JT's comments below originally ran as part of Place to Be Nation's "Seinfeld: The PTBN Series Rewatch" project.
Best Character
I never expected to give Jerry this award twice this early but I again enjoyed him the most this time around. George was a close second, but Jerry delivered my favorite lines of the episodes, was starting to show a bit more laid back arrogance and didn't whine at all. Elaine is getting there and Kramer is showing flashes, but Jerry has been the most consistent.
Best Storyline
George conniving to get in the apartment and the ensuing battle was the easy choice here. The robbery stuff was fine, but was just to set up the bigger story anyway. As soon as George teased his interest in the apartment, business really picked up, starting with the Rochambeau and cresting with the final scene where everything was rubbed in their faces. This was the first time that we see George's jealousy and Jerry's attitude clash and lead to some underlying friction.
Ethical Dilemma of the Week
George getting into the running for the apartment after he had hard sold Jerry on it. As a professional real estate agent, it was a real dick move to get in Jerry's head and make a play for the place after he Jerry had committed to signing for it. In the end, they both lost out and George lost a commission because he just couldn't let go and move on. It was our first real glimpse of classic George and he failed as usual.
Relationship Scale (Scale 1-10)
No relationships involved in this episode. Relationship Grade: N/A
What Worked
Kramer is slowly starting to become Kramer. He is still underutilized but he is quickly moving away from the dark, isolated weirdo and morphing into the goofy, outgoing weirdo that was become an icon ; Angry, sarcastic Jerry shining through was a welcome sight, specifically when he was explaining that the lock best works when the door is closed. He is also starting to show that he is more laid back and has some arrogance; The scene with the cop was really funny and very true to life; George developing his jealous side and it costing him; The final party scene with the couple that took the apartment rubbing in George, Jerry and Elaine's faces was great.
What Didn't Work
Too much of Jerry's standup is still there and it kills the flow of the episode; Elaine's clothing choices are horrible and not flattering at all; George being successful enough to take the apartment and be seen as Jerry's equal is no fun for anybody.
Key Character Debuts
Monk's Coffee Shop
Iconic Moments, Running Themes & Memorable Quotes
- First introduction of Jerry as an OCD neat freak
- Jerry's financial success is established
- "I hate the idea of somebody out there returning my calls" - Jerry
- "What do you tip a wood guy?" - Jerry
- George & Jerry's duel for the apartment
Oddities & Fun Facts
- Jerry's apartment has transformed into its more well known format
- Jerry has a Yankees jacket on his chair and a Mets hat on his desk
Overall Grade (Scale 1-10)
This episode had arguably some of my favorite lines of the series to date but overall I think it was a step down from the episode that preceded it. It was great seeing the Core Four interact more and be directly involved in one storyline, but again it felt like there could be more there but they get things fully revved up. You can definitely start to see some of the beloved character traits seeping in and we are edging away from the rough early edges slowly but surely. This episode definitely had some good laughs and a focused story, but there was just a little something still missing. Final Grade: 3/10
Best Character
I never expected to give Jerry this award twice this early but I again enjoyed him the most this time around. George was a close second, but Jerry delivered my favorite lines of the episodes, was starting to show a bit more laid back arrogance and didn't whine at all. Elaine is getting there and Kramer is showing flashes, but Jerry has been the most consistent.
Best Storyline
George conniving to get in the apartment and the ensuing battle was the easy choice here. The robbery stuff was fine, but was just to set up the bigger story anyway. As soon as George teased his interest in the apartment, business really picked up, starting with the Rochambeau and cresting with the final scene where everything was rubbed in their faces. This was the first time that we see George's jealousy and Jerry's attitude clash and lead to some underlying friction.
Ethical Dilemma of the Week
George getting into the running for the apartment after he had hard sold Jerry on it. As a professional real estate agent, it was a real dick move to get in Jerry's head and make a play for the place after he Jerry had committed to signing for it. In the end, they both lost out and George lost a commission because he just couldn't let go and move on. It was our first real glimpse of classic George and he failed as usual.
Relationship Scale (Scale 1-10)
No relationships involved in this episode. Relationship Grade: N/A
What Worked
Kramer is slowly starting to become Kramer. He is still underutilized but he is quickly moving away from the dark, isolated weirdo and morphing into the goofy, outgoing weirdo that was become an icon ; Angry, sarcastic Jerry shining through was a welcome sight, specifically when he was explaining that the lock best works when the door is closed. He is also starting to show that he is more laid back and has some arrogance; The scene with the cop was really funny and very true to life; George developing his jealous side and it costing him; The final party scene with the couple that took the apartment rubbing in George, Jerry and Elaine's faces was great.
What Didn't Work
Too much of Jerry's standup is still there and it kills the flow of the episode; Elaine's clothing choices are horrible and not flattering at all; George being successful enough to take the apartment and be seen as Jerry's equal is no fun for anybody.
Key Character Debuts
Monk's Coffee Shop
Iconic Moments, Running Themes & Memorable Quotes
- First introduction of Jerry as an OCD neat freak
- Jerry's financial success is established
- "I hate the idea of somebody out there returning my calls" - Jerry
- "What do you tip a wood guy?" - Jerry
- George & Jerry's duel for the apartment
Oddities & Fun Facts
- Jerry's apartment has transformed into its more well known format
- Jerry has a Yankees jacket on his chair and a Mets hat on his desk
Overall Grade (Scale 1-10)
This episode had arguably some of my favorite lines of the series to date but overall I think it was a step down from the episode that preceded it. It was great seeing the Core Four interact more and be directly involved in one storyline, but again it felt like there could be more there but they get things fully revved up. You can definitely start to see some of the beloved character traits seeping in and we are edging away from the rough early edges slowly but surely. This episode definitely had some good laughs and a focused story, but there was just a little something still missing. Final Grade: 3/10
Comments
Post a Comment