`Frasier' Sweeps Into Its (TV) Hometown

While other shows are pulling out all the bells and whistles to attract attention during the November sweeps, NBC's "Frasier" is taking a classier, more understated route to celebrate its 100th episode. The show came home - or, rather, to the place where "Frasier's" home is supposed to be: Seattle.

Surely you remember the "Frasier" Mariner game, the declaration of "Frasier Day" by Mayor Norm Rice, the jazz concert in which Kelsey Grammer proved he could barely carry a tune. The "Frasier" blitzkrieg that hit Seattle during those few September days the cast spent visiting our city may have helped lock in the ratings for the Puget Sound region months before the show was to air.

Nothing makes a person, or a city, feel more popular than a little adoration. Rest assured that tomorrow night's episode (KING-TV, 9 p.m.) has that in spades.

"Oh, I love this place!" Frasier enthuses as he and brother Niles stroll through Pike Place Market. "Here you can feel the pulse of the city. You know what think what I think when I see all these people here, bustling about?"

"Low turnout over at Frasier Crane Day?" Niles retorts.

"No, I think that they're the reason I love this city," Frasier replies.

"Stop waving!" Niles hisses.

Ironic, considering that until Grammer (Frasier), David Hyde Pierce (Niles) and the rest of "Frasier's" cast paid Seattle a visit in September, the show had never strayed from its L.A. soundstage.

This doesn't mean the change of scenery is nothing but a gimmick; "Frasier" hasn't had to answer for a really bad half-hour yet. Its cerebral humor has made it one of the top-rated television shows for five seasons, earning it 16 Emmys. The 100th episode's humorous script, shots of famous locations around town, blue skies and warm weather all conspired to make it a lovely postcard from the Emerald City. And, adding to "Frasier's" Seattle credibility, the good doctor seems to have recently acquired a Dale Chihuly bowl that holds a prominent place in his stylish apartment.

In tomorrow's show, Frasier prepares to celebrate his 1,000th broadcast. While he feigns humility, encouraging Roz to keep this milestone as low-key as possible, he actually wants KACL to make a big deal out of it. The station ends up arranging a celebratory rally at the foot of the Space Needle. Niles is characteristically green with envy.

The morning of the rally, Frasier and Niles decide to walk to the event from the fictional Cafe Nervosa, instead of cabbing it. If only things were so simple. Their walk leads to a series to mishaps that keep the Cranes from getting to the rally on time, taking them from Pioneer Square to Pike Place Market, where Niles spills coffee on Frasier's shoes.

They also happen by Belltown's Regrade Park - which, incidentally, got a huge make-over for the show, with the usual street people replaced by a gaggle of schoolgirls and a street musician. But mixed in with this glossy treatment is a little urban realism: Frasier and Niles are mugged before they make it to the Seattle Center Monorail.

By no means is this a standout episode in terms of plot development or content. Daphne's still batty, and at one point has to be escorted away from a chat with Mayor Rice, who has a cameo appearance. Martin is still his plain-speaking, crotchety self, and Eddie is still unbelievably cute. Niles and Frasier snipe and pick at each other for our entertainment, while Roz keeps on fending off Bulldog's advances.

At the same time, the episode doesn't resort to contrivance by moving the characters from one recognizable Seattle spot to another.

So here's to you, "Frasier." Drop by again soon. The latte with nutmeg and cinnamon will be on us.