JT's comments below originally ran as part of Place to Be Nation's "Seinfeld: The PTBN Series Rewatch" project.
Best Character
George Costanza is easily the best character out of the gate. I felt that he stole the episode and was super smooth and Jason Alexander immediately gets what the character is all about. He had crisp and clear delivery and was the most engaging to watch. George was easily light years ahead of the cast in the pilot.
Best Storyline
There wasn't much to choose from here with only one main story arc, but I will choose George's nonstop dissection of Laura's intentions throughout the episode. Jerry would pepper him with questions and George acted like he was Dr. Ruth as he delved out relationship advice, right down to analyzing all the potential hugs or handshakes Laura may unleash on Jerry when she arrives at the airport.
Ethical Dilemma of the Week
Should Jerry have brought in a second bed for Laura? Why give her the option? Rookie mistake by Jerry here and George and Kramer call him out on it right away. What is the worst that happens? Jerry spends a night on the couch? It would have been well worth the roll of the dice that she may cave and share Jerry's bed instead.
Relationship Scale (Scale 1-10)
Jerry & Laura was the only relationship on display and it wasn't a very good one. The hype behind the arrival was good but once she arrived it was quickly downhill. I didn't find her particularly attractive and she and Jerry didn't have much chemistry at all. Things fizzled quickly when Laura reveals she is engaged, leading to some great reactions from Jerry. Relationship Grade: 1/10
What Worked
George immediately distrusting a potential relationship and over analyzing everything; George's quirkiness and paranoia is on display in full force; There are some good, inane, random digressions and conversations sprinkled throughout the show; Kramer immediately set up as a mooching, nosy neighbor that Jerry enjoys having around.
What Didn't Work
The sassy waitress that knew George & Jerry on a personal level felt a bit forced, almost in a Cheers-type way; Jerry was really whiny and kept worrying over a woman like a teenager and it got old fast; There were too may standup comedy cut-ins, and it makes the show feel like storylines were written just to fit the bits; The original Kramer character is a shut-in and real weirdo and it felt like he was trying a bit too hard to be eccentric.
Key Character Debuts
Jerry Seinfeld, George Costanza, Kramer (Kessler)
Iconic Moments, Running Themes & Memorable Quotes
- Our first episode starts with Jerry's stand up, which would become a staple of early seasons.
- Jerry & George discuss the positioning of the button on his shirt
- "This is a person I like, not how to score on Spring Break" - Jerry
- George suggests to always do the opposite of your instincts.
- "Why even give her an option, Jerry?" -Kessler
Oddities & Fun Facts
- Kramer's original name is Kessler
- Kramer owns a dog
- Jerry has wine in his apartment
- He may have been going for Superman, but you put a red hat on Jerry in his track pants and you have Papa Smurf
Overall Grade (Scale 1-10)
This is a pretty solid debut episode and compared to most pilots it definitely flashed quite a bit of potential. George alone makes this worth watching as he was on fire right out of the gate. The obsession over analyzing every day minutia as well as relationships is quickly established as well. There was some stuff that worked and some that didn't but it was a breezy episode that moved quickly and established the main players. Final Grade: 3/10
Best Character
George Costanza is easily the best character out of the gate. I felt that he stole the episode and was super smooth and Jason Alexander immediately gets what the character is all about. He had crisp and clear delivery and was the most engaging to watch. George was easily light years ahead of the cast in the pilot.
Best Storyline
There wasn't much to choose from here with only one main story arc, but I will choose George's nonstop dissection of Laura's intentions throughout the episode. Jerry would pepper him with questions and George acted like he was Dr. Ruth as he delved out relationship advice, right down to analyzing all the potential hugs or handshakes Laura may unleash on Jerry when she arrives at the airport.
Ethical Dilemma of the Week
Should Jerry have brought in a second bed for Laura? Why give her the option? Rookie mistake by Jerry here and George and Kramer call him out on it right away. What is the worst that happens? Jerry spends a night on the couch? It would have been well worth the roll of the dice that she may cave and share Jerry's bed instead.
Relationship Scale (Scale 1-10)
Jerry & Laura was the only relationship on display and it wasn't a very good one. The hype behind the arrival was good but once she arrived it was quickly downhill. I didn't find her particularly attractive and she and Jerry didn't have much chemistry at all. Things fizzled quickly when Laura reveals she is engaged, leading to some great reactions from Jerry. Relationship Grade: 1/10
What Worked
George immediately distrusting a potential relationship and over analyzing everything; George's quirkiness and paranoia is on display in full force; There are some good, inane, random digressions and conversations sprinkled throughout the show; Kramer immediately set up as a mooching, nosy neighbor that Jerry enjoys having around.
What Didn't Work
The sassy waitress that knew George & Jerry on a personal level felt a bit forced, almost in a Cheers-type way; Jerry was really whiny and kept worrying over a woman like a teenager and it got old fast; There were too may standup comedy cut-ins, and it makes the show feel like storylines were written just to fit the bits; The original Kramer character is a shut-in and real weirdo and it felt like he was trying a bit too hard to be eccentric.
Key Character Debuts
Jerry Seinfeld, George Costanza, Kramer (Kessler)
Iconic Moments, Running Themes & Memorable Quotes
- Our first episode starts with Jerry's stand up, which would become a staple of early seasons.
- Jerry & George discuss the positioning of the button on his shirt
- "This is a person I like, not how to score on Spring Break" - Jerry
- George suggests to always do the opposite of your instincts.
- "Why even give her an option, Jerry?" -Kessler
Oddities & Fun Facts
- Kramer's original name is Kessler
- Kramer owns a dog
- Jerry has wine in his apartment
- He may have been going for Superman, but you put a red hat on Jerry in his track pants and you have Papa Smurf
Overall Grade (Scale 1-10)
This is a pretty solid debut episode and compared to most pilots it definitely flashed quite a bit of potential. George alone makes this worth watching as he was on fire right out of the gate. The obsession over analyzing every day minutia as well as relationships is quickly established as well. There was some stuff that worked and some that didn't but it was a breezy episode that moved quickly and established the main players. Final Grade: 3/10
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