LOS ANGELES - ABC television today announced that Kelsey Grammer's atrocious new sit-com, "Hank," which just this week had been cancelled, has been saved from the chopping block due to a clever idea from its star - he will play the dual role of Hank and Frasier Crane, the character from his former sit-com, "Frasier," which ended its 57-year run in 2004.
Beginning in January, "Hank" will change its name to "Hank & Frasier," with Hank having a total nervous breakdown and entering intense psychotherapy. The therapy, of course, will be administered by none other than Frasier Crane.
"We don't mind drilling a dry hole, character-wise, if it will save the show," said Grammer, over calamari pasta at L'Squid Fantastique in Burbank. "Hell, I could do 'Frasier' in my sleep. In fact, that's how I did the last two seasons!"
It was dubious as to whether Frasier's foppish brother, Niles, would be making cameo appeareances. "Probably not," said Grammer. "David (Hyde-Pierce, who played Niles) has his Broadway now. The little shit doesn't need us."
Grammer did let slip that the character of Daphne would occasionally appear, topless.
