The episode begins with a final cold opening featuring Nicholas Colasanto. The gag is a good one - Coach at his most Yogi Berra - and then we're off to yet another cliffhanger episode.
It's a pretty well done episode considering much of the drama is done over the phone. Frasier has asked Diane to marry him, and Diane calls to tell Sam. Is she trying to soften the blow? Or does she want Sam to object? Deep down we all know the answer before the characters do, but it doesn't matter. The triangle has reached its endpoint, and we're left wondering whom will Diane choose.
It's still pretty funny, especially the scene where Frasier and Diane have to console the maître'D over the death of *LUIGI* (chokes back sob). Navigating this social nightmare plays like a preview of Frasier's own show. You can easily imagine Frasier and Niles having to deal with this same situation.
Cheers is often neatly divided into the Diane Years and The Rebecca Years, but this is as much an inflection point for the series. Things won't be the same from here on in.