Ep 9. The Apartment

The episode "The Apartment" is the ninth installment of season two of the popular sitcom, Taxi. The show follows the lives of the employees of the Sunshine Cab Company in New York City, including the eccentric drivers, their dispatcher, and the company's owner.

In this episode, the plot revolves around Alex Reiger, one of the main characters who is played by Judd Hirsch. Alex is offered an apartment in a luxury building, which is quite a surprise for him as he has been living in a crummy apartment in a rundown neighborhood. The offer comes from a wealthy businessman named Donald Gottlieb, who is one of Alex's regular passengers in the cab.

Initially, Alex is thrilled at the prospect of moving into a spacious, luxurious apartment, but things take a turn when he realizes that Gottlieb's motives are not entirely pure. Gottlieb is seeking a favor from Alex in exchange for the apartment, and Alex soon realizes that the request is unethical and illegal.

As Alex struggles with the moral dilemma, the other characters in the show are dealing with their own problems. Bobby Wheeler, played by Jeff Conaway, is attempting to quit smoking and enlists the help of his fellow cabbies to keep him on track. Elaine Nardo, played by Marilu Henner, is planning a surprise party for Louie De Palma, their boss, played by Danny DeVito, but things don't go according to plan.

Meanwhile, Tony Banta, played by Tony Danza, is attempting to get rid of a piano that has been left in his apartment by a friend. Tony is desperate to get rid of the piano as it takes up too much space in his small apartment and he has no use for it.

As the episode progresses, Alex comes to a decision regarding Gottlieb's request and faces the consequences of his actions. Bobby successfully quits smoking with the help of his friends, while Elaine's party plans fall apart due to Louie's sour mood. Tony eventually gets rid of the piano but not before a hilarious mishap involving a crane.

Overall, "The Apartment" is a typical episode of Taxi, with its blend of humor and drama, as well as its exploration of ethical dilemmas. The show's ensemble cast works well together, and their chemistry is evident in their interactions and comedic timing. The episode also offers a glimpse into the daily lives of cab drivers in New York City, highlighting the challenges and quirks of the job.

As one of the most beloved shows of the 1980s, Taxi has a timeless quality that continues to resonate with viewers today. The show's themes of friendship, loyalty, and personal growth remain as relevant as ever, and its memorable characters and iconic moments have earned it a place in television history.