The Wife

Selfishness prevails in this episode. First of all, a dry cleaner is nice enough to give Jerry a permanent discount because he returned a valuable locket. This isn't enough as Jerry's girlfriend wants in on the dry cleaning (and eventually Kramer). Meanwhile, George has embarrassed himself by being seen urinating in the shower and a guy is going to report him and get him thrown out of his health club. He is a friend of Elaine's and kisses her, and the complications get rolling from there. George's defense is that it's all pipes going to the same place (hilarious). Elaine has no concern for her friends, showing herself to be just as much self-centered as any of them. Kramer plays a small role but his experience with a tanning machine is pretty funny.

Season 5, Episode 17, "The Wife"

Not one of season's 5 best episodes, certainly, but it's still a worthy classic. Courtney Cox was a grade-B star at the time, still a few months before hitting it big in Seinfeld's main competition Friends, but she was still one of the better known faces to make an appearance in the early seasons and she's one of the better Girlfriends-of-the-week the show had. Cox has great chemistry with Jerry and it makes their storyline the real highlight of the episode, and one of the better relationship stories in season 5.

The other stories in the episode pale by comparison - Kramer hardly even has any, but Elaine and George have some very funny moments. Overall a very good Seinfeld episode.

The premise is funny and quirky yet believable. But as much as I used to be a huge 'Friends' fan, watching the story I couldn't help thinking that the Courteney Cox role was miscast, or at least mistimed: Just like on the early seasons of 'Friends', she is still finding her pace as an actress. Her hair seems stuck in the 80s. Worse, her sweet-as-can-be, childlike attitude just doesn't gel at all with the Seinfeld set and concept. Not a mean or messed-up bone in this supposed New Yorker's body. All in all, and considering the thespian heights she would go on to climb, her presence feels oddly unsettling.

Funny episode, but given Michael Richards' little debacle from a few years back, that I think we all remember, kinda makes the end scene with Kramer visiting his girlfriend's family a bit more uncomfortable!

Another dry cleaner means more clothes.

On March the sixth 2023 this review was typed up.

About: Jerry is somewhat married an loves to say "my wife".

Elaine tries to figure out a creep

Kramer is kramer

George pees in the shower at the gym. Who doesn't?

Story and production: A good and amusing story. Jerry's story was the highlight.

Production was flawless. Another great ep in season 5.

Overall a great episode.

Highlight: Jerry's story. Also when George threatened to call a plumber.

"I don't see a white boy. I see a damn fool".

Laugh meter: 8

Girlfriend attractive level: If SHE is legit 8. Kramers girl was a 10. Damn.

What can be learned?: Be careful who you marry.

Should you watch this? Yes.