Most TV spin-offs are forgettable but not so our fave sitcom which is why we say today Seattle’s listening – 30 years of Frasier.
It’s no exaggeration to say that American TV has been our window to the States.
And so the fact that Kojak filmed in my Uncle Petie’s bar in New York filled my childish mind.
With the dream of saving my pocket money to visit one day.
Thankfully my Dear Old Folks stumped up.
And then when we were choosing where to go on our post- university working holiday in America, we had to see Cheers in Boston.
First listening
Of course, all Cheersheads and Frasierphiles know the doc relocated back to Seattle.
And on this day too on September 16, 1993.
Although we had to wait in Europe until 20 April.
Frase has, of course, had some detours over the years.
And is now back in Boston with the next chapter out soon.
But it is Seattle we are celebrating today and Kelsey Grammer’s alter ego has done as much to promote Seattle as anybody.
Whisper it because like Cheers the bulk of the set was in LA.
But aptly they filmed on location for the 1,000th show.
Frasier Crane Day
The plot, as if we need to tell you, surrounds Frasier’s accident-riddled vain attempt.
To attend Frasier Crane Day which marks his 1,000th show in 1997.
And the first we see of Seattle is of course the money shot, Seattle Space Needle.
Which is, of course, where everyone in the Frasier world takes their guests.
The pivotal scene is where Frasier and Niles walk past the Pike Place Fish Market.
And wee bro gets hit by passing seafood and spills his half-caf cappuccino with a dash of cinnamon on Frasier’s suede shoes.
Of course, Frasier’s odyssey to replace his shoes sets in course a hilarious set of events.
Including them getting mugged in a lane, of their money.
The Monorail Thing
All of which means they rob a blind girl’s bowl in Regrade Park for money for the payphone.
And get chased down First Avenue by actual girl scouts from Seattle.
Like so much in the Cranes’ life they get frustratingly close to their destination…
Ground to a halt on the Monorail, looking out onto the Space Needle.
Frasier, or at least Kelsey Grammer, did get to Frasier Crane Day, held in Seattle.
Where he sings Tossed Salad And Scrambled Eggs.
We’re singing it today while watching reruns and we know Seattle’s listening – 30 years of Frasier.
And dreaming of getting out to Seattle and knowing that our friends at Aer Lingus fly out there directly.
With us finding a random October 6-11 round trip from Dublin with pre-clearance from €674.42.
Bobbing along: Whitney