And Coachie Makes Three

Ernie Pantusso is a man of simple pleasures. He loves nothing more than watching a ball game or movie (MITCHUM!) with his buddies. As well, except for an occasional loss of temper he doesn't have a malicious bone in his body. This makes him an ideal friend, but a lousy wingman.

Sam and Diane are getting into a serious phase of their relationship, but Coach keeps finding reasons to butt in. It's another Sitcom 101 plot, but as with everything else the Cheers crew does it so damn well.

The show kicks off with a bizarre cold opening involving Norm and Cliff that continues into the episode proper. Then there's the Abbott-and-Costello inspired interplay when Coach knocks on Sam's door. The funniest bit is when the whole bar tries to figure out the name of Coach's crush at the bank DIANE: *that's* my friend). Norm declining to enter the bar until Sam and Diane shout "NORM" ("Norman"). Sam and Diane trying to deflect blame/credit for fixing Coach up with Katherine. This could have been a rote episode, but instead it's an all timer.