Ep 15. Finally! (1)
- TVPG
- January 25, 1990
- 24 min
-
7.8 (420)
On Cheers season 8 episode 15, titled "Finally! (1)," the gang at Cheers is abuzz with excitement as one of their own, Woody Boyd (portrayed by Woody Harrelson), is finally about to marry his long-time love, Kelly Gaines (portrayed by Jackie Swanson). Of course, the occasion is far from straightforward, as Woody's soon-to-be in-laws are none other than Boston's top socialites, who strongly disapprove of their daughter marrying a simple barkeep.
As the episode opens, Kelly's parents, Dick (portrayed by James Karen) and Lillian (portrayed by Frances Sternhagen), have just arrived at Cheers, throwing the normally unruffled Woody into a tizzy. The Gaineses are clearly not impressed with Woody's humble abode, and the ever-present barflies, Norm (portrayed by George Wendt) and Cliff (portrayed by John Ratzenberger), compound the situation with a series of awkward jokes and gaffes.
Despite the mixed reception, Woody is determined to make a good impression on his future in-laws, to the point where he enlists the entire bar staff to help him hide any evidence of Cheers' chequered past. Sam (portrayed by Ted Danson), the bar's owner and resident ladies' man, is sceptical of Woody's plan, aware that it's virtually impossible to hide the debauchery that has gone on in that bar over the years. However, he's willing to lend a hand, along with the rest of the gang, if only to help Woody finally tie the knot.
As the day of the wedding approaches, Woody's nerves are stretched ever thinner, not helped by the presence of Kelly's ex-boyfriend, Kevin (portrayed by Robert Desiderio), who still carries a torch for her. Meanwhile, Lillian is determined to scrub Cheers clean of any hint of scandal, even going so far as to rearrange the bar's furniture to look less pub-like. It's clear that Woody and Kelly's plan for a simple, homey wedding is fast spiralling out of control.
The first part of "Finally!" sets the stage for what promises to be a raucous and hilarious wedding episode. With Woody's wedding only hours away, tensions mount as the Gaineses' disapproval sabotages every step of the planning process. However, the ever-loyal staff at Cheers refuse to let their friend's wedding be derailed by snobbish in-laws and outdated notions of social hierarchy.
Overall, "Finally! (1)" sets the scene for what is sure to be a classic Cheers wedding episode. Full of hilarious pratfalls, awkward social interactions and warm camaraderie, this episode is a testament to the show's enduring popularity and ability to create memorable and endearing characters. Fans of the show will love seeing Woody finally get his happy ending, while newcomers will appreciate the show's trademark blend of humour, heart and wit.