I watched Frazier as a kid and thought it was kind of funny. Rewatched as an adult and it hits different. It’s like watching a show about a psychopath. You could replace the laugh track with an internal monologue American Psycho style and it makes so much sense.
Eh, Frasier is definitely a narcissist, but I wouldn't go that far. He means well, but typically only if it also benefits him. That tends to be most protagonists in sitcoms though. Frasier was a static character and didn't really grow as the show went on.
Compare that with Niles who grows throughout the show after losing everything. Niles at least realizes being rich isn't important if you're not happy.
No, Frasier is just a pompous but ultimately harmless asshole. It’s the Niles character I take issue with. The weird-nerd-with-oneitis who-gets-the-girl-in-the-end trope of 90s comedy is to a large extent to blame for the current incel crisis.
It’s not misogyny, narcissism or a sense of entitlement. It’s that these boys were raised by the TV and socialised into a system of courtship based on putting in superficial acts of niceness and receiving heartfelt love and affection in return. Regrettably when they find out the truth they often lash out at the women, because who would do such a thing as go on TV and tell lies?
