What is it about this sitcom, set in a bar, that spells so much spirituality? “You’re a magnificent pagan beast” chides Diane when she first witnesses Sam Malone’s adolescence in its full glory—like a teenager so excited about his youth and ability to chase after skirts.
What is it about a ex-ballplayer who has fully recovered from his alcoholism and now lives the form and function of bartender? What is it so romantic about this ballplayer, Sam Malone, triumphantly played by Ted Danson, falling in love with Diane, played none other than the irreplaceable Shelley Long?
The chemistry is apparent between the two actors. The wit that flares between a college graduate, Diane, (as of the time period, the undergraduate college degree held the esteem of a Master’s degree), and Sam is astounding and reminds everyone that due to the scale of writing and expert production value, what you witness in Cheers is the inheritance of the theatre.
