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

Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season 7, Episode 10 “Seinfeld” (B+)

This is a satisfying culmination to a season that’s been all about putting together the Seinfeld reunion and Larry’s life, and the manner in which it deals with both is fitting. It’s good that snippets of the actual Seinfeld reunion special don’t take up too big a portion of the episode, yet there’s still enough to please diehard fans of the classic series. Having Larry actually step in and try to play George was a delightful treat. It’s so clear that Larry is George, and with the exception of the flagrant overacting that Larry was doing to try to give the performance his all, it was spot-on. The two social convention storylines of the episode were fun, though I’d have to tip the hat in favor of the use of a coaster rather than the requirement of tipping someone for a favor. Larry deserves what he gets, there’s no question about that, but the fact that he hit traffic and couldn’t get the nuts in time wasn’t really his fault. Larry’s suspicion of Jason and Cheryl wasn’t out of line, unlike his usual conspiracy theories, and it provided a terrific segue into the former Davids almost getting back together. Though it’s endlessly frustrating, it’s hardly unsurprising that Larry would let his insistence on almost being right get in the way of what he’s been striving for this entire season. It’s not as if he’s actually put much effort into it other than trying to get the Seinfeld reunion running, but the last big reveal that the role of George’s ex-wife went to Virginia and not to Cheryl seemed to indicate that they had really grown closer and that there might really be a chance for them. Ending the season with Larry’s unfinished phone call was a perfect way for the show to clock out. I don’t know if this show will be back for another round, and if an eighth season is destined to air, it may not be for a full year or two. This season has been enjoyable and relatively solid, and I’m glad I kept up with it.

Season grade: B+
Season MVP: Larry David