Ep 18. Crash of the Titans

In the penultimate episode of Cheers' ninth season, "Crash of the Titans," tensions between bartender Woody (Woody Harrelson) and salty know-it-all Cliff (John Ratzenberger) come to a head. The two friends find themselves squaring off in a game of "Jeopardy!" on a local radio station, with Cliff's questionable sports knowledge pitted against Woody's unexpected expertise in literature and science fiction.

Meanwhile, lovable barfly Norm (George Wendt) is suffering from a mid-life crisis when he suddenly realizes he's never achieved his dream of owning a sports car. With the encouragement of his equally-unsatisfied buddies, Norm decides to take the plunge and buy himself a flashy new ride, despite the fact that he can barely afford it.

As the night wears on, the atmosphere at Cheers becomes increasingly charged, with everyone on edge over the outcome of the competitive trivia game and Norm's impulsive purchase. The tension finally comes to a head when Cliff accuses Woody of cheating, leading to a brutal verbal brawl that threatens to end their friendship for good.

With its classic mix of lighthearted humor and surprisingly intense drama, "Crash of the Titans" is a fitting example of Cheers' enduring appeal. As the beloved sitcom prepares to wrap up its ninth and final season, this episode reminds viewers why they fell in love with the show in the first place: its relatable characters, laugh-out-loud hijinks, and heartfelt moments of real emotion.