I Do, Adieu

Once again, Sam has the last word, but this time it hits differently. We finally say goodbye to Diane, and with her the first volume of Cheers closes.

Fittingly, Diane is ushered out by the man who first brought her to Cheers. The inimitable Sumner Sloan returns and once again tries to take Diane away from Cheers. This time, however, it's professional, not personal: he has a publishing offer for Diane.

What's clever here is that while the episode hinges on Diane's decision, it's ultimately Sam who sees the writing on the wall. It hurts him to do so, but he knows what Diane really wants, even if she doesn't realize it.

As always there are funny moments: Carla tricking Sam into getting all "squooshy" over Diane; Cliff and Norm remaining Cliff and Norm even in the future; and of course the moment when Sumner and Frasier finally meet, like Mothra and Godzilla.

It's hard to keep a dry eye during the final wordless scene, not just because of Sam and Diane but because it's the end of an era. For better or worse (for this reviewer it's obvious which) the show will never be the same.