Monday, October 05, 2009

Character Assassination


So I'm watching a Frasier episode tonight and I was forcibly reminded about how badly the producers/writers of Cheers and Frasier absolutely screwed up the character of Lilith Sternin Crane. The relationship between Lilith and Frasier was fantastic, two uptight yuppies who were just freaks at heart. It was kismet, but then for some reason (probably Bebe Neuwirth's desire to return to the stage) they threw it in the dumpster in a singularly unbelievable way. I have always hated that story arc because it betrayed who the characters were after so many years. I guess that there isn't really a point to this other than to recognize the responsibility that writers have to their audience. Challenge us, take us in unexpected directions, just don't be cheap about it.

6 comments:

Sheri_Beri said...

Frasier/Cheers writers were unbelievably ridiculous on many aspects of the story line... Like if you really loved someone it would take you how many years to actually tell that person. Really? Stupid. It really is annoying that they would pretend like grown adults wouldn't act on their feelings and just pine silently for years. Just the thought makes me cringe.

Anonymous said...

I've only watched a few random re-runs of Cheers and occasionally tuned into Frasier. My assessment of Frasier & Lilith based on that, was that it was a strained relationship! I guess that's in keeping with your point...

Kristin said...

She was great...loved her monotone voice and hard-assed ways. Did she ever guest on Frasier, I can't remember...?

Anonymous said...

I've seen her on a couple of Frasier episodes. There was one where she tried to convince Frasier to donate sperm.

diane said...

I loved Cheers and Lilith was awesome... at first.

Homer said...

Lilith was awesome until the writers had her leave Frasier and go into an eco-pod with another man. It was random and fairly capricious. Of all of the 'changes' that the writers/producers made as they transitioned from Cheers to Frasier, the fractured relationship of Lilith and Frasier was the worst.