A Perfect Spin-Off Pilot, Apr 29, 2013

Reviewer: Orion from Pennsylvania

Many pilots for spin-offs try to cater to the audience of the original
sitcom the new show was spun-off from (Cheers), but in the case of
Frasier, the pilot was an excellent introduction for a non-Cheers
watcher.

This pilot was excellently funny, smooth, and really got the
characters down from the start.

Rating: 95%

Perfect Pilot, Oct 15, 2011

Reviewer: Nigel Tufnel from Tucson, AZ

It amazing how smooth this pilot is. Most pilots are rough, awkward,
and unsatisfying, especially when watching them later after you know
the characters. This episode is a guide for how pilots should be done,
the writers and actors really had an early handle on what the show
would be, what everyone's role would be, and how the characters would
interact. Unlike other pilots, it fits right in with later seasons, and it also
didn't try to do too much. This show hit the ground running thanks to
the brilliant, focused work on this episode.

Rating: 90%

Wow!, Oct 11, 2011

Reviewer: John from Louisville, KY, USA

I went in to Frasier thinking this was not going to be near as good
as Cheers. But I can now say Frasier is as good, maybe even better,
than Cheers after watching this episode. It was witty, well acted,
and well written, and one of the best tv pilots ever.

Rating: 98%

The Good Son, Apr 20, 2010

Reviewer: Norm, Jr. from Somewhere, CA

One of the best pilots in recent history, this just sparkled. Now, there is the issue of being familiar with Frasier, but still, most spin-off pilots are abysmal, anyway. All fears are put to rest after the line, "When she came back to me, it was excruciating." From that moment, I knew we might be safe. Supporting character intros don't intrude, and it coasts very capably on being basically centered entirely around Frasier's constant upheaval and dismay, which could've grown tired. Gets a 97 only because of the rough edges of lighting and particular camera angles that they would eventually abandon. But what a start.

Rating: 97%

A running start, Nov 27, 2009

Reviewer: Ben from Isle of Wight

I have watched probably each Frasier episode at least 3 times maybe more. This episode was merely a whim as I hadnt watched it in a while and im certainly glad I did watch it. It encompases everything a first episode should, the introduction of the main characters was done brilliantly (EDDIE), the plot was clear and vibrant clearly giving us a great story and the exciting prospect of the a new series. But more than that I think this episode is so packed with laughs that your still recoilling from the last before the next comes along and barrels you over. The entire episdoe is done masterfully and beautifully because not only is it funny it is emotional too and that makes this episode the most brilliant but also the forerunner for all 11 fantastic seasons. WOW

Rating: 100%

A stellar beginning, Jul 08, 2009

Reviewer: Sammy J from Canberra, Australia

This episode is simply a great beginning to this much-loved series.
There's little to say that hasn't been said before, but in short every
character's introduction is wonderfully done, particularly Jane Leeves
as Daphne and Peri Gilpin as Roz. The relationships between Niles,
Frasier and Martin are already well-defined, and Eddie's introduction
is undoubtedly one of his best moments.

A great beginning, even though the first season was far from the
strongest overall.

Rating: 95%

Start as you mean to go on, Apr 13, 2009

Reviewer: Daniel Argent from Grays, Essex

This was not the first episode I saw but I think it is a great episode. The way each character is introduced in a different scene, with captions at the beginning ('the brother', 'the father' etc) and in a different situation (Roz at the station, Niles at Cafe Nervosa) is very clever. It was also very brave of messrs Angell, Casey and Lee to include an argument between Frasier and Martin that did not end with a joke in the pilot episode, as it may have put audiences off. Luckily for the world, it did not.
My only qualm with the episode is the introduction of Daphne, when Frasier opens the door to find her adjusting her bra. Her response is "Caught me with me hand in the biscuit tin". That is not something an English person would say and Jane Leeves should have mentioned this to the creators. However, that is only a minor quibble and it did not happen again, so overall, a great first episode for what would turn out to be the greatest sitcom of all time.

Rating: 90%

Excellent pilot - the beginning of something good!, Mar 23, 2009

Reviewer: Sam from UK

This is not the first episode I ever watched. However, I still think it is an excellent pilot. All the main characters ring true and fully fleshed out (sometimes I think the characters in pilots can be a little wishy washy as the actors are trying to get to grips with them), highlighting the talents of the actors. Martin starts off appearing moody and cantankerous, but this is perfectly understandable considering his predicament. His true personality is of course revealed as the show continues. Daphne has a very strong accent and is exceptionally kooky, however, I think this is correct. She has not been in America long so her accent would be strong. As for the kookiness, she would be nervous at the interview and desperate to impress, hence mentioning her psychic abilities! And she tried a little joke when she looks at Eddie and says "you're a dog!"

It is an excellent pilot, however, it is not one of my favourite episodes. It does have some work to do in introducing the series, which is does brilliantly and in a very funny way. But there are episodes I have enjoyed more once the storylines have got moving. I therefore can't give it 100%. But I do rate it highly.

One of my favourite moments is when Martin offers Daphne the job and Frasier wants to talk about it. Daphne says she'll wait in the bathroom and then asks "you do have one?" When Frasier says he does indeed have a bathroom she says "I love America"! In case anyone is in any doubt - we do have indoor toilets in Manchester!!!

Rating: 88%

The Good Son, Mar 17, 2009

Reviewer: Warren Lancaster from Toronto, ON, CAN

"The Good Son" is, by far one of the best first episodes of any TV series, withholding "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" pilot. The way in which the viewer meets all of Frasier's family and friends is beautifully written by Peter Casey, David Lee, and the late David Angell. The Scenes are beautifully directed by a living legend, and a giant in the television industry, James Burrows. The acting by Kelsey Grammer, Jane Leeves, David Hyde Pierce, John Mahoney, and, yes, Moose is some of the best I have seen in my entire life. Mathilde Decagney's training of Moose, the dog, is wonderful. Finally, the decorating of the sets by Roy Christopher, is an integral part of setting the tone for the rest of the series. Going back to the writing, this episode contains one of my favorite Niles-Frasier interactions:

Niles: I thought you liked my Maris.

Frasier: I do. I like her from a distance. You know, the way you like the sun. Maris is like the sun . . . except without the warmth.

A fabulous episode of a great show, that really set the tone for the next eleven years

Rating: 99%

The Good Son, Feb 04, 2009

Reviewer: Adam from Seattle

Hilarity At Its Best 'Best American Comedy Since Cheers And Home Improvement

Rating: 100%

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