The Diane years vs. the Rebecca years - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

dlemond · 08-13-2002, 03:07 PM

I've always loved Cheers, but now as I watch reruns alternately with the Diane and Rebecca years I find that the Diane years are far superior.

The writing, the chemistry, the characterization.

I think Sam became an idiot, they changed his character, when Rebecca arrived. He basically begged her and followed her around, very different than the ladies man we saw before she arrived.

And it was just more fun because Sam and Diane both loved each other but at the same time drove each other nuts. And the supporting cast got to play off that great scenario as well.

Rebecca was just there to be chased by Sam and whine over her life and endlessly look for a sugar daddy.

Pretty boring when the episodes concentrated on Sam and Rebecca.

The supporting cast saved Cheers after Diane left, in my opinion.

dlemond · 08-13-2002, 04:56 PM

So does anyone have an opinion on this?

Which years did you like better and why?

Central Perk · 08-13-2002, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dlemond
So does anyone have an opinion on this?

Which years did you like better and why?

I think the supporting cast was better in the Rebecca years and I didn't mind Rebecca being whiny and neurotic that much...Sam did care a lot more about his hair in the later years.

Cheerschick47 · 08-13-2002, 06:44 PM

i love his hair jokes tho lol..like when the gang figures out he has hair insurance

-*Forever*- · 08-13-2002, 07:30 PM

I like the Rebecca years better, Diane was far too annoying and Lilith wasn't in the Diane years (or was she? I dunno, that's just what I thought -shrug-). Anyways, I like Rebecca better.

Veggie Boyd 5556792 · 08-13-2002, 08:02 PM

Yes Lilith was around at the end of the Diane years, but is far better represented in the Rebecca Years.

I enjoy the Rebecca Years more, because of the expanded importance of the great supporting cast. I found the Diane years to be too much just Sam and Diane, and Diane at times can be a brilliant character, but at other times can just be annoying.

flutterby01 · 08-13-2002, 10:09 PM

I only started watching Cheers reruns on a regular basis within the past year, and based on what I've seen so far, I think the Diane years are much better! I agree that the supporting cast saved the show after Diane left!

--------------

JOEY: Ok, buddy boy, here it is: you hide my clothes, I'm wearing everything you own!
CHANDLER: OH MY GOD! That is so not the opposite of taking somebody's underwear!
JOEY: Look at me, I'm Chandler! Could I BE wearing any more clothes?

tigeress · 08-14-2002, 03:49 PM

I think the Rebecca years are funnier, and Lilith and Frasier are in them more, but I've only seen around 20 episodes.

DJM77 · 08-15-2002, 05:39 PM

I like the Rebecca years better. The Rebecca years are much funnier in my opinion.

Brian Damage · 08-15-2002, 06:52 PM

The Diane years were soooo much better as far as I'm concerned. Rebecca was good, but their was that great chemistry between Sam and Diane.

¤Graced¤ · 08-15-2002, 07:01 PM

As far as I am concerned, The Diane years, were way better.
During the Rebecca years, the writing was not fresh and they recycled many of the gags over again. With Rebecca.

Lets face it, Sam was lonely without diane so the writers chose to havehim latch on to Becca. At first his come ons to her were hilarious, then after the seventh season. They were just recycled again duds.

With Rebeccathere wasno such thing as intelligent conversation inthe bar.

I think my point is made.

CheersGang3 · 08-15-2002, 08:52 PM

i'm gunna hava say the becs years were farrrr better

BrassyBebeBabe · 08-15-2002, 09:15 PM

I like both time periods. I like the chemistry between Sam and Diane in the Diane years. I thought it was entertaining and kept everyone on their toes. I also like the Rebecca years because I think that Kirstie had some really funny moments. Also, as previously stated, there were better Frasier/Lilith episodes then. I think in the Diane years the show was consumed so much by the Sam and Diane characters, where as in the Rebecca years, it was more of a group effort. Everyone had their moments.

