‘Hey baby, I hear the blues a-callin’, Tossed salad and scrambled eggs.’
Those opening lines from ‘Frasier’s’ theme will flow into our living rooms from Monday when Astro’s Hits channel begins reruns of the iconic sitcom.
Unbelievably, it has been 19 years since the award-winning comedy went off the air, but fret not, an updated series is on the way next month, sans many of the original cast.
Kelsey Grammer is returning as the titular character, Dr Frasier Crane, as will his son, Frederick, and David Crane, the son of Frasier’s brother Niles and his wife, Daphne Moon.
Long-time viewers may remember David’s first and only appearance in the original series’ finale in 2004.
As mentioned in this Diary two years ago, Frasier was one of the shows that kept the home minister and me sane during the initial Movement Control Order (MCO) in 2020.
In anticipation of the reruns and hoping that the new series will be on our airwaves soon, I have been watching clips of the show on YouTube.
Last Saturday, I made a guest appearance in my wife’s gym. While on the treadmill, I started watching clips and highlights of the show. I laughed so hard and loud that some of those working out turned to stare at me!
So, to say I am excited about the revival would be an understatement, but I am also a little scared, as I worry that the new series will not live up to the original, especially without Niles around to give his snide remarks or one-liners.
John Mahoney, who played Frasier’s dad, passed away in 2018, and will be missed.
The revival will see Frasier return to Boston – where we first met him when he appeared on another classic sitcom, ‘Cheers!’ – from Seattle to start the “third act of his life”.
As such, we may even see some familiar faces from that series popping in now and then.
One new face in the upcoming show that may be familiar to those who love British comedy, is Nicholas Lyndhurst, who plays Professor Alan Cornwall, Frasier’s college friend.
Lyndhurst is famous for playing Rodney Trotter in ‘Only Fools and Horses’ from 1981-2003.
One thing I loved about ‘Frasier’ was the theme song – a rarity these days, as nearly all TV shows have an instrumental intro.
Fans will remember that the closing line of the theme is ‘Frasier has left the building’, but the new teaser has changed the line to ‘Frasier has re-entered the building’.
We can only hope he has brought the funny back, too.
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT TRAINING
The Selangor Cheshire Home is starting an ‘Economic Empowerment Training for persons with learning disabilities.
Open to those aged 18-25, it is a sponsored training programme with accommodation and meals.
To find out more, call 03-61387118/03-61274922, or email selangorcheshire@gmail.com or visit cheshireselangor.org.my
RIMBAKITA RUN
Want to go for a run and do something useful? Join the Rimbakita Run on Sept 24.
The 5km race aims to promote environmental sustainability in a fun and healthy way.
The registration fees will go towards environmental preservation and conservation projects.
To participate and help the cause, get more information at https://www.ticket2u.com.my/event/32065/rimbakita-run.
APPLE DUMP CAKE
Take the fuss out of dessert with this easy recipe that serves six to eight people.
LET IT BE
American sweetheart Dolly Parton has released her new single, a remake of The Beatles’ ‘Let It Be’.
Joining Parton on the cover version are Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, the two surviving members of Liverpool’s and the world’s greatest band.
According to Billboard, this marks the first time McCartney and Starr shared credited billing on a charting song not performed by the Beatles.
The song also features two other legendary musicians – Peter Frampton and Mick Fleetwood – and will be available on Parton’s next album, ‘Rockstar’, out on Nov 17.
We end this week’s Diary with this musical masterpiece.
Until next week, stay safe.
