As Kane, Grammer has retired Frasier’s arch, prissy style with no trace left behind. He has transformed himself into a figure of dominance, defiance and endangerment — Kane’s long reign is imperiled by a degenerative brain disease that looms as a more formidable threat than any political foe.
It’s a positively Shakespearean premise, says Grammer, who drew inspiration for it from the tragedy “King Lear,’’ whose hero he calls a “launching pad’’ for Kane.
“Here’s a power guy, now failing, who wants to preserve his legacy,’’ Grammer says. “But how is he going to dispose of his kingdom and leave his mark on it?’’
Grammer must play this character on several levels. As Kane confronts his impending frailty and doom, he must continue to pose as an indomitable force — and as an upright leader, even though behind the scenes he operates with means-justify-the-ends ruthlessness.
“He will have a nuanced descent into what will finally be his demise,’’ says Grammer, making clear neither Kane nor the audience can expect a happy reprieve. “To me, the show is about the fight on the way down.’’
Fans of “Boss’’ are guaranteed the fight will go on for at least a second season: The series was renewed by Starz even before its first season began. And Grammer is confident of many more: “Maybe six seasons. Five, for sure.’’
“Boss,’’ which airs its fourth episode Friday at 10 p.m. EST, also stars Martin Donovan, Connie Nielsen, Kathleen Robertson, Hannah Ware, Troy Garity and Jeff Hephner.
It is filmed on location in Chicago, which lends it extra authenticity. And though the first season of eight episodes — shot from April through July — skirted the city’s defining frigid winter, Grammer says production will start earlier next season: “We’re going to go for the snow to get some added harshness,’’ he says with gusto.
Grammer developed the series with its creator, Farhad Safinia (“Apocalypto’’), with whom he is an executive producer — a title, he jokes during a recent interview, that mostly entitles him to say, “Why don’t we quit now? It’s getting a little late.’’
