Airdate: 5/15/86
Diane returns to talk to Sam,
but gets trapped in his office when he and Janet enter, and winds up eavesdropping
– again – this time on their conversation about commitment. Janet, mainly for
political reasons, wants Sam to think about marriage, and is concerned the
issue will come up at the next press conference. It does: from Diane. She
broaches the topic with a pointed inquiry: Sam tries to field it but winds up
looking like a buffoon, and worsens it with childish face-making to boot. Janet
is appalled, and breaks up with Sam on the grounds that he’s not willing to
sacrifice for her career. Forlorn, he ruminates on the status of his prolific
but empty love life. He picks up the phone and proposes marriage… to???
Boy these Cheers scribes really know how to sculpt
a cliffhanger. Just like the previous season finale, this one builds like
dominoes to an uncertain outcome, melding the soap opera and sitcoms genres both
artfully and effectively. Mulgrew continues her sensational supporting role as
part mother superior, part smoldering siren, all woman – and most effective cog
in the wheels of Malone’s machismo. Well, as I mentioned, last season was
Diane’s play, now it’s Sam’s turn. And the World
turns.
Subplot resolution somewhat
funny: Norm invites Cliff to meet his oversexed sister-in-law, and Cliff thinks
he’s delusional; after all, Donna is clearly coming on to… himself!
Cold open: Woody recaps the
last two episodes via his taped message to his folks. He forgets to record,
instead playing back some kind of instructional lesson. Whoops!
Norm’s opener: Woody: “How you feeling today, Mr. Peterson?” Norm: “Poor.” Woody: “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.” Norm: “No, I mean ‘pour!’””
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