Cheers has done dream sequences before, but this is the first time dreams have fuelled an entire episode. Tropes like dreams-within-dreams and "It Was All A Dream... Or Was It?" can devolve into cliche, but here they work well.
Diane is upset by Andy Andy's release from prison, and sure enough he shows up with his new girlfriend, Cynthia* in tow. He has created a twisted narrative to impress her, and to Diane's dismay the rest of the bar goes along with it.
This is a funny, creepy episode perfect for Halloween, and while Cheers went back to the holiday a few more times it's a shame they didn't make it an annual tradition. What's really interesting is how the episode provides a window into Diane's psyche. We see Sam, Frasier and the rest of the gang through Diane's eyes, and it's clear that she is still stuck on her Magnificent Pagan Beast. The ending takes this into a whole new territory, landing on a perfect punchline.
*Cynthia is played by future Simpsons star Nancy Cartwright, making this an early meeting between the voices of Bart Simpson and Sideshow Bob. It's a fun bit of trivia, but sadly the future nemeses don't really interact much here.
Diane is upset by Andy Andy's release from prison, and sure enough he shows up with his new girlfriend, Cynthia* in tow. He has created a twisted narrative to impress her, and to Diane's dismay the rest of the bar goes along with it.
This is a funny, creepy episode perfect for Halloween, and while Cheers went back to the holiday a few more times it's a shame they didn't make it an annual tradition. What's really interesting is how the episode provides a window into Diane's psyche. We see Sam, Frasier and the rest of the gang through Diane's eyes, and it's clear that she is still stuck on her Magnificent Pagan Beast. The ending takes this into a whole new territory, landing on a perfect punchline.
*Cynthia is played by future Simpsons star Nancy Cartwright, making this an early meeting between the voices of Bart Simpson and Sideshow Bob. It's a fun bit of trivia, but sadly the future nemeses don't really interact much here.