The Sam in the Grey Flannel Suit (3 Mar. 1988)

Rebecca is upset that Evan Drake has promoted Sam to an executive position at corporate, the position of Eastern Regional Sales Manager to be more precise. Rebecca thinks something is fishy... See full summary »

Director:

Tim Berry

Writers:

Glen Charles (creator), Les Charles (creator),

Stars:

Ted Danson, Kirstie Alley, Rhea Perlman

Cast

Episode cast overview:
Ted Danson	...	Sam Malone
Kirstie Alley	...	Rebecca Howe
Rhea Perlman	...	Carla LeBec
John Ratzenberger	...	Cliff Clavin
Woody Harrelson	...	Woody Boyd
Kelsey Grammer	...	Dr. Frasier Crane
George Wendt	...	Norm Peterson
Tom Skerritt	...	Evan Drake
Pamela Bowen	...	Mimi
Vincent Howard	...	Heppel
George Shannon	...	Burns

Storyline

Rebecca is upset that Evan Drake has promoted Sam to an executive position at corporate, the position of Eastern Regional Sales Manager to be more precise. Rebecca thinks something is fishy about the promotion. Despite having nothing to do even after asking Drake about his job responsibilities, Sam is oblivious to any ulterior motives for his promotion. Even after playing in the corporate league's first playoff game for the company, Sam is still oblivious but Rebecca catches on: Sam is the company's softball ringer, and once the playoffs are over, Sam will be let go from his executive position. Rebecca relishes the opportunity to rub Sam's smug nose in it, but a story by Sam make may her change her mind in telling him. Regardless, Sam uses any opportunity to reach his ultimate goal with Rebecca.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 March 1988 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Stage 25, Paramount Studios - 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Charles/Burrows/Charles Productions, Paramount Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

[Sam has just returned from lunch with Evan Drake]
Rebecca Howe: You scum sucking, power hungry, back biting creep. You stole my job.
Sam Malone: Naw, come on, that's not true. But I will bite your back for you if you want.
Rebecca Howe: Oh, well, then what were you talking to Evan about?
Sam Malone: He just offered me an executive position down at corporate.
Rebecca Howe: You scum sucking, power hungry, back biting creep.
Rebecca Howe: [to Evan Drake as he walks by] Hi Mr. Drake, I was just congratulating Sam.

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Connections

References The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit (1956)

User Reviews

Sam Goes Corporate

This is a fun and easy episode in the heart of the transitional sixth season. The writers were capitalizing on the bar's corporate ownership storyline and the yuppie craze of the 80's by having Sam take an executive position. He soon discovers that the real reason he's been hired is to play on the company softball team and returns to work at Cheers. Can he really be that stupid to believe he's successful when he does nothing all day but listen to the laughing box? It's best not to ask too many questions.

Cliff uses the line, "not for all the bridges in Bridgeport," which is a reference to actor John Ratzenberger's actual hometown of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Rebecca is rapidly becoming the neurotic whack-job that she would be for the rest of the series' run.

CLASSIC LINE: "Okay, I admit it: I'm not a sad guy... I'm a happy, horny guy"

GRADE: B+