Cliff’s “Buffalo Theory” is still one of my favorite Cheers moments...
“Well ya see, Norm, it’s like this... A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members.”
“In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol, as we know, kills brain cells. But naturally it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first.”
In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. That’s why you always feel smarter after a few beers.”
brilliant!
I remember an interview with Ratzenberger a long time ago where he talked about his audition for Cheers. They asked what part he was auditioning for and he said “bar know it all.” He had their interest. There was some wood thing on the desk and he started describing it’s history as only Cliff could do. The show’s creators looked at each other as they had no such part in mind but after that, they made one.