Snow Job

Diane finds out that Sam always goes to Vermont this time of year to ski with his buddies. Of course, he lies to her, saying he is attending a funeral. But someone already told her about the ski trip, so she is able to manipulate the situation and drive him crazy. The episode had few sparks for me. A subplot concerning Cliff and Norm doesn't quite do it either.

This episode features not one but two relationships in trouble: Sam and Diane and Norm and Cliff. The former is threatened by Sam going off on a ski weekend, while the latter is threatened by Norm's new friend George.

This is yet another S&D episode which will have long lasting effects on their relationship, but the central conceit is pretty funny. Whenever Sam tries to deceive someone, it's soon clear he's really bad at it, and this is no exception. The interplay between the two is Season One quality, and both lovers get in a few choice lines (the best one: Diane's "what tone is that, Sam?"). The timing of Sam's multiple returns is also great.

The B plot isn't that much, but it shows that Norm and Cliff are fated to be friends forever. George has Norm's lazy attitude (and Bruins tickets!), but Cliff is Norm's real pal, whether Norm likes it or not.

There's a third gag plot involving Coach's attempt to beat his record for fewest broken glasses in a month. Once again, the show proves Less Is More by not showing the bed of feathers Coach uses to cushion the glasses, or the slip on the banana peel that ends his quest.