INTERPRETATIONS
Considering the show is titled after the leading character (and supporting character from past sitcom classic Cheers), Frasier Krane (Kelsey Grammer) only received three votes for favourite character. Surprisingly enough, the majority of respondents chose Niles Krane, (David Hyde Pierce), as their favorite character. Many viewers stated that Niles’ “fidgety, neurotic, obsessive compulsive” behaviour is entertaining which adds to the formula of the show. Additionally, differences existed between the male and female viewers concerning why Niles is their favorite character: women tend to be attracted to him, while men are inspired by him. Several female respondents commented on his “boyish” good looks, “funny facial expressions” and “likeable personality.” While the males appreciated Niles’ witty humour, they viewed him as a “sharp, sophisticated, well dressed, professional.” From these responses it seems that viewers fantasize about Niles’s character: females want to be near him, and males want to be like him.
New-comers of the show might simply view Eddie (Moose) as Martin’s (John Mahoney) pet dog and companion, however seasoned viewers “see” more. In regards to Eddie the dog, interviewees felt that he is represents an “unspoken, unheard, normal family member.” Although Eddie is present for all the zany situations the rest of the Krane family encounter, he rarely becomes involved and is often distanced. Other viewers feel that Eddie represents ‘the normal one in an abnormal world.’ One respondent believes that Eddie “is the son that Martin never had..”, not uptight and fussy like his own sons. Being a child-like and passive character, is a common interpretation of what Eddie represents to the show.
On the show, Niles and Frasier are brothers, but even this relationship is not as obvious as it seems, and is open to interpretation. According to one interviewee, he believes that the relationship between the Krane brothers addresses ‘homosexual’ relations of professional men. Dennis, [pseudonym], firmly believes that both Krane brothers reflect the growing population of gay men: professional, acute sense of fashion and design, and an appreciation for the arts. Although both characters pursue and (at times) become involved with the opposite sex, Dennis feels that its a ‘facade.’ He argues that because when the show first aired, viewers would have been apprehensive about gay content, the show would suffer. Now that gay and lesbian topics or relationships are becoming mainstream on television, (i.e. Will & Grace, The Ellen Show), Frasier replicates this shift toward “homo-conscious” television. Dennis means that show represents gay views without being an openly
gay sitcom.