Frasier: The Complete Second Season

No sophomore slump here for Frasier, one of television's gold standard series. The heart of this Cheers spin-off was meant to be Seattle psychologist/talk radio host Frasier Crane's relationship with his curmudgeon ex-cop father, with whom he was compelled to share quarters. But a funny thing happened on the way to season two: audiences responded more to his relationship with brother and fellow metrosexual Niles, not to mention Niles' yearning for caretaker Daphne. Highlights include "The Matchmaker," in which his gay boss misinterprets the unwitting Frasier's attempt to fix him up with Daphne; the two-parter "Adventures in Paradise," featuring the return of ex-wife Lilith, and "Agents in America, Part III," in which Frasier's machiavellian agent Bebe goes to desperate lengths to renegotiate his contract. Memorable guest stars include Ted Danson reprising his signature role as Sam Malone in "The Show Where Sam Shows Up," Nathan Lane as a con man in "Fool Me Once, Shame on You, Fool Me Twice…", and B-movie goddess Shannon Tweed as a self-help guru in "You Scratch My Book...". Considering Frasier's slow decline in later seasons, this is a welcome return indeed to one of its glory years. A master class in comedy writing and performance, this four-disc set also contains director and writer commentary on "The Matchmaker," and montage segments devoted to the elusive Maris, canine scene-stealer Eddie, and Niles and Daphne. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (D. Liebenson)