Ep 24. The Big Kiss-Off

The popular American sitcom Cheers continues in its sixth season and episode 24 called "The Big Kiss-Off" is another landmark episode in the show's history. Cheers is set in a fictional bar in Boston where a group of lovable characters come together to share their laughs, loves, and lives with each other. The show is centered on Sam Malone (played by Ted Danson), a former baseball player and the owner of the bar, who is charming, witty and often loves flirting with his customers.

The episode starts with Sam's friend Diane Chambers (played by Shelley Long) returning to Boston after a long absence. Diane has always been a complicated character on the show, not always liked by the other characters but appreciated for her wit and intelligence. In this episode, things get interesting when Diane returns with a new man in tow, Dr. Frasier Crane (played by Kelsey Grammer), a psychiatrist who will go on to become one of the show's most beloved characters.

During the episode, the bar's regulars are having trouble accepting Diane's new beau, mainly because they are used to her unstable romantic history. Sam, in particular, is not happy about Dr. Crane's arrival and is determined to break them up. As the episode progresses, Sam comes up with a plan to convince Frasier that Diane is still in love with him and that he still has a chance with her.

The plan involves convincing Diane to take part in a "kiss-off" between her and Frasier, during which they will both kiss Sam and whoever kisses him better will win the challenge. Sam, of course, has ulterior motives in setting up this competition, hoping to prove to Frasier that Diane still has feelings for him. The challenge takes place in the bar, and the ensuing hilarity is what makes Cheers such a beloved television show.

"The Big Kiss-Off" is a classic episode of Cheers and perfectly encapsulates everything that makes the show so memorable. The writing is clever, the humor is on point, and the performances from the entire cast are exceptional. The episode builds on the complicated relationship between Sam and Diane, with a new character, Dr. Frasier Crane, thrown into the mix to stir things up further. It offers a glimpse into the early days of the show before Frasier became a main character in his own right.

One of the notable aspects of the episode is the way it highlights the show's knack for adult humor, particularly regarding the kiss-off competition. The premise of the competition is ridiculous, but the way the characters approach it is what makes it unforgettable. The episode also showcases the fantastic dynamic between Ted Danson and Shelley Long, both of whom give fantastic performances throughout the show's run.

Ultimately, "The Big Kiss-Off" is a quintessential episode of Cheers and a must-watch for any fan of the show. It embodies the spirit of the series and is a fantastic representation of the clever writing, great humor, and memorable characters that make Cheers one of the most beloved shows of all time. If you are in the mood for a good laugh and want to revisit some classic television, then be sure to check out this episode and immerse yourself in the world of Cheers once again.