For me, the Seinfeld-reunion storyline dreamed up by Larry David — the man; the TV character — for Curb Your Enthusiasm is one of the funniest, smartest ideas of the new season.
Seeing Jerry, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander, and Michael Richards each take command of his or her own scene with TV-Larry pitching them on a reunion resulted in shrewd acting all around. Each avoided any trace of their Seinfeld character-traits, yet came across as believable “real” people trying to figure out whether this reunion thing was a good idea. (In the Curb universe, everyone is always out for him- or herself.) I thought it was an especially nice touch to have Jason Alexander be the one to bad-mouth the infamously devisive (oh, I’ll just say it: goofy-verging-on-lousy) final episode of Seinfeld, and to see a reunion as a way for the older show to redeem itself.
If Curb had been really pushing it, I suppose mention should have been made of Michael Richards’ 2006 controversial rant. (Don’t you think TV-Larry, being the cynical fellow he is, would express some misgivings about this?) But who knows what David has up his sleeve for the rest of this story-arc? Perhaps I question him too soon regarding this particular matter…
In any case, I think it’s terrific that Meg Ryan is willing to play along in being Larry’s roadblock to casting Cheryl in the reunion — I buy that Ryan would think this is a good opportunity to show she still has some comedy chops after too many recent years of strenuous dramas.
All in all, a first-rate half-hour. What did you think?
Curb Your Enthusiasm isn’t doing it for me this season. Larry used to walk around, getting in trouble, arguing with people and this season, it seems like he’s just doing an ordinary comedy sitcom. I hope it gets better.
Well I’ll agree the first 2 episodes weren’t that great, mainly because of the exiting storyline of the Blacks(minus Leon) needed to be played out, which seemed a bit forced and predictable. But Last night’s ep was a great setup to what I’m thinking will be a great season on par with season’s 1-5. Either way you look at it though there’s no way this could be compared to an ordinary comedy sitcom
Barry, you are CRAZY!!!! this is the best episode and so far best season of Curb, OF ALL TIME!!!!
I think Barry’s right. Larry’s almost warm-n-fuzzy this season.
I have to agree with Barry. I still am loving this show, but so far there aren’t as many “Larry, please shut up already!!!” foot-in-mouth makes-you-wince moments.
Really Barry? I’m pretty sure he told the president of NBC to F*ck himself last night, and got into a fight with Suzy as usual. So I think you are totally wrong.
Barry’s not crazy, but I disagree with his assessment. The first two episodes were unbelievably hilarious and consisted of Larry walking around getting in trouble, arguing with people. Just because he had ONE episode of plot-advancement (of which it was still hilarious, by the way) doesn’t kill the season, Barry.
I don’t follow, Alan. Did you even watch the 2nd episode? One of the most (if not the most) vulgar Curb episodes to date.
I agree. The driving blowjob was not only socially taboo enough, but also created an hilarious ’roundabout’ route for the events that followed. And so far, Larry’s had confrontations with the Doctor, the alternative Psychiatrist, George, Suzie – twice, and more probably. I think it’s up there as best so far.
Hilarious half-hour, great TV!
I was so excited for this episode, and it WAS good, but also things were off. Did you guys notice how some line were added later by the actors? It really took me out of the scenes.
Also, plots seemed to be picked up and dropped for no reason. Why have the nude pictures in the restaurant if nothing came of it at the end? Michael just agreed to it on the spot. Why add that?
Also, why DID the network exec ignore his call? It seemed like he should have been kissing Larry’s ass, not vice versa. Why wasn’t he apologizing? Isn’t he trying to wine and dine Larry?
The technicial issues were jarring, and it seemed like this episode should have been an air cause plots were just lost in the air. Still, really fun to see them back together.
I had the biggest smile on my face throughout this episode of Curb! I thought it was great!
I loved that TV-Larry only wants to do the reunion (which he thinks is desperate and lame) so he can win back Cheryl. And loved that the storyline for George would be him trying to win back an ex-wife!
