User Reviews

Any episode of Cheers that features an extended scene between Frasier and Cliff is just fine by me. I have a theory that every TV show starts with its main characters and- if successful- develops a character along the way that is completely original to the show, and becomes a symbol of said show's sensibility and humor. For example, if you're a "Taxi" fan, you know that the character of Reverend Jim wasn't part of the original cast, but when he appeared as a guest star the writers loved him so much they brought him back as a lead, and he became the fan favorite. When "The Simpsons" started Bart was the star of the show and Homer a fairly flat supporting character. As time went on Homer developed into the lead and the face of the franchise. "Seinfeld" was started to give Jerry his own sitcom, and while Kramer was always hilarious it was George Costanza that became the one-of-a-kind character that embodied the show's personality.

It was the same on "Cheers," except the show was so successful and so well-written there were actually TWO characters to emerge as originals: Frasier and Cliff. Their scenes together are some of the best in the series, and when they meet in the hospital after Cliff's surgery there is a reality in the sad conversation: Cliff isn't liked. He attempts electro-shock therapy to cure him of his personality defects, and while the resulting sight gags of Cliff being shocked are a little goofy, this is a very good episode all around. The subplots this week are funny, as Rebecca's obituary is printed accidentally and Sam teaches Lilith how to drive. (I said they were funny, not realistic.)

There is a sadness to the Cliff character: on some level he is aware of the way people perceive him and yet he is helpless to change... even though he tries. It's somewhere around this point in the series' run that Carla's insults toward him get downright cruel and not funny in the least. Suggesting someone kill themselves is not my idea of witty repartee.

GRADE: B+

Cliff has to go to the hospital for his appendix and shows that he hopes he will get visitors. But everyone somehow forgets it and doesn't go. Just Frasier is sent with a card but Cliff is now upset that he is not popular among the gang and wants to become a better person by using shock therapy.

A great episode that makes fun of Cliff's characteristics that make him such an outstanding part of the show. All those shock moments are fun. Ad really, I doubt they don't love him. He is nicer than Carla and everyone went to the hospital when she was there.

The second story is also great. It is about Lilith and Frasier going on a road trip and Lilith learning to drive. The terrified Sam who taught her and his descriptions of Lilith on the road were awesome.