Christmas Cheers, a Tale of Two Episodes

"Cheers" was the iconic show of 1980s (and early 1990s). Set in a bar where everybody knows your name, the show featured the patrons and workers of the bar and how they became one another's second family. Its stellar cast included Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Kirstie Alley, Woody Harrelson, Nicholas Colasanto, Kelsey Grammer and Bebe Neuwirth.

The Halloween competition with the neighborhood bar was classic, but there were also a couple of great Christmas episodes of the series. One aired in 1982, and the other aired in 1987. There were some quite noticeable cast changes between episodes.

"The Spy Who Came in for a Cold One" was the first "Cheers" Christmas episode, and it was a part of the first season. Shelley Long and Nicholas Colasanto star in this episode alongside the cast members who would stay on the show long-term (Ted Danson, George Wendt, John Ratzenberger and Rhea Perlman).

An insider reference is featured in this episode. The "Cheers" bar is based on the original Bull and Finch Pub in Boston, Massachusetts. It still exists and owns licensing rights to "Cheers" merchandise. The deceptive guest character in this episode is named Ellis Finch after the Bull and Finch Pub.

Although Christmas is not made a focal point of the episode, the bar decor and Diane's holiday pin and green outfit refer to the merry time of year. The storyline is pretty simple. A man who calls himself to be a spy ends up being a whole different kind of deceptive. Diane, eager to correct those who lie or are mistaken, catches the man, and she unravels a web that she herself gets caught within. Sam and Diane fans are quick to note their chemistry and subtle flirtation throughout this episode, especially in how it ends with Sam mentioning the word love.

"Christmas Cheers" is the more simply titled Christmas episode that aired in 1987. Much had changed in the cast at this point. The beloved Nicholas Colasanto, who played Coach, had passed away earlier in the series. Shelley Long had departed from the show by choice the previous season. Additions to the cast included Kirstie Alley (as the stunning Rebecca), Woody Harrelson (who played Woody Boyd on the show), Kelsey Grammer (who would play his character of Frasier for about 20 years, including his spin-off show) and Bebe Neuwirth (the unforgettable Lilith).

"Christmas Cheers" is a more obvious Christmas episode. The teaser before the opening credits features the gang watching the irresistible Christmas classic, "It's a Wonderful Life." Not even the rough and tough Carla is immune to its charms.

"Oh, Rebecca didn't get her Christmas goose," teases Sam to Rebecca after her failed results at the company Christmas party. Sam is then bummed that they're working Christmas Eve. When Rebecca debunks it as a holiday, Sam says, "It's a holiday eve." No sympathy there. He then tries to get his workers to come together in protest.

"Sweetheart, don't you want to be home with your family?" Sam asks Carla. She quips back, "Would you?"

Overall, both episodes are fantastic and feature some of the best comedic actors of all time. I think Shelley Long and Kirstie Alley were both amazing as their respective characters, and the storylines of both shows end up being surprisingly heartwarming. Luckily, they are often aired together at Christmas when stations show the classics.

Sources cited:
Viewing of two original "Cheers episodes: "The Spy Who Came in for a Cold One"

http://www.tv.com/cheers/the-spy-who-came-in-for-a-cold-one/episode/6464/summary.html