Dr. Lilith Sternin · 08-16-2002, 12:57 AM

The Sam/Diane relationship definitely over shadowed the supporting cast. Once Diane left, the rest were given the chance to shine. I don't think I have to state that Frasier and Lilith were my favorites, therefore, the Rebecca years are in my favor. That's not saying I don't enjoy the Diane years. In fact, I wish there had been more eps of Diane and Lilith interacting. They worked well together and it was interesting to watch. Abnormal Psychology and Dinner at Eightish, I'm referring to.

Anyway, I think both eras were wonderful ones. I enjoyed watching the historic romance of Sam and Diane, but at the same time, I preferred when it turned into the ensemble show what made the show what people think of today. Let's face it, the Rebecca years made Cheers classic. There was a character for everyone to relate to in that era of Cheers. Everyone was given their fair share, and everyone had their moment to shine, and every fan had their character to cling to. In the Diane years, you couldn't connect to the supporting cast, because they were basically only there to push the Sam and Diane relationship along. They were merely still figures in the world that was Sam and Diane.... later they grew into their characters and became more appealing, IMO. Frasier especially. I hate how he was the sap, always wallowing in self pity over what Diane did to him. Once Lilith came around, he was given the opportunity to grow into the wonderful character he's become. And the same goes for the rest of the characters as far as I'm concerned.

And that's my take on the topic. Both great eras of eps, just depends on whether you watch the show mainly for Sam and Diane or for the cast as an ensemble.

dlemond · 08-16-2002, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dr. Lilith Sternin
The Sam/Diane relationship definitely over shadowed the supporting cast. Once Diane left, the rest were given the chance to shine. I don't think I have to state that Frasier and Lilith were my favorites, therefore, the Rebecca years are in my favor. That's not saying I don't enjoy the Diane years. In fact, I wish there had been more eps of Diane and Lilith interacting. They worked well together and it was interesting to watch. Abnormal Psychology and Dinner at Eightish, I'm referring to.

Anyway, I think both eras were wonderful ones. I enjoyed watching the historic romance of Sam and Diane, but at the same time, I preferred when it turned into the ensemble show what made the show what people think of today. Let's face it, the Rebecca years made Cheers classic. There was a character for everyone to relate to in that era of Cheers. Everyone was given their fair share, and everyone had their moment to shine, and every fan had their character to cling to. In the Diane years, you couldn't connect to the supporting cast, because they were basically only there to push the Sam and Diane relationship along. They were merely still figures in the world that was Sam and Diane.... later they grew into their characters and became more appealing, IMO. Frasier especially. I hate how he was the sap, always wallowing in self pity over what Diane did to him. Once Lilith came around, he was given the opportunity to grow into the wonderful character he's become. And the same goes for the rest of the characters as far as I'm concerned.

And that's my take on the topic. Both great eras of eps, just depends on whether you watch the show mainly for Sam and Diane or for the cast as an ensemble.

You are absoultely correct with your evaluation. The supporting cast was called up to fill in for the void created by the absence of the Sam/Diane conflict. And I think the stories that revolve around the supporting cast are better and more prevelant at that point. But the Sam and Rebecca thing, it was never any good. Funny at points for sure, but ultimately pathetic for how they made Sam become a wuss pining for a failed golddigger.

08-13-2002, 03:07 PM	#1
dlemond Hey, I know you. Moderator Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 03, 2001 Location: New Jersey Posts: 6,751	The Diane years vs. the Rebecca years I've always loved Cheers, but now as I watch reruns alternately with the Diane and Rebecca years I find that the Diane years are far superior. The writing, the chemistry, the characterization. I think Sam became an idiot, they changed his character, when Rebecca arrived. He basically begged her and followed her around, very different than the ladies man we saw before she arrived. And it was just more fun because Sam and Diane both loved each other but at the same time drove each other nuts. And the supporting cast got to play off that great scenario as well. Rebecca was just there to be chased by Sam and whine over her life and endlessly look for a sugar daddy. Pretty boring when the episodes concentrated on Sam and Rebecca. The supporting cast saved Cheers after Diane left, in my opinion.

