Ep 15. My Son, the Father

Season 10 episode 15 of Cheers is titled "My Son, the Father" and serves as a heart-warming exploration of parenthood and the bonds that tie families together. Throughout the episode, viewers follow the hilarious and heart-warming antics of the Cheers crew as they help Sam (Ted Danson) deal with the news that his son, whom he hasn't seen since he was a baby, is coming to visit him for the first time as an adult.

As the episode kicks off, Sam is understandably nervous about the idea of reconnecting with his son, whom he fathered during a brief fling with an old girlfriend. However, his nerves quickly turn to excitement when his son (played by Rob Neukirch) arrives at the bar and the two begin to catch up.

Despite the initial awkwardness between father and son, it quickly becomes clear that the two share plenty in common, from sports to their love lives. As they begin bonding over drinks and swapping stories, Sam grows increasingly proud of the kind, intelligent, and handsome young man his son has become.

At the same time, the rest of the Cheers gang is getting in on the father-son action. Carla (Rhea Perlman) takes Sam's son under her wing, imparting some words of wisdom about being a good parent, while Norm (George Wendt) and Cliff (John Ratzenberger) wax poetic about their own experiences with fatherhood.

While the episode is primarily focused on Sam and his son, there are plenty of subplots to keep things interesting. For example, Rebecca (Kirstie Alley) is dealing with a crisis of her own as her ex-husband comes back into town and tries to win her back, leading to some jealousy and romantic tension between her and Sam. Meanwhile, Woody (Woody Harrelson) is dealing with his own parental drama as his father (played by Woody's real-life father, Charles Harrelson) shows up unexpectedly and causes a ruckus.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that the theme of parenthood is running deep throughout the show. Through Sam's experience with his own son, we see him grappling with the sacrifices and responsibilities that come with being a parent. Meanwhile, the other characters are also dealing with their own issues related to family, whether it's Rebecca trying to reconcile with her ex or Woody struggling to maintain a relationship with his estranged father.

Overall, "My Son, the Father" is a standout episode of Cheers that showcases the show's trademark blend of humor, heart, and relatable characters. With its strong focus on fatherhood and family, it's a poignant reminder that even the most rough-and-tumble of bartenders can have a soft heart when it comes to their loved ones.