The Deal

The Deal is the perfect example of how the first two Seinfeld seasons operated: you got the clever stories, the clever dialogue, the sexual themes, the relatable situations and you also had the inconsistent tone and slow pace. The Deal is kind of a mixed bag (specially taking into consideration the heights the show would reach).

Larry David and Tom Cherones manage to break more new ground in the first five minutes than most shows do in their entire run. They simultaneously changed what was appropriate for TV (at least to that date) and made as perfect as a set up could be. Along with The Chinese Restaurant, in season 2 Seinfeld took two giant steps that changed their status from wannabe show to innovating series. Seriously, the opening conversation between Jerry and Elaine was so beyond its time that it was almost to much for them to handle and you see that in the progression of the episode. After that opening scene we get maybe an even better conversation between Jerry and George that paved the way to many of these characters' conversations.

But of course, just like the majority of season 2 (except for The Chinese Restaurant) the uneven choices in tone get in the way. Suddenly the plot changes from irreverent relationship commentary to soup opera melodrama and it just doesn't click. It is most shocking having seen the whole series and one very concerned in avoiding these situations ("no hugging, no learning"). That phrase right there is betrayed several times, at times even in a literal way (2 hugs and a closing lesson).

So yeah, overall The Deal is an episode that broke new ground but one Seinfeld wasn't quite sure what direction to take to.

It's not bad. It's just iunno. I like it but it's not a great episode.

60% of the episode takes place on Jerrys couch.

This review was published in June of the 10th of 2023rd in century 21st

What happened in this episode of Seinfeld?: Jerry and Elaine fk.

Kramer... Did nothing but give Elaine a bench

George tells Jerry it won't work.

The story and the production overview: its a low effort episode.

Highlight: Jerry and George conversation at monks.

Girlfriend attractiveness level: this Elaine was a 7.

Villian: society

Overall: an ok low effort episode.

What can be learned?: Emotions are like poison

Verdict: no deal.

Technically, this is the last episode of Season Two (and listed as such on the DVD), but with NBC running the last four shows in the wrong order, the "finale" made no reference to the pivotal events of The Deal, which was the perfect ending for the season (in fact, Larry David had envisioned it as the end of the series, fearing Seinfeld wouldn't live past its second year - how wrong he was!).

The whole idea is based on the network's request that Jerry and Elaine get back together. Larry was against it but, fearing cancellation, he eventually relented and decided to use one of his personal experiences (he says so in the DVD interviews) for the storyline: after seeing an adult channel on TV (a random event that also spawns some priceless input from George), the former couple ponders whether to resume their relationship. Following some serious discussion, they strike a "deal": they will mix "this" (their friendship) and "that" (sex), meaning they can sleep together but not become romantically involved. No phone calls, no cuddling - just emotionless sex. Needless to say, this will cause problems.

One of the show's most unlikely set-ups becomes one of its best moments: The whole conversation about "this" and "that" is one of Larry David's finest achievements as a screenwriter (surpassed only by the "Master of your domain" jokes in Season Four), as is the unusually sweet epilogue, which some might find too moving for a show that made its lack of sentiment something to wear with pride. But maybe that's the point: ending it any other way would have been predictable by Seinfeld's standards, so an old-fashioned, heartfelt conclusion turns out to be the boldest narrative choice of the entire episode. It's also funny as hell.

If a complaint has to be made, it's regarding the fact that The Deal's events didn't affect the third season in terms of continuity. Oh, wait, hang on: continuity and Seinfeld? Forget what I just said: this is a comedy classic from start to finish - don't miss it for anything in the world.

One should watch this for the incredible dialogue that takes place on the couch between Jerry and Elaine. It is as good as any comic writing by a superb playwright. The expressions used to balance friendship against talking about sex is amazing. Of course, nothing works out the way they had hoped. There is a very good bit with the purchasing of a birthday present.

I like the bit where George insists on getting details