Ex-Wife Stirs Up ‘Frasier’ Hilariously
Bebe Neuwirth and Kelsey Grammer have provided fans with some of the funniest moments in television comedy.
They were perfectly mismatched as husband and wife on “Cheers.”
Last season, Neuwirth showed up for a sidesplitting two-parter on Grammer’s “Frasier.”
She returned last fall for a second guest appearance, a Thanksgiving episode that NBC repeats at 9. Neuwirth, a two-time Emmy winner as Frasier’s wife, Lilith Sternin on “Cheers,” is always a treat.
Perhaps my expectations were too high. This visit can’t touch her previous guest shot.
Remember Frasier’s disastrous island getaway with a new girlfriend, played by JoBeth Williams? But don’t worry. David Hyde Pierce and John Mahoney round out tonight’s show with some wildly funny antics.
Ex-wife Lilith summons Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) to Boston to help get their son Frederick (Trevor Einhorn) into a snooty private school. Paxton Whitehead plays the school’s headmaster.
Nearly all of Neuwirth and Grammer’s business has to do with kissing up to the aloof administrator. The repeated gags become a tad tiring.
Fortunately, Niles and Martin have joined Frasier on the trip. They’re left at home with the little Frederick, where one comic disaster follows another.
The sophisticated slapstick will have you in stitches.
Highlights
“Promised Land,” CBS at 8: It’s a family affair when Russell (Gerald McRaney) copes with a cousin (Jason Beghe) who blames his marital problems on his obligation to his brother (Chris Burke, “Life Goes On”), who has Down syndrome. Repeat.
“Roseanne,” ABC at 8: Just keep telling yourself that it’s only a fantasy. Roseanne becomes a Rambo-like hero when her family is trapped on a train by a gang of terrorists.
Steven Seagal has a cameo. Repeat.
“So I Married An Axe Murderer,” FOX at 8: Mike Myers (“Wayne’s World”) stars in this comedy that shows flashes of brilliance but misfires more often than not.
Yes, it is about a man who marries a woman (Nancy Travis) who may be a serial killer. That’s a morbidly funny idea but one that never quite carries the film.
Fortunately, Myers manages to juice things up in a dual role, playing an eccentric Scottish-American named Stuart Mackenzie and his son Charlie, a San Francisco poet.
“Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All” (1994), CBS at 9: Secrets unfold in concluding Part 2 of this depressing period piece. Life remains hard for Lucy (Diane Lane/Anne Bancroft) as the Captain’s (Donald Sutherland) psychological torment deepens and tragedies befall the family.
Cicely Tyson won an Emmy for her powerful role as Lucy’s housekeeper-companion.
“Home Improvement,” ABC at 9: Racers Al Unser and Al Unser Jr. guest-star in this episode from April. Brad (Zachery Ty Bryan) gets his driver’s license and - faster than you can say “More power!” - he’s in an accident.
And he’s not exactly honest when he tells his parents what happened.
“Caroline in the City,” NBC at 9:30: Judd Hirsch (“Taxi”) guest-stars as Richard’s (Malcolm Gets) father, a former vaudevillian Caroline (Lea Thompson) talks into playing a benefit. Meanwhile, Charlie (Andy Lauer) becomes obsessed with Ed Norton of TV’s “The Honeymooners.” Repeat.
“Spin City,” ABC at 9:30: The mayor (Barry Bostwick) puts his foot in his mouth in a repeat of the series’ very funny premiere episode.
Cable Calls
“MTV Unplugged,” MTV at 10: The latest edition of the acclaimed series features Jewel performing a set from her debut album, “Pieces of You.”
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actress Gina Gershon and Olympic gold medal winner and WNBA star Lisa Leslie.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor Nick Turturro and music group Motley Crue.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:35 a.m.: Todd Rundgren, comedian Tom Dreesen, author Sheneska Jackson, and the Boston Herald’s Don Feder.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Author George Plimpton.