Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Cheers 2.4: “Homicidal Ham”


Airdate: 10/27/83

Derek McGrath returns as ex-con (for murder) Andy; after he fails in his attempt to rob Cheers, Diane takes him under his wing and sees his transgression as a cry for help. Confessing his secret passion had always been acting, he is encouraged to follow his dream, despite still hearing this mother’s voice ringing in his head! Diane invites her old drama mentor to a special performance of Othello between her and Andy, but when he becomes livid with jealousy after seeing her kiss Sam, he can’t differentiate his emotions from those of the famed Shakespearean wife-murderer. The bar folk can sense something’s up when Diane cries for help – the only line of Shakespeare Coach could ever understand. And the kicker: Diane’s mentor loves Andy’s work – “He’s convincing! There’s a real murderous intensity about him!”

A perennial fan favorite, this episode brings back another fan favorite, Andy from Cheers 1.17, “Diane’s Perfect Date.” Now, and in then, part of the fulminating delight is watching Andy steadily become unglued – and the dramatic irony of everyone loving his work not realizing why he’s so good at depicting the mad Moor. Nice supporting work by Stephen Darden as Diane’s mentor, Professor Dewitt.

Cold open: Carla tries to keep the sympathy train rolling by pretending to still be pregnant, in spite of her pillow shifting around.

Norm’s opener: Norm’s already at the bar.

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