Spatial Elements

• Location
• Sets
• Martin's Chair

In the program, Dr. Frasier Crane has been transplanted away from the Boston pub 'where everybody knows your name' and has returned to his roots, in the city of Seattle. This city, located on the west coast of the United States, is well known for its up tempo atmosphere, especially in relation to computer and technology industries. It is also reknowned for its coffee shops and cafes, virtual landmarks to go along with the famous Space Needle that inhabits the Seattle skyline.

Seattle can certainly be seen as a 'city on the go'. Though not as established as strong economic centers, such as New York city, Seattle can be seen as a city that is self-reliant and independent, one that can stand on its own two feet. These characteristics of self-reliance and independence are also dominant goals of the male psyche, though not always achieved. As well, could there be some sort of statement about the male physique, specifically of endowment, when analyzing the Space Needle?

Frasier, and his exploits, often take place in one of three main locations: his home, the radio station (his workplace), or Cafe Nervosa (his favourite leisure cafe). His home is situated as a condominium with several bedrooms, washrooms, kitchen and a central area that functions as a living room, dining room and recreational room (there maybe other partitions to the loft, but they are not often seen). Frasier's workspace is sound-proof room that is the production center of his popular radio show; it is divided into two main areas: the booth from where he broadcasts his show and takes phone calls from, and a technical room where his producer Roz sits to work behind the scenes and make the show run smoothly. Cafe Nervosa is a spacious locale that is often crowded with customers going about their business. The furniture in the coffee shop is mainly wooden and the atmosphere is quite ambient and serene (as promoted by the subtle colours and props, such as the bookshelf in the back).

Men are typically known to be simplistic, and often keep the different aspects of their lives sectioned off from each other. This is also the case with Frasier and the different locations the program plays itself out in. All three sets have distinct looks from each other, with little to no common references between sets except through the dialogue. Frasier's home is usually brightly lit and lightly coloured; perhaps signifying that the home is his own, personal heaven - an escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. His work space is an enclosed booth, which may represent the prison-like feel many of today's middle class employees work in. This prison atmosphere is also enhanced by the dreary colours and dark lighting that cover the small enclosing. The third major set is the cafe Frasier and his friends frequent, Cafe Nervosa. Another stereotype of the male persona is the need to find their own space, a place they can personalize and call their own (be it the garage, a study room, an all men's club); home would be the ideal place, if not for the fact that there are other inhabitants there as well. This cafe represents this small space for Frasier, here he is able to relax, take a sip of his drink, and forget the issues and troubles of work and home.

One well known prop that can be found in Frasier's home is his father's recliner. An artifact from their old home, Martin considers this piece of furniture, one of his greatest treasures, though his sons view it differently (more as a piece of junk). It is old, dilapidated, patched-up and an eye sore compared to the rest of the furniture (which is Frasier's). However, it is also the most comfortable seat in the house and is the prime location for partaking in one of Martin's favourite activities, watching TV.

A constant topic of discussion and argument, Martin's chair represents many of the struggles and conflicts that occur on the show. There is a struggle for recognition; Martin wants to keep the chair since it is the only visible piece that is his (everything else is Frasier's). There is a struggle for power; though Martin is Frasier's father, he still feels at a loss for power due to his age and disability - consider the fact that his chair is still the best place to watch TV (a stereotypical object of power in the home). There are also other conflicts within the relationship (insert link to relationship page) of this father-son duo.

Temporal Elements | Spatial Elements