Airdate: 11/21/85
Norm’s wife, Vera, is taking
dance lessons, and Cliff comically warns his buddy that those slow dancing
lessons could lead to something more… intimate. Vera’s instructor’s wife,
Phyllis, enters Cheers to tell Norm that their respective spouses may indeed be
unfaithful, and the two agree to hire a private dick named Carbone to find out
for sure. While suspicions run rampant, Norm reassesses his marriage, and
through some soul searching discovers that he actually does love the ball and
chain. The feeling’s not mutual with Phyllis, who propositions Norm in the pool
room, ntent on having her own affair as revenge. Carbone arrives mid-smooch to
clear the air: despite considering it, Vera had decides not to cheat after all,
reaffirming the detective’s faith in fidelity, now destroyed again after seeing
a potential breach of marital vows right before his very eyes.
Not quite as good subplot
involves Sam being interviewed on the radio, mentioning Diane one of his
disinterested-in-baseball floozies, and having to apologize after she hits the
ceiling.
Good entry for several
reasons: we get to see Norm admit his love for his wife. Up until now she gets
to be the but of all his lame marriage jokes, but beneath all the wisecracks is
imbedded a deep, marital love that probably rings truer for most people than
most TV depictions of marriage. Also, note a great performance by Miriam Flynn,
character actress and veteran of umpteen sitcoms and movies, especially works
by John Hughes (probably best known as Cousin Catherine in the Vacation movies). Her scene with Norm at
the end is simply wonderful. And let’s not forget Ernie (Lion King) Sabella as Carbone and John Dryer back as Dave Richards
(or at least his voice).
Cold open: Two bullies ask
for their check, and when Woody reads the somewhat effeminate drinks they
ordered, Cliff laughs. He is quickly silences after their steely looks indicate
they’re not amused.
Norm’s opener: Sam: “What do
you say, Norm?” Norm: “I never met a beer I didn’t drink.”
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