08-13-2002, 06:44 PM	#4
Cheerschick47 Cheers Fanaroo Occasional Poster Join Date: Aug 04, 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 81	i love his hair jokes tho lol..like when the gang figures out he has hair insurance
	__________________ <font size=1><font face=verdana><font color=red><center> <CENTER> http://www.toucan-design.co.uk/sla/cheers/c275_10x.jpg <font size=2><font color=blue> The End Isn't Always Bad <font color=purple> "I, Diane Chambers, born to walk with kings, once offered a full scholarship to the Sorbon, have allowed myself to be attracted to a 6'3" bubblegum card." Cop:Shutup! (keeps talking) Becker:Are you done yet? Cop:Yes. Becker:Theres 2 guys with scrapply hair loading tvs into their car. Cops:Thats our guys! Becker:See! You shouldnt tell me to shut up! Frasier: It was one night of passion! Take from it what you can learn, and move on! Niles: Well, I learned, if you kiss her too fast you get an ice-cream headache. Lilith: You also learned that I have twice your upper body strength, so shut your pie-hole. Frasier:Ill never have the wedding of my dreams.My first one we ran right out to city hall which lacked in ceremony.Then came my second which lacked in bride. Then my third. And if i knew what i know now i would have left Lilith at the buffet table and walked down the isle with an ice sculpture. Lilith:Sam im going to tell you what i tell all my patients..What do you think? Sam:And they pay you for that? Lilith:What do you think?

08-13-2002, 07:30 PM	#5
-Forever- <3333333333333333333 Forum Superstar Join Date: Nov 22, 2001 Location: Manlius, NY in reality. Deerfield Beach, FL in my heart. Posts: 28,001	I like the Rebecca years better, Diane was far too annoying and Lilith wasn't in the Diane years (or was she? I dunno, that's just what I thought -shrug-). Anyways, I like Rebecca better.
	__________________ "Mmm... no... Jeter does not do it for me. He looks like the Rock had sex with a muppet."

08-15-2002, 06:52 PM	#10
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	The Diane years were soooo much better as far as I'm concerned. Rebecca was good, but their was that great chemistry between Sam and Diane.
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

08-15-2002, 08:52 PM	#12
CheersGang3 Ignore Me I'm Crazy Frequent Poster Join Date: May 25, 2002 Location: nowhere Posts: 123	i'm gunna hava say the becs years were farrrr better
	__________________ Dr Louis Powlskow:You Wanna Play The Waiting Game I'll Wait I give You Ten Minutes ~~~~~~~~~~~~~* Lilith: You're Still mad aren't You Fraiser:How you could you tell Lilith: Because the bench your sitting on used to be chained on to a cement block by th statue of Gorge Washington Fraiser: I wanted to be alone ~~~~~~~~~~~~~* Lilith: I have no place to sleep(or sumtin like that) Carla: I have an attic you can hang upside down in Leader Of The Rhea Pearlman Socity

08-13-2002, 04:56 PM	#2
dlemond Hey, I know you. Moderator Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 03, 2001 Location: New Jersey Posts: 6,751	So does anyone have an opinion on this? Which years did you like better and why?

08-13-2002, 08:02 PM	#6
Veggie Boyd 5556792 Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jul 28, 2002 Location: Massapequa Posts: 64	Yes Lilith was around at the end of the Diane years, but is far better represented in the Rebecca Years. I enjoy the Rebecca Years more, because of the expanded importance of the great supporting cast. I found the Diane years to be too much just Sam and Diane, and Diane at times can be a brilliant character, but at other times can just be annoying.

08-13-2002, 10:09 PM	#7
flutterby01 ALIAS!! Frequent Poster Join Date: Mar 30, 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 337	I only started watching Cheers reruns on a regular basis within the past year, and based on what I've seen so far, I think the Diane years are much better! I agree that the supporting cast saved the show after Diane left! -------------- JOEY: Ok, buddy boy, here it is: you hide my clothes, I'm wearing everything you own! CHANDLER: OH MY GOD! That is so not the opposite of taking somebody's underwear! JOEY: Look at me, I'm Chandler! Could I BE wearing any more clothes?

