Sam Turns the Other Cheek

Sam faces off against a jealous husband and ends up accidentally shot in the backside. He makes up a story that stretches the bounds of reality to the nth degree. But Diane realizes what happened and the tension builds. Silly, but entertaining offering.

This is an episode that could have fit nicely in Season One: It's a Sam & Diane episode that doesn't rely on their past or current relationships; it takes place entirely in the bar; it lets everyone have a funny moment; it's also damn good.

The basic plot is just slapstick combined with embarrassment - standard sitcom material. But Cheers has always done this stuff well. There's so much going on here: Sam's oddly principled horniness, the gang's hero worship of Sam, and Diane's obvious glee at having one over on Sam. Frasier isn't present, but even he gets a few vicarious moments due to Diane's cheeky (sorry!) puns.

This episode shows that the original Cheers concept can mesh easily with the changes of two seasons. And let's face it: the rear end is the only place one can get shot and have it always be funny.