It’s amazing to think that Curb Your Enthusiasm, created (and starring) Seinfeld co-creator Larry David, completed its 10th season recently, thereby surpassing the legendary comedy series (about nothing) itself. Curb Your Enthusiasm has built itself around David’s curmudgeonly lead character, ably supported by a memorable support cast, and an improvised narrative format. In this piece, I make the case that thus far, Curb Your Enthusiasm Season 7 was its best one yet!
S P O I L E R S
Seinfeld reunion
Of course, the main attraction of Curb Your Enthusiasm Season 7 is the plot device of the Seinfeld reunion, with all the key characters being reprised (viz. Jerry, George, Elaine and Kramer) as Larry finally succumbs to the network’s desire for a reunion show. Naturally, for Seinfeld’s multitude of fans, it is an absolute treat to see these classic characters get back together again, one more time. A no-brainer, if you asked me.
Chasing Cheryl
The reason why Larry agrees is simple – he wants to reconcile with his ex-wife Cheryl and schemes to have her cast as George’s own ex-wife Amanda in the show. In this way, he hopes to also have Cheryl view him in a positive light – as the show runner of a successful TV series – which increases his chances of wooing her back. This subplot provides a whole chunk of comedic moments and trademark anti-social Larry behaviour. The ending – though typical Larry – was a little hard to take! Damn!!
Philip Baker Hall as Dr Morrison
Seinfeld fans will remember Hall as the library detective in an unforgettable episode. Now Hall returns as Larry’s physician Dr Morrison, who resents Larry’s (unintended) intrusions into his private life. Add Dr Morrison to the list of Larry’s nemeses!
Denise Handicapped and Wendy Wheelchair
Typically, Curb Your Enthusiasm will explore politically incorrect areas and this time, Larry has to handle a relationship with Denise, a disabled lady, which he maintains once he realises the benefits of the same – the goodwill of strangers, the best parking spots – before a inconvenient turn of events, leads him to a SECOND disabled paramour!
Holy Backsplash, Larry!
One of the running themes of the series is the problems that Larry has with his work assistants. This time around, with Maureen, he ends up in the toilet of Maureen’s mother and due to medication he is taking, winds up leaving a urine spot on a Jesus painting which the religious ladies mistake for a miracle! Ridiculous but oh so funny.
That you go, there is so much more fun to be had – altercations with Susie, Rosie O’Donnell, Mocha Joe and the black swan (!) prime examples. Sure, every season of Curb Your Enthusiasm has been pretty, pretty, pretty good but Season 7 is by far the best yet!
… still there’s more …