What I’m Watching: Curb Your Enthusiasm (Season Finale)

Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season 9, Episode 10 “Fatwa!” (B)

I’m not sure entirely what to make of this season, which has been entertaining if imperfect, showing that Larry is still the same person as he was six years ago when the ninth season aired and that he’s not evolving at all with the times. The storylines being featured do address more current events, though Larry’s still as backwards as ever. Leave it to Larry to manage to offend not only Lin-Manuel Miranda but also the stage manager and other star of the show, so concerned with thank yous, apologies, and outfit trackers. I was just wondering how comedic couple Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally would fit in on this show, and therefore it was great to see the former as the stage manager who told Larry his day rate and then ended up being accosted for not factoring in the taxes he’d end up paying. Having F. Murray Abraham play his outfit-tracking self was great too, and I also recognized Chris Sullivan from “This Is Us” as another member of the cast. Featuring the opening number “I Do Not Like This Man” was fun, but I’d say the best “Hamilton” parody was having Miranda and Larry enter into a paintball duel where Larry accidentally shot him in the throat because his oversized pants fell down. Sending Casey Wilson’s actress in his place to read his speech at the wedding was absurd, as was the whole situation with the Miranda cousins being swingers. The sign language interpreter distracting everyone was also silly, fitting in fine with this show’s unique worldview as captured by the actions of its incomparable protagonist. If he survives the man who doesn’t know the fatwa was called off, I imagine this show will be back for a tenth season someday, which I’d watch. It’s not the best show on television these days, but it’s still capable of being funny.

Season grade: B+
Season MVP: Larry David