Ep 2. Rebound (2)

In the second episode of the third season of Cheers, titled "Rebound (2)," the gang at Cheers is still reeling from Coach's recent retirement. However, that's not the only change in the air, as Diane is still trying to figure out where her relationship with Sam stands.

The episode begins with Diane and Sam discussing their kiss from the previous installment (titled "Rebound (1)"). After some hesitation, Sam admits that he enjoyed their smooch, but warns Diane that he's not ready for anything serious just yet. Diane tries to play it off coolly, but it's clear that she's extremely invested in the idea of a romantic relationship with Sam.

Meanwhile, Woody Boyd (who had just recently joined the cast) is still getting used to life in Boston. He complains to Sam about how expensive everything is, and how he's having trouble making ends meet. Sam, being the generous guy that he is, offers Woody a job as a bartender at Cheers. However, Woody proves to be an ineffective bartender, spilling drinks left and right and generally struggling to keep up with the fast pace of the bar.

Meanwhile, back at Diane's apartment, she's getting ready to go on a date with a man named Rick Walker. However, it's clear that her heart isn't in it; she tells Carla that she's only going on the date to make Sam jealous. Carla, being her usual blunt self, encourages Diane to cut the games and just tell Sam how she feels outright. However, Diane is too scared to make herself vulnerable like that.

Back at the bar, Woody's troubles as a bartender continue. He keeps spilling drinks on customers, including one particularly snooty patron who's visiting from out of town and is annoyed with everything at Cheers. The out-of-towner repeatedly complains about the state of the bar, but Sam (to Woody's surprise) tells him that the messiness and casual atmosphere is what makes Cheers so great. The out-of-towner eventually comes around, even confessing to Woody that he's feeling insecure about his age and place in life.

Meanwhile, Diane's date with Rick is not going well. She finds herself unable to connect with him, and it's clear that her heart isn't in it. Rick, sensing that something's off, confronts Diane and asks her if she's still in love with Sam. Diane is caught off guard and doesn't answer the question, instead storming out of the restaurant.

Back at Cheers, things are still chaotic. Woody's messing up drinks left and right, but he's at least getting more comfortable and confident. The out-of-towner who had previously been so snooty is now friendlier, and even shares a touching moment with Woody where he reveals that he's recently gotten divorced and is feeling insecure. The two share a moment of camaraderie, with Woody offering him some words of wisdom about how to move forward.

Finally, Diane returns to Cheers. She's clearly upset, and Sam asks her what's wrong. Diane confesses that she went on a date with Rick, but it didn't go well because she couldn't stop thinking about Sam. Sam is taken aback, but ultimately admits that he has feelings for Diane as well. The two share a kiss, as the rest of the bar cheers them on.

In the end, Woody's hiring as a bartender is still somewhat up in the air, but it's clear that he's making strides. Diane and Sam, meanwhile, are finally on the same page about their feelings for each other. The episode ends on a high note, with everyone in good spirits.