CHEERS: A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME (TV)
Summary
One in this comedy series about a group of regulars at a Boston bar. In this episode, Carla complains about her depressing life, seeking advice from the perpetually-sunny Woody. Woody attempts to write a newsletter about the bar's patrons, though soon discovers that there is little to report. Diane arrives and excitedly tells Sam that she found a house for them, though he points out that they agreed to live in his apartment for the time being. She assures him that it is perfect for them, however, then revealing that it is already theirs, as she impulsively put down a "small deposit" to avoid losing it to another couple. Sam is skeptical, but he is more impressed when he goes to visit the home, bringing along his beloved and horrible "dogs playing poker" painting. They explore the house together, making plans for personalizing the space, but then encounter the Millers, the house's elderly former residents, who sadly take one last look at the place, thinking back over their forty years of fond memories with their children and grandchildren. Sam ushers them out, still excited about the house, but Diane, feeling guilty, declares that she cannot live there after all.
Sam tries to convince her that they can make their own memories in the house and that all houses have "ghosts," but Diane says that it is still truly the Millers' home and that their presence is too strong. The others then arrive for a housewarming party, but leave abruptly upon discovering Diane's revised feeling. At the bar, Norm mentions an exciting celebrity encounter as Sam hurriedly attempts to sell the house for a profit, though Diane rejects a prospective buyer for being "bereft of soul" and not appreciating the house's emotional resonance. Sam grows frustrated, and Frasier suggests that they could throw a party and allow the Millers to have "one last Christmas" in the home, despite the fact that it is summer, and hopefully cause everyone to achieve closure. Diane likes the idea and soon the home is filled with the Miller children and grandchildren, with Sam very reluctantly playing Santa. The family exchanges presents and sings carols, and the elderly couple thanks them for opening "their" home, still expressing their sadness over leaving. In desperation, Diane proposes an annual Easter egg hunt, but Sam finally puts his foot down and says that it is now truly their home, and the Millers agree, moving the party to their new condo. Diane is surprised and impressed at Sam's decisiveness in "claiming" the home for her, and they decide to christen their new place in a romantic fashion. Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: NBC
- DATE: April 30, 1987 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:30:00
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:70525
- GENRE: Comedy
- SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy; Boston
- SERIES RUN: NBC - TV series, 1982-1993
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Glen Charles … Executive Producer, Created by
- Les Charles … Executive Producer, Created by
- James Burrows … Executive Producer, Created by, Director
- Peter Casey … Producer
- David Lee … Producer
- David Angell … Producer
- Tim Berry … Co-Producer
- Phoef Sutton … Writer
- Craig Safan … Music by
- Judy Hart Angelo … Theme Music by
- Gary Portnoy … Theme Music by
- Ted Danson … Cast, Sam Malone
- Shelley Long … Cast, Diane Chambers
- Rhea Perlman … Cast, Carla Tortelli
- John Ratzenberger … Cast, Cliff Clavin
- Woody Harrelson … Cast, Woody Boyd
- Kelsey Grammer … Cast, Frasier Crane
- George Wendt … Cast, Norm Peterson
- Billie Bird … Cast, Lillian Miller
- Douglas Seale … Cast, Bert Miller
- Stephanie Walski … Cast, Naomi
- Marc Smollin … Cast, David
- Stefanie Mason … Cast, Annie
- Lou Bonacki … Cast, Man
- Penny Krompier … Cast, Mom