Notice! Spoilers ahead for Frasier Season 2, Episode 8.After 18 episodes, the new Frasier finally reveals what happened to Niles Crane. Since the news about the Paramount+ revival was confirmed, doubts about the possible return of David Hyde Pierce have been a big mystery. Even after Kelsey Grammer explained that the actor and Jane Leeves have opted out of the project, meaning that Niles and Daphne wouldn’t be in itthere was continued hope that they would eventually appear. For what it’s worth, Pierce’s recent comments about returning to Frasier the revival seemed like an indication that a cameo was at least in the works.
Pierce has always been clear about his stance on Frasier renaissance – long before Grammer managed to successfully sell the idea to Parmaount+. He didn’t think it was necessary, considering the original show was set in a specific time. So it should come as no surprise that he turned down the opportunity. Despite that, Niles’ absence continues to be a glaring problem on the seriessimply because of how beloved the character was on the Seattle series. Now, in Frasier Season 2, Episode 8, ‘Thank You, Dr. Crane’, the series finally reveals what happened to Frasier’s brother.
Frasier Season 2 Reveals Niles Moved From Seattle to Sedona
Niles and Daphne no longer live in Seattle
In season 2, Frasier returns to Seattle for a special KACL return. This understandably opens the door for Niles to show up, considering he’s still supposedly living in the Emerald City from the start. Frasier end of season 1. That said, before Martin Crane’s eldest son even flew to his hometown, he already revealed on Mahoney’s that Niles and Daphne have moved away from Seattle. Instead, they are now in Sedona, Arizona. The move seems unusual considering Niles’ love of cosmopolitan life. However, the brother explains that the change was motivated by the purchase of a vineyard in the state.
The most important thing is that it gives Frasier reboot an excuse for Niles’ absence during Frasier’s return to Seattle.
Considering Niles’ love of wine and financial ability, it makes sense to move to Sedona to run his own vineyard. Imagining him casually strolling through his estate and enjoying retirement from being Daphne’s therapist is a great life for the character. The most important thing is that it gives Frasier reboot an excuse for Niles’ absence during Frasier’s return to Seattle.
Niles’ new life makes his absence from the Frasier Revival worse
It doesn’t make sense that Niles and Daphne wouldn’t spend time in Boston
While Niles and Daphne’s move to Sedona effectively explains why they don’t meet up with Frasier in Seattle, their new life creates a much bigger problem for the Paramount+ series. Now that the younger Crane brother is no longer forced to stay in one place, as he supposedly was in Seattle due to his practice, there is no longer a justified reason for him not to visit his brother in Boston. In addition to Frasier and Freddy, the fact that Niles and Daphne’s son David is on the East Coast it’s more than enough motivation for them to spend more time in Beantown.
Niles and Daphne own the vineyard in Sedona, so they likely have a team that does most of the operational work on it. Even if they want to be hands-on homeowners, harvest time tends to occur around August and September. This frees up time to travel during some of the most important holidays of the year. THE Frasier the franchise is known for its Christmas specials, due to Martin’s love of the season. At the very least, Niles and Daphne should spend this with family in Boston.