Someday My Prince Will Come

A stranger leaves his coat in the bar. Ever the romantic, Diane conjures up an image of the owner from the lining of his jacket and the scent of his pipe tobacco. When they finally meet, he's not exactly what Diane hoped for.

Stuart is charming, cultured, and funny - he's also what could be delicately described as "not conventionally attractive." Diane goes along with the date, partly to prove to Sam and the rest of the bar that she cares about more than looks.

This is another stealth Sam and Diane episode, with Sam lording it over Diane that she's just as shallow as she is. The episode works because Stuart really does seem like a decent guy - smart, clever, and self effacing about his pretentiousness. He's not a stock geek character; in fact except for his looks he's Diane's perfect match.

This is a smart, funny episode that never leaves the bar - a formula that will work for most of the best episodes of this season. But really, at its core it's all about Sam and Diane.