The Alternate Side

Given the similarities in comic sensibility between Larry David/Jerry Seinfeld and Woody Allen (not to mention the fact that Larry has had minor roles in a few of Woody's films), it was only a matter of time before the quintessential New York director was in some way involved in the making of an episode of the ultimate New York TV show. The episode in question is the borderline genius The Alternate Side, which continues the series' tradition of bringing out the best (read: worst) in the personalities of Kramer, George and Elaine.

Allen's role in the plot is minimal, in fact he doesn't appear at all. It is just mentioned that he's shooting his latest movie (which would have to be Husbands and Wives, given the air date of the episode) not so far away from Jerry's apartment, and Kramer is lucky enough to get a small speaking part in the film. George is less thrilled by Woody's presence, given the film crew's presence prevents him from doing his job well (he's supposed to make sure no one parks their car on a certain side of the street on that particular day and move any vehicle that inadvertently breaks the rule). Meanwhile, Elaine dates an older man and ends up in trouble when the latter has a heart attack, and jerry, staying in motor-related territory, has to deal with the theft of his car.

The Alternate Side, apart from merging two comedic universes (Allen and Seinfeld), is one of the highlights of Season 3 for how it uses Jason Alexander and Julia Louis-Dreyfus is some exquisitely absurd situations (as usual, George is the king). It is verbally speaking, however, that the episode scores its biggest triumph, with Kramer's deliberately pointless movie line: "These pretzels are making me thirsty!". Just like Kelsey Grammar, who was given bad lines on purpose by the writers of Cheers to see if he could make them funny, Michael Richards turns that nonsense into an instantly quotable Zinger, which rightfully went on to become one of the show's most enduring catchphrases (and this, worth noting, was before the fourth season made Seinfeld a nationwide hit). Those pretzels, indeed.

I said the same thing in another Country around the same time to the car rental agent never having seen the episode. Had to pick up some big shots and they keep calling it a "reservation" with no vehicle. As they went on, the only thing that really bothered me was that they would not stop calling it a "reservation"!

In the end my superior (a great guy) had heard about it, as they were not used to dealing with a true panic situation with me reminding them to stop calling it that.

When he saw me he said "I heard you stirred up quite a ruckus down there with the rental", I rolled my eyes as if to say that was not worth trying to defend.

I like the bit about the pretzels in particular the salt content and imhow they make you thirsty

"The Alternate Side" is in many ways a classic Seinfeld episode in that there are several stortlines woven together, and all but one of them (the one about Elaine's 66 year old boyfriend) gel and have something new to offer. Jerry is particularly funny when discussing the concept of reservations at a car rental service. And the character of Sid - the guy who works as Jerry's car mover - is a fresh addition. They even manage to include a subplot about Woody Allen (who obviously does not appear) without it becoming too silly. Kudos to Larry David for the writing on this episode.

Best line: "I don't want to get into a big dispute about the pants."

This show is in perpetual motion. Jerry's car gets stolen and he is left hight and dry. He ends up calling the thief who has his car phone. There is a scene at the car rental place that was almost too real. We have reserved cars and then found they weren't available. George takes over a parking job and nearly causes the death of a man. Kramer gets into the act, almost getting a line in a Woody Allen movie. Hilarious.