Ep 18. No Contest

In the Cheers season 1 episode 18, titled "No Contest," the gang at the bar is eagerly anticipating an upcoming boxing match between two heavyweight champions, Kevin McCarley and Al Peterson. However, things take a turn when Peterson's manager shows up at Cheers and asks Sam to persuade McCarley to throw the fight in Peterson's favor.

At first, Sam is hesitant to get involved, but when Peterson's manager offers him a hefty sum of money as a bribe, he begins to consider it. Meanwhile, Diane is strongly against the idea of Sam becoming involved in such a corrupt scheme, but he brushes her off and continues to consider selling out.

As the day of the fight draws nearer, tensions run high at Cheers. Carla, who has placed a large bet on McCarley, is furious when she discovers that Sam is considering throwing the fight. She gets into a heated argument with him, questioning his loyalty to his friend and accusing him of being consumed by greed.

Despite his doubts and reservations, Sam ultimately decides to go through with the plan. However, as he makes his way to the arena, he has a change of heart. He can't bring himself to betray McCarley, and he decides to do the right thing and let the fight play out naturally.

Meanwhile, back at Cheers, tensions reach their peak as the fight is broadcast on television. Carla, who has been on edge all night, is in a state of panic as she watches the fight play out. However, when it becomes clear that McCarley is in control and on his way to winning the fight, Carla lets out a joyful cheer and embraces Sam, who has just walked back into the bar.

In the end, McCarley wins the fight fair and square, and Sam learns the valuable lesson that money and greed aren't worth sacrificing your principles for. Diane commends him for doing the right thing, and the group at Cheers shares a moment of triumph and celebration as the night comes to a close.

Overall, "No Contest" is a thrilling and dramatic episode that explores themes of loyalty, greed, and morality. It showcases the complex relationships and dynamics between the characters at Cheers, and it leaves viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.