DVD Review: Frasier - The Tenth Season

By June L. Dec 20, 2007, 21:51 GMT

Kelsey Grammer ("Cheers") stars as Dr. Frasier Crane, a successful Boston psychiatrist who moved to Seattle to get a fresh start on life. He has his own radio talk show which he uses to relay his wit and wisdom for others. At times, he struggles with his own neuroses from his family and friends, though often he does not take his own advice. This half-hour comedy showcases the humourous ways ...more

Frasier, a series that maintained quality of production and high level of entertainment during its full run, had an especially interesting 10th Season.  The episodes of this 2002-2003 season were well crafted, very funny, touched on delicate or difficult subjects and were always in top form. 

This next to the last season of the series was every bit as good as the first, better in some respects, because the audience knew the characters well, and could appreciate the nuances in writing, directing and acting.

Season 10 begins with Niles and Daphne exchanging beautifully written, meaningful wedding vows at the chapel of The Lucky 7 Casino in Reno, and it just gets better.  Who else but Daphne and Niles would go through multiple wedding ceremonies, just to preserve the happiness of those around them?

And one of the things that viewers enjoyed most through the years was the Crane brother’s unique take on life.  This would lead Frasier to plan on turning Daphne’s old room into a “Reading Sanctuary,” a place that was definitely not a library.  As Martin, Frasier’s father declares, this is just a way of Frasier saying he will not share the space, he wants to be in that room alone.  
Both Niles and Frasier are a bit more mellow in Season 10.  Niles finally has the love of his life in Daphne, and Frasier has matured into being wise as well as clever.  One of the best episodes of Season 10, as well as the entire series, revolves around Frasier’s son Freddie’s bar mitzvah. 

On this occasion Martin has located the huge noisy old “atomic blast” flash camera affectionately called “old flash and whine.”  The sight gags with this prop are hilarious, but nothing can compare to Frasier’s delivery of the blessing at the ceremony, in what he thinks is perfect Hebrew. 

Like so many things in life that are done with the best intentions, it is a total mess up of stellar proportions.  Best line of the episode is “You do realize STAR TREK was just a tv show” and the response “WELL, so was BRIDESHEAD REVISITED.”  It is wonderful comedy, presented in a great set to enjoy again and again.

Frasier - The Tenth Season is presented on 4 discs, in full screen format containing 8 hours and 46 minutes of playing time.  There are no special features included, but with this much comedy, it doesn’t matter.

Frasier - The Tenth Season is now available at Amazon. As of yet, there is not a release date for this version of the DVD in the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.