeds not just to reintroduce an already diverse character, Frasier, but introduce a whole host of new characters as if we've known them for years. Equally, the acting is unprecedented with Grammar and Price supremely dominating the screen with their hilarious double-act, followed by some sound performances from the supporting cast Maloney, Leeves and Gilpin. Not to mention a very well-trained dog, Moose.

I often wonder how this masterful episode was created, because it is truly a great, marred only by the fact that it is the first installment and has a lot more to give. If you haven't yet set eyes on this beauty, then please do, because it is a stunning portrayal of conflicting social classes and a family individually defined by their own strange demeanors. To finish my high praise, I would like to list a few (many) quotes, ones that define this show as a true classic.

"Six months ago, I was living in Boston. My wife had left me, which was very painful. Then she came back to me, which was excruciating." - Frasier

"I do, I... I like her from a distance. You know, the way you like the sun. Maris is like the sun... except without the warmth." - Frasier

"Remember what Mom always said: A handshake is as good as a hug." - Niles Crane

"Let's see. You dropped two commercials, you left a total of 28 seconds of dead air, you scrambled the stations call letters, you spilled yogurt on the control board and you kept referring to Jerry with the identity crisis, as "Jeff"." - Roz Doyle

"Well then, we're agreed about what to do with Dad. (reads a brochure) "Golden Acres: We Care So You Don't Have To."" - Niles Crane

"Ah, you're gonna have to run an extension cord over here so I can plug in the vibrating part." - Martin Crane, "Oh yes, that will be the crowning touch." - Frasier Crane

"(anxious) Niles, there you are! I'm sorry I'm late; just as I was leaving, Dad decided to cook lunch by the glow of a small kitchen fire!" - Frasier Crane

"Thank you. (sees The Armchair and pats it) Oh, will you look at that. What a comfy chair! It's like I always say, start with a good piece and replace the rest when you can afford it." - Daphne Moon

"I must confess - I'm a bit psychic. It's nothing big, just little things I sense about people. I mean, it's not like I can pick the lottery. If I could, I wouldn't be talking to the likes of you two, now would I? (laughs)" - Daphne Moon

"Yes. Perhaps I should describe the duties around here. You would be responsible for..." - Frasier Crane, "(suddenly turns towards Frasier) Oh, wait a minute, I'm getting something on you... you're a florist! - Daphne Moon, "No, I'm a psychiatrist." - Frasier Crane, "Well, it comes and goes. (puts her things back into her bag) Usually, it's strongest during my time of the month. Oh, I guess I let a little secret out there, didn't I?" - Daphne Moon, "It's safe with us. Well, Miss Moon, I think we've learned just about all we need to know about you, and a dash extra! (goes to the door)" - Frasier Crane, "(waves her arms at Eddie) You're a dog, aren't you?" - Daphne Moon

"Daphne, Daphne - I think it would be best if you leave." - Frasier Crane, "Oh well, alright then. (goes to leave)" - Daphne Moon, "Don't be alarmed. We'll contact you. If not by telephone then, er, through the toaster." - Frasier Crane

Good Beginning

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 20 September 2019]

This pilot episode does all it needs to do in about 25 minutes. We are introduced to all the significant characters, not only by name, but we learn of their individual quirks. We know what Frasier does and his temperament. We know his brother is cowardly and controlled by his wife. We meet his father, who is dealing with a really difficult situation. And Daphne is going to be there as well.

Can a pilot get any better?

[seard007 · 10/10 · 4 May 2014]

Every time I watch this episode, and I can tell you that that is quite often, I believe for certain that as soon as it was aired, everybody would have known that they had something special on their hands. The acting is brilliant, with David Hyde Pierce perfectly capturing his very difficult character, and, of course, Kelsey Grammar bringing Frasier back to life. As well as the acting, I cannot praise enough the writing of the episode. The jokes are quick, genius, extremely humorous, sophisticated and brilliantly assembled. However, not only is the episode hilarious, but it also contains moments of emotion and passion, with the relationship between Frasier and his father sticking out. In fact, the writing deserves a special mention for the entirety of the 11 series, as to be able to be so consistently fantastic for so long is unmatched by any other programme, in my opinion. Having seen all 264 episodes, I can sincerely say that 'The Good Son' ranks as one of the best. If you only watch 3 of the 264, make sure they are this one, 'High Holidays' and 'Ham radio'.

Best pilot episode of all time

[smooth_op_85 · 10/10 · 16 November 2006]

Favorite line: After Nartin walks in

Frasier: Ah Dad, Dad, welcome to your new home, you look great

Martin: Don't B. S. me. I don't look great. I spent Monday on the bathroom floor. You can still see the tile marks on my face

After Frasier Crane had left Cheers and moved back home, he had no idea that his Father would be part of the package too! Now when his new life comes crashing down, he has to make all of this work and with a health care worker, Daphne Moon it turns out that he might have his burden lifted.

Not so, he still has to live with his Father and his ways which are foreign to Frasier. After an argument between the two and advice from Roz regarding Lupe Velez (watch episode for that one), Martin calls in to the show and Frasier gives him "objective" advice that maybe his son didn't understand how the change was going for him and later counsels a woman that though things don't work out as well as they had planned, they can still work out anyway, then fade out and the Tag.

One of the best episodes-and it highlights the strengths of the show

[CubsandCulture · 10/10 · 4 May 2021]

Frasier's long running success can be attributed to two factors. First, the cast was exceptionally well chosen. And second the writing on the series is extremely tight and well considered. Pilots-exceptionally for sit-coms-can be a bore. They often play like a checklist as they exist to largely set-up the dynamics of a show. Pilots for spinoffs are even drier as they are trying to put a familiar character(s) into a new setting. The writers here are full aware of that aspect and lean into for a couple of gags-it still manages to be clever after all these years. More to the point this episode really does a good job of setting the fundamentals of the show effortlessly. Only Niles' unrequited love of Daphne was withheld until the next episode.

Best pilot ever?

[Analog_Devotee · 10/10 · 17 December 2020]

Pilots are so hard to get right. Even when one's written well, it is usually dwarfed by later episodes and, therefor, hard to revisit. This is an example of the contrary; a stunningly well-written pilot which holds its own amongst all the other incredible, legendary episodes.

What a brilliant show

[JCinHB · 8/10 · 9 May 2022]

I watched Frasier back when it was on TV and it was always a good laugh. I came across the first episode tonight and WOW... what genius TV this show was in comparison to the junk that is on TV today. Cheers & Frasier, two wonderful shows that if they only made more like these.

Good

[bevo-13678 · 10/10 · 13 November 2020]

Frasier moves to Seattle but he was slightly funnier in cheers

The Good Son

[studioAT · 8/10 · 25 February 2023]

And so began 'Frasier', the spin-off from 'Cheers' that would not only end up running for as long as that show, but perhaps exceed it in terms of quality. Well, for the first seven years at least.

This is a smart, intelligent Pilot/first episode, that manages to tweak the Frasier Crane character we knew from 'Cheers' just enough to fit his new surroundings and the characters he comes into contact with, while also still being recognisable to the audience who have followed him to Seattle from Boston.

You almost wish the Creators of 'Joey', which would come later, had followed this format more closely, because it is executed soundly here.