08-14-2002, 03:49 PM	#8
tigeress Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Aug 14, 2002 Location: Minnesota Posts: 8	I think the Rebecca years are funnier, and Lilith and Frasier are in them more, but I've only seen around 20 episodes.

08-15-2002, 05:39 PM	#9
DJM77 Member Forum Veteran Join Date: May 15, 2001 Location: Missouri Posts: 5,564	I like the Rebecca years better. The Rebecca years are much funnier in my opinion.

08-15-2002, 07:01 PM	#11
¤Graced¤ MBV Forum Regular Join Date: Aug 14, 2002 Location: The emerald city (Seattle) Posts: 801	As far as I am concerned, The Diane years, were way better. During the Rebecca years, the writing was not fresh and they recycled many of the gags over again. With Rebecca. Lets face it, Sam was lonely without diane so the writers chose to havehim latch on to Becca. At first his come ons to her were hilarious, then after the seventh season. They were just recycled again duds. With Rebeccathere wasno such thing as intelligent conversation inthe bar. I think my point is made.

08-15-2002, 09:15 PM	#13
BrassyBebeBabe DuchessHomemadeSin Occasional Poster Join Date: Jul 28, 2002 Posts: 92	I like both time periods. I like the chemistry between Sam and Diane in the Diane years. I thought it was entertaining and kept everyone on their toes. I also like the Rebecca years because I think that Kirstie had some really funny moments. Also, as previously stated, there were better Frasier/Lilith episodes then. I think in the Diane years the show was consumed so much by the Sam and Diane characters, where as in the Rebecca years, it was more of a group effort. Everyone had their moments.

08-16-2002, 12:57 AM	#14
Dr. Lilith Sternin Ice Cube in Heels Forum Regular Join Date: Jan 31, 2002 Posts: 523	The Sam/Diane relationship definitely over shadowed the supporting cast. Once Diane left, the rest were given the chance to shine. I don't think I have to state that Frasier and Lilith were my favorites, therefore, the Rebecca years are in my favor. That's not saying I don't enjoy the Diane years. In fact, I wish there had been more eps of Diane and Lilith interacting. They worked well together and it was interesting to watch. Abnormal Psychology and Dinner at Eightish, I'm referring to. Anyway, I think both eras were wonderful ones. I enjoyed watching the historic romance of Sam and Diane, but at the same time, I preferred when it turned into the ensemble show what made the show what people think of today. Let's face it, the Rebecca years made Cheers classic. There was a character for everyone to relate to in that era of Cheers. Everyone was given their fair share, and everyone had their moment to shine, and every fan had their character to cling to. In the Diane years, you couldn't connect to the supporting cast, because they were basically only there to push the Sam and Diane relationship along. They were merely still figures in the world that was Sam and Diane.... later they grew into their characters and became more appealing, IMO. Frasier especially. I hate how he was the sap, always wallowing in self pity over what Diane did to him. Once Lilith came around, he was given the opportunity to grow into the wonderful character he's become. And the same goes for the rest of the characters as far as I'm concerned. And that's my take on the topic. Both great eras of eps, just depends on whether you watch the show mainly for Sam and Diane or for the cast as an ensemble.
	__________________ "Musical theatre -- it's totally American and when it's good, it's like nothing else." ~Bebe Neuwirth </center> Lilith: I mapped out our dominant and recessive traits on a genome square, applied Mendel's laws, allowed for anomolies, and concluded that you are the best biological choice. Frasier: I see. Well, enticed as I am by your honeyed words, I'm gonna need some kissin'. Lilith: Frasier, don't misunderstand. I'm not proposing any change in our relationship. Frasier: Would we sleep together? Lilith: I thought we'd freeze your sperm. Frasier: Is that a yes or a no? Lilith: Natural fertilization isn't practical. I'd have to fly to Seattle every time I ovulate. Frasier: Right, okay. So then, your plan is for me to visit some local doctor, freeze my essence, and then bring it home with you. Lilith: Correct. I'll take mine to go! Last edited by Dr. Lilith Sternin; 08-16-2002 at 12:59 AM.