Ep 16. Is There a Doctor in the Howe?

In Cheers season 11 episode 16 titled "Is There a Doctor in the Howe?", the gang at Cheers is shocked when Carla's husband Eddie LeBec, a Boston Bruins goalie, dies in a freak accident involving a zamboni. As a result, the episode deals with the aftermath of Eddie's death and how it affects those closest to him.

Carla is understandably devastated by the loss of her husband, and the episode focuses heavily on her grieving process. The rest of the gang tries to be supportive in their own way, but it becomes clear that everyone is struggling to find the right words to comfort her. Sam even goes so far as to make a crude joke in an attempt to lighten the mood, but it falls flat and only makes Carla more upset.

Meanwhile, Woody's girlfriend Kelly is having a medical emergency, and the gang tries to help her out as well. They call in a doctor who happens to be at the bar, but he turns out to be a quack who only makes things worse. This leads to some comedic moments as the gang attempts to remedy the situation themselves.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Eddie's death is bringing up some unresolved emotions for Carla. She starts to question whether or not she ever truly loved him, and whether or not she wasted her life by getting married at a young age. Her friends try to reassure her that she did love Eddie and that she shouldn't be so hard on herself, but it's clear that Carla is struggling to come to terms with her loss.

The episode ends on a somber note as Carla says goodbye to Eddie's jersey, which has been hung up in the bar in his honor. It's a poignant moment that reminds the audience that even in a lighthearted sitcom like Cheers, serious issues like death can still be tackled in a respectful and meaningful way.

Overall, "Is There a Doctor in the Howe?" is a touching episode that deals with themes of grief and loss in a mature and thoughtful way. While there are some comedic moments, the episode never veers too far into slapstick territory, instead focusing on the emotional fallout of Eddie's unexpected death. It's a fitting tribute to a beloved character who will be missed by both the characters on the show and the audience at home.