For those of you who like both Cheers and Married With Children, which combination of the two co-starring characters that changed in the middle of their runs do you like better? I was thinking this over the other day, and I have a hypothesis that the numbers will probably be split in a particular way, but I don’t want to influence the poll with my hypothesis or my preference, so I’ll wait about 24 hours before posting those.
Jefferson worked better as a replacement for Steve than Rebecca did as a replacement for Diane.
While the change in dynamic from the primary female character being an employee to Sam’s direct superior was interesting and a good plot twist, the pursuit of the relationship really undermined his romance with Diane, even if that was “over.” And the triangle with Robin was never as good as the one with Frasier. Robin was mostly an off-screen character, and when he did appear, he was highly unlikable.
Jefferson OTOH was just someone else for Al to complain to, and became more of a sidekick than a neutral or sometimes hostile party as Steve usually was. Al needed a real buddy, not another enemy. Everyone else on the show was already against him.
See, I think Cheers became much better once Diane was out and Rebecca was in. The focus shifted to more of an ensemble comedy, rather than being The Sam and Diane Show.
Yeah, Steve was as much an antagonist for Al as he was a buddy or neutral. Jefferson was always a neutral or friendly character. Marcy became the primary antagonist once Steve was out of the picture.
And I agree, Al needed a buddy, and Jefferson being something of a himbo was perfect.
I always figured the last episode of Married with Children should have Al murder everyone with an ax and be acquited by a jury of twelve shoe salesmen.