by Hal Erickson
synopsis
Telecast in late October 1988, the long-awaited, eighth-season opener of Cheers finds Rebecca (Kirstie Alley) losing her job as manager of Cheers after the departure of the estimable Evan Drake. Even more humiliating for Rebecca is the decision by Drake's successor to appoint Sam (Ted Danson) in her place. Still hoping to score with the icy Rebecca, Sam offers to get her old job back -- for a certain, um, consideration.