To the adroit fan, “Curb Your Enthusiasm” often presents itself as a complex puzzle one can attempt to solve before an episode’s conclusion. Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld perfected the art of interweaving multiple story lines during “Seinfeld’s” nine-season run. There are rarely any cracks in the output, but once in a blue moon you could cite something as a “stretch.” With “Curb,” the two that come to mind are 1) the surgeon shaving Jeff’s head in Season 6 and 2) the doctor taking a soda out of Larry’s fridge without asking in the premiere of Season 7. Considering how beautifully consistent “Curb” has been over time, I always let it slide.
Larry and company took a year off before tackling this new season. It looks like that was a wise decision as it’s been hilarious thus far. In the premiere, Larry was still living with the Blacks, hoping his girlfriend Loretta Black (Vivica A. Fox) wouldn’t be diagnosed with cancer. At the end of the episode, everyone involved receives the bad news. Larry is devastated, but not because of his compassion for Loretta. After running into his ex-wife Cheryl at a restaurant, it’s clear they miss one another. The scene hints at the potential “Seinfeld” reunion audiences are expecting. In “Vehicular Fellatio,” Larry quickly realizes he doesn’t have the patience or love to deal with Loretta’s cancer. While blending a shake for Loretta, Larry notices a cancer specialist on “Dr. Phil.” The specialist, a pioneer in the field, is promoting her book that instructs cancer patients to leave their partners/spouses if they are unsympathetic, self-obsessed, and petty — all qualities Larry with which identifies. The show’s themes and possible story arcs are already evident. Richard Lewis, his new girlfriend, Jeff, Suzie, and Larry all go out dinner. Upon arriving, Jeff informs Larry that the girlfriend gave Richard a blowjob on the way to restaurant. Larry promises not to say anything, opting to avoid any physical contact with her during dinner. Larry’s actions inevitably end Richard’s relationship. At the same time, the themes of “hugging” and “fellatio” have been firmly planted.
Larry and Loretta soon meet with the cancer specialist and Larry tries as hard as possible to be the most annoying man in the world. The schtick appears to work as he’s sent outside. Larry can sense freedom! When the couple is driving to the doctor’s lecture, Larry’s plans are temporarily derailed. Larry notices the doctor’s husband in the car in front of him (easily spotted because of his full head of hair). However, the doctor’s head emerges from his lap. While Larry is amused, Loretta is horrified and orders Larry to take her home. Later on, Larry must return to the doctor’s office to pay for another patient’s glasses after Larry innocently broke them. There, he bumps into the specialist. She’s disappointed that he and Loretta didn’t attend the lecture. After much poking and prodding, Larry admits that they didn’t attend because he saw her giving her husband fellatio in the car. The doctor proceeds to attack Larry, hitting him over the head with her bestselling book. Oh, the visual themes are tying the episode together so nicely.
It’s the show’s final scenes, however, that confirm its genius. Loretta’s cousin, and one of Larry’s numerous housemates, Leon, has been having an affair with his friend Alton’s wife. When Larry returns home, Leon has her over. Unfortunately, the suspicious Alton has showed up. As he storms through the house, the girl hides under the passenger seat in Larry’s car. Alton is soon convinced that his wife and Leon aren’t sleeping with each other and leaves. But this is quite the yarn we’re spinning and the best is yet to come. As Loretta pulls into the driveway, Alton’s wife appears from an awkward position next to Larry. Of course, Loretta assumes fellatio and like that, the Blacks are gone and Larry is free to pursue Cheryl.
Thankfully, Leon, an L.A. native, is going to stay on as Larry’s rommate. I won’t spoil the final scene for any of you reading since it purely exemplifies the comedic bliss David has provided over the years. On a night where “Entourage” and “Bored to Death” provided some strong comedy, “Curb Your Enthusiasm” once again came out on top.
Nevertheless, were there any inconsistencies to this tightly woven story? I spotted one and you guys can tell me if you feel the same way. In the beginning of the episode, Loretta pressures Larry into driving her everywhere. She claims her doctor advised her not to operate a vehicle. So why was she driving when she found Larry in the car with Alton’s wife?
Anyway, I thought this episode was great. Stay tuned, because the “Seinfeld” reunion takes place next week!
