Ep 1. How to Recede in Business

In season 7 episode 1 of Cheers, entitled "How to Recede in Business," the gang at the bar is faced with yet another challenge. As the episode begins, Sam (Ted Danson) and Rebecca (Kirstie Alley) are dealing with the fact that the bar has been losing customers and profits steadily. Desperate for a solution, they turn to a management guru named Sumner Sloane (Tom Skerritt).

Sloane is known for his unconventional ideas, and he quickly earns the skepticism of the group. He suggests that they start catering to a different clientele: the elite and wealthy, who will be willing to pay top dollar for a sophisticated atmosphere and exclusive experiences. Sam and Rebecca are intrigued, but the rest of the gang is less than enthused.

As they begin to implement Sloane's ideas, chaos ensues. Woody (Woody Harrelson) is tasked with becoming the new "face" of Cheers, which means he has to dress and act like a high-class gentleman. Carla (Rhea Perlman) is outraged when she learns that her beloved pool table has been replaced with a fancy piano. Norm (George Wendt) struggles to fit in with the new crowd, and even Cliff (John Ratzenberger) finds himself feeling out of place.

Meanwhile, Sloane's methods put a strain on Sam and Rebecca's relationship. Rebecca is thrilled with the idea of expanding the bar's reach, but Sam worries that they are losing what made Cheers special in the first place. As tensions rise, the two must navigate their conflicting visions for the future of the bar.

Despite the challenges, Sloane's plan seems to be working at first. The bar is packed with wealthy, well-dressed patrons, and the profits are rolling in. But as the night wears on, the group realizes that their new clientele is not as easy to please as they thought. They demand expensive drinks and fancy appetizers, and they scoff at the bar's classic menu items and casual atmosphere.

In the end, Sam and Rebecca are forced to admit that Sloane's plan was a mistake. They decide to revert back to the old Cheers, complete with the pool table and the familiar faces. The gang is overjoyed to have their old hangout back, and the episode ends with them raising a glass to the bar's simple charm and loyal patrons.

Overall, "How to Recede in Business" is a classic episode of Cheers that showcases the group's unwavering loyalty to each other and to their beloved bar. It also provides a humorous commentary on the perils of trying to please everyone, and the importance of staying true to one's roots.