I think my favorite scene was between LD and Jason Alexander, as Jason starts talking about how the George character is so pathetic and unlikeable, which obviously annoyed LD. And of course the scene with all of them yelling at LD after he told the NBC exec to go f*** himself.
I’m so excited to see what else is in store for this arc throughout the rest of the season.
And Ken, I’m thinking (hoping) there may be some kind of awkward encounter between Michael Richards and Leon sometime during the season.
I love that scene also. But my favorite was with Jerry and Larry. When Jerry said that having a reunion show 10 years later would be bad then Larry bought up Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood, then Jerry said then she slipped off a boat and died. I was laughing so hard. Then when Larry said how do explain Christopher Walken and they both just looked dumbfounded, I laughed harder. This was a great episode. I’m so glad they kept Leon. He and Larry got great chemistry. Can’t wait to see Leon meet up with Richards. Not as funny as the Bowtie episode though.
Barry, you have no idea what you are talking about. So far, this season is up there with Seasons 2, 3 and 4.
Wow, that’s a pretty big judgement so early into the season. I have to agree with Barry. Not quite doing it for me yet. The moping around, pining for Cheryl, it’s not quite the same selfish “please shut up!!” Larry as with previous seasons.
I think this season is fantastic. The premise is hilarious and Larry is in fine form. It’s probably the best season in a while.
Who wouldn’t it work for? What a ridiculously patronizing article.
Come on Ken, grow a pair.
I loved it!
I think it is particularly ironic since NBC is having so much trouble now; I’m sure they yearn for the glory days of Seinfeld.
It made no sense that the NBC exec would put the kibosh on the show. HE was after them for years. In addition, Richrds still acted like Kramer. Good show though. But Ken Tucker, you are a tool.
Did Jerry and Cheryl get bigger donkey teeth?
Seinfeld has been off the air for ELEVEN YEARS. I totally understand that people had great affection for the show, and that it was funny, but can we please move on?
Sure just don’t tune in or click on any article’s mentioning Seinfeld, and you’ve officially moved on
Tons of people (not me personally, but to each their own) think Seinfeld is one of the best comedies of all time. As in, right up there with I Love Lucy and Cheers. Given that, is it really so hard for you to see that this would be a big deal to a lot of people?
Boo!!!! Sorry Em, never get tired of it. Man, do you feel the same about “I Love Lucy” too? Classics are in a class by themselves.
Jerry Seinfeld said the F-word!!! I had to rewind my DVR a couple of times, very funny. Season 3 is starting out great!
Season 3 aired about 7 years ago
Sorry..had episode 3 in my head & typed it by mistake. Meant Season 7.
I am enjoying the season very much. I agree that Larry will address the Michael Ritchie rant and expect that Leon will be involved as Dave suggests above. Or Wanda….
Michael Ritchie? Was he adopted by Lionel, too?
Hehehe – Imagine that!
Michael Ritchie? Was he adopted by Lionel, too?
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA!
The episode would have worked better for me if it hadn’t been so oversold. For instance, such a big deal was made about rebuilding the original Seinfeld set, yet they hardly showed it (only in Larry’s brief dream sequences). I was watching and wondering, “When are they going to get to the set?” when I realized there was only 5 mins left in the show and they weren’t going to make it there. They even rebuilt Monk’s diner and then didn’t use it at all! There was too much hype from both EW and HBO with its documentary about the non-reunion reunion episode. I would have been satisfied if they hadn’t built up my expectations for a different show.
I thought last night’s episode was the best of the season so far. There were quite a few times where I LOL’d especially during the Jason Alexander/Larry scene. When Jason started saying that the finale of Seinfeld was crap was priceless. And the part where he took Michael Richards to the same restaurant just so he could find out how much Jason had tipped the waiter for his half of the bill. I can’t wait to see how the Seinfeld “reunion” unfolds.