Ep 21. Fear is My Co-Pilot

Fear is My Co-Pilot is the twenty-first episode of the fourth season of Cheers, a popular American sitcom. The episode was originally aired on March 20, 1986, and was directed by James Burrows and written by Ken Levine and David Isaacs.

The story revolves around the characters of Sam, Diane, Carla, Cliff, and Norm, who are loyal patrons of the titular bar, Cheers. The episode begins with the arrival of a new client, Victor, a successful venture capitalist, who instantly takes a liking to Diane. Sam, who has an unrequited love for Diane, is envious of Victor and tries to sabotage their budding relationship.

Meanwhile, Carla, who is usually outspoken and confident, suddenly experiences a crippling fear of flying. Her anxiety is exacerbated when she learns that she has to take a flight to Italy to attend her Aunt Maria's wedding. Norm advises her to drink alcohol to calm her nerves, but her fear is so intense that she ends up hallucinating on the plane.

At the same time, Cliff is grappling with his own set of fears. He is scared to attend his high school reunion, where he believes he will be ridiculed and ostracized for being a mailman. Norm tries to reassure Cliff, but his efforts are in vain.

As the episode progresses, both Carla and Cliff learn to confront their fears and overcome them. Carla gets support from the passengers on the plane, who reassure her that flying is statistically safe, and she manages to make it to Italy successfully. Meanwhile, Cliff attends his reunion and is pleasantly surprised by the warm reception he receives from his former classmates, who respect him for his job.

The highlight of the episode is the hilarious subplot involving Norm's attempts to coach Cliff on how to impress his ex-girlfriend at the reunion. Cliff, who is hopeless with women, takes Norm's advice to heart and dresses up in an outrageous outfit that makes him the laughing stock of the party.

Overall, Fear is My Co-Pilot is a classic episode of Cheers, which showcases the show's trademark mix of humor, wit, and heart. The theme of fear and how it can be overcome is a relatable one, and the characters' individual journeys are portrayed with sensitivity and humor. The chemistry between the cast members is excellent, and the episode's well-written script ensures that the laughs keep coming. Cheers fans are sure to enjoy this episode, which is a testament to the show's enduring legacy.