Frasierseason 2, episode 9 may have permanently shut down talk of a romance between Frasier Crane and Roz Doyle. The idea ofFrasier and Roz getting togetherdates way back to the original show. By their very nature as two close characters in a sitcom, the show naturally toyed with the idea (albeit not to the same level of Niles Crane and Daphne Moon), though it mostly seemed to come down on the side of keeping them friends. However, there were some exceptions.
Frasierseason 7, episode 18, “Hot Pursuit,” explored the sexual tension between them as they shared a hotel room. Then, finally,they did sleep together in season 9, as seen in episode 23, “The Guilt Trippers,“but both had regrets. When Peri Gilpin returned as part of theFrasierreboot’s castin season 1, the show further played around with the idea, perhaps suggesting that, decades later, now might be the time for them to give it a real shot. That seemed possible afterFrasierseason 1’s ending, but as the reboot approaches the end of season 2, it’s all but completely ruled out.
How Frasier’s Reboot Has Fully Moved On From Him & Roz Being A Couple
There’s Really No Point To It Now
Season 2 of theFrasierreboot introduced Holly, played by Patricia Heaton, in episode 2, “Cyrano, Cyrano,” as a bartender working at a hotel on Valentine’s Day. The witty banter between them showed flickers of attraction, and that’s paid off in episode 9, “Murder Most Finch,” which revealsFrasier kept visiting the bar, developing a deeper connection with Holly, and the pair are now dating.
Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton previously starred together in the short-lived sitcomBack To Youon Fox.
In some ways,there’s an element of Roz in Holly. She’s equal to Frasier in terms of wit, but is someone who is also able to put him in his place and lacks the same pretentious nature, which nicely cuts through his own and highlights just how ridiculous he can be at times. It’s still early days in their relationship, but they clearly like each other a lot and there’s a sign things could move quickly. Holly immediately feels like she belongs among Frasier’s friends and family, and Heaton is a fantastic addition to the cast who deserves to stick around long-term.
There’s no point bringing in Holly if the plan is for Frasier to eventually get with Roz, as they could’ve done that by now…
While Frasier’s had his fair share of relationships go wrong, that he’s dating someone who is quite different and balances him out could be a perfect match. And with that, there’s really no need for a romance with Roz, even if she is becoming a more regular fixture in the reboot herself. Similarly, there’s no point bringing in Holly if the plan is for Frasier to eventually get with Roz, as they could’ve done that by now, and also flirted with - and played down - the idea in the Cape Cod installment.
Frasier & Roz Are Much Better Off As Friends Than Being A Couple
A Romance Between Them Never Really Made Sense
Ultimately, it’s a good thing thatFrasier’s reboot is veering away from a romance between Frasier and Roz.Their friendship is one of the best parts of the original show, and that’s continued to shine through in the reboot with Gilpin’s increased presence. If anything, they’re more like brother and sister, bickering with one another, gently ribbing each other, but also always there for each other no matter what. A romance would fundamentally alter that, and risk breaking it forever if things went wrong.
Frasier’s Big Roz Update Is A Step Closer To Making Peri Gilpin A Permanent Part Of The Show, And It’s Exactly What The Reboot Needs
Roz moving may lead to her becoming a main cast member in the Frasier reboot, which sorely needs her with other original characters missing.
It’s far more interesting for Frasier to have different kinds of relationships, and would fall into more of a boring sitcom trope to pair the lead character with his female friend. That would be even worse now, since the show has long since proved they shouldn’t be together, and likely wouldn’t work together, at least not for long. TheFrasierreboot could easily have leaned into the nostalgia factor of a Roz romance, but Holly is a much better choice.
Frasier
Cast
Fraiser is a comedy-drama sitcom that stars Kelsey Grammer as a psychiatrist who takes up the role of a radio show host in Seattle after his life in Boston is upheaved. A spin-off of the series Cheers, Fraiser follows the titular character adjusting to the single life while caring for his father (a retired police officer,) his brother, and other eccentric co-workers.
Follow Frasier Crane in the next chapter of his life as he returns to Boston, Mass., with new challenges to face, new relationships to forge and an old dream or two to finally fulfill.
