Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Cheers 4:18 “The Peterson Principle”


Airdate: 2/13/86

Norm is up for a big promotion at work, and a coworker drops by the bar to tell him his rival is having an affair with the boss’s wife. Thinking that leaking this secret will give him an edge, Norm has second thoughts when everyone, save Cliff, is against the idea. Staying true to principle becomes even more difficult when the boss himself comes in to tell Norm he didn’t get the promotion, and that the contest was as close as it possibly could be, but Norm sticks it out – and sticks it to his boss when he learns he was edged out because Vera didn’t fit in with the other company wives. “Great, I’m unemployed again,” Norm tells Woody, who offers his consolation. “No, I mean GREAT! I’m unemployed again!”

Infidelity once again is the topic in another Norm-centered episode, and once again the end result is the further strengthening of his marriage to Vera. (Well, of course it has to be, otherwise the lame-wife wisecracks wouldn’t work.) Another ethical dilemma, another right thing done, and all is right with the world, or at least the bar. Quasi-subplot involves Frasier showing slides of his ill-fated European vacation with Diane, and displaying his complete lack of success in getting over his breakup with her.

Cold open: Carla interviews the boy who is taking his daughter out on her first date, and it quickly turns into the Spanish Inquisition!

Norm’s opener: Sam: “How’s it going, Norm?” Norm: “It’s a dog eat dog world, Sam, and I’m wearing Milk Bone underwear.” (This may be his most famous opener.)


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