MovieChat Forums > Frasier (1993) Discussion > Head Game has a Simpsons reference.

Head Game has a Simpsons reference.

posted 8 years ago by ladybyron68
4 replies | jump to latest

After the opening credits, when Frasier ask Niles to fill in for him on his talk show, Niles responds by saying, "I couldn't presume to fill in those big red floppy shoes of yours.". Simpson Fans know that Kelsey Grammar is a semi-regular on the long running animated sitcom as Sideshow Bob and that David Hyde Pierce made a guest appearance on the show as his brother, Cecil in the episode, "Brother From Another Series". Frasier's "Head Game" debuted on TV on 11/12/96, while The Simpsons' "Brother..." didn't air until the following year on 2/23/97. It's quite possible that at the time the Frasier episode was being written or taped in front of an audience, The Simpsons' reference was made. A verbal "vice-versa" of sorts was made for The Simpsons during the episode when Bart climbed onto Cecil's back and covered the man's eyes with his hands saying in a sing-song voiced, "Guess who???", to which Cecil replied, "Maris?" 😂😂😂😂

[–] ClayGorgon 8 years ago

David Hyde Pierce and John Mahoney also featured in Funeral for a Fiend , in season 19. :D

I'll have to rewatch that particular Frasier episode to confirm, but I believe a similar reference was already made in Selling Out-Season 1.

[–] happyterwilliger 8 years ago

Niles mentioned that he was going to pick up a pair of oversized shoes (for his Healing With Humour support group) in "Beloved Infidel."

"Selling Out" was where Niles compared Frasier to Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct.

Did the forgotten generations scream or go full of resignation, quietly protesting innocence?

[–] blakgard 8 years ago

While possible, it's more likely just a reference to Frasier being a clown on the radio.

[–] happyterwilliger 8 years ago

Personally I never saw that as an intentional Simpsons reference, although it is kind of impossible not to think of Kelsey Grammer's other most famous role when the line comes up. Same for that moment in "The Friend" when Niles gets so disgusted over Frasier ditching him for someone named Bob.

Did the forgotten generations scream or go full of resignation, quietly protesting innocence?