The Contest

This probably has to be the best episode in situational comedy. A show that had everything including slapstick comedy went right to the line and never crossed it.

Whenever there's a poll for the greatest Seinfeld episode, The Contest - which happens to be the show's fiftieth, not counting the original pilot - usually comes on top, and for good reason: it perfectly embodies the creative boldness the series is known for, and uses all four of the main characters - plus a couple of guest stars - in the best possible way. Even now, years after Seinfeld went off the air, its brilliance is unmatched.

Premise: having been caught masturbating (!) by his mother (Estelle Harris), George vows never to do it again. When Jerry suggests he could last longer, all four decide to make a bet to see who can refrain from their impulses the longest. Naturally, problems arise almost immediately: Kramer is tempted when he sees a naked woman in the building across the street, George fantasizes about the nurses in the hospital where he goes to visit his mom, Elaine has a run-in with John Kennedy Jr. and Jerry is nervous because Marla still hasn't agreed to sleep with him. The contest can begin...

Based on a real incident involving, among others, Larry David (who won a deserved Emmy for the script), the concept is still incredibly brave from a conceptual standpoint, at least for network television: even more than a decade later, few producers would green-light an episode that's entirely focused on masturbation. That they did is purely down to the ingenious writing: by replacing the "dirty" word with the now classic euphemism "master of his domain", David draws huge laughs from a subject few mainstream comedians had contemplated joking about, and the self-censorship is part of the episode's appeal: if the word had been used even once, it wouldn't be as funny.

Alongside the snappy dialogue, the other source of comedy gold is the cast. As expected, Richards (who won his second Emmy thanks to this episode) and Alexander make the most of it, with the former delivering the single funniest line of the entire season and the latter enjoying his first on-screen pairing with Harris, a TV mom to be reckoned with. As for the other leads, Dreyfus brings a welcome feminine view on the matter, while Seinfeld himself has to carry an excruciating payoff scene with Jane Leeves that plays out like a cringe-worthy Curb Your Enthusiasm with an added studio audience.

Proving once again, and perhaps in the strongest fashion, that no subject is taboo in American sitcoms, The Contest is the definitive Seinfeld episode, and a milestone in US television. How many other shows can boast an Oustanding Comedy Series Emmy on the grounds of a script about masturbation?

And here we are with the "creme de la creme" of... Seinfeld. Okay, that's debatable but nobody will deny The Contest is among the show's best ones. It has everything a classic episode must have: memorable moments, funny clever dialogue, great direction, great performances and a killer idea.

Killer idea: if you think that an episode revolving around 4 people trying to hold the longest without masturbating is a risky-weird choice, imagine what people thought back in 92'. Aside from its historical importance, the idea about a contest is perfect because the episode unfolds itself almost like a game. It is one of the most entertaining episodes and our four protagonist are all fundamental to the plot.

Memorable moments: some great Seinfeld episodes have one memorable moment, maybe two. The Contest has around 4 of these. The opening conversation, George visiting his mother for the first time, Kramer caving and George visiting his mother for the second time. Each one of these moments has the audience going absolutely wild.

Funny clever dialogue: from the masterfully written opening scene, to George's conversations with his mother and Kramer numerous speeches, it's perfect from every way you look at it.

Great direction: Master Cherones appearing once again in a review. His subtle camera-work is beyond believe, adding so much to the material. The pace is near perfect, nor rushed nor slow.

Great performances: every actor here gives an Emmy-winning performance. From the main protagonists to Estelle and Marla, everyone is on point. I don't know which is the peak of the episode, if Kramer or George. Either way, they are all fantastic.

One of the best of the show (if not the best), an episode that changed history and that remains an incredible one even taking its importance aside.

This episode is actually pretty entertaining 10/10 for me

Title says it all. Cleverly crude and accurate. Favourite episode, followed by the sponge.