From Elaine’s internal screaming as her crowded train gets stuck, to Kramer’s mad dash to try to secure a seat, to Jerry’s inability to stay awake, each of the minor misadventures that follow will have the ring of familiarity to anyone who’s spent much time on the subway - even if most of us haven’t literally had the shirts stolen off our backs, as George does here. With its focus on everyday inconveniences and grumping about social niceties (“We are living in a society!” George barks after someone cuts ahead of him to use the pay phone), “The Chinese Restaurant” is a perfect early example of the quintessential Seinfeld formula.Įven by Seinfeld standards, “The Subway” is a particularly New York-y episode, plopping all four principals on the 5 train before sending them their separate ways at 42nd Street. The entire episode unfolds in real time as Jerry, George and Elaine do nothing more exciting, or more aggravating, than wait for a table that the host (James Hong) has reassured them will be ready in just “five, 10 minutes.” In the end, nothing is learned, nothing is solved, and nothing is accomplished - not even dinner, since the group leaves just seconds before they’re finally called to be seated.
SEINFELD THE MASTER OF MY DOMAIN EPISODE SERIES
But “The Chinese Restaurant” is when the series truly clicks into place as a show about nothing. Seinfeld‘s wry sense of humor shines through from the start, and even the weakest of the early episodes are good for some laughs. “The Chinese Restaurant” (Season 2, Episode 11)
"That was one of the biggest laughs we ever got, I think.Guest Column: Rebecca Jarvis on Why 'The Dropout' Is "Not Just a Story About a Fascinating Person" That was a huge moment when Kramer came in," David said. But once they finally went through with it, they got some of their biggest laughs ever on a Seinfeld episode-specifically during the moment when Kramer comes in after losing the contest. His friend, Kenny Kramer (the real Kramer) added: "I wasn’t in because I knew I would never win it." It was an idea, David said, he'd had for a long time, but never actually followed through with it because he didn't think the network would allow it. I just remember it didn’t last very long. There must have been some money involved. Should I mention his name? I don’t even know-my friend Frank Piazza. I would say there was only one other person involved. As he tells New York: I can’t believe I have to discuss this at my ripe age.
In a new oral history of the episode in New York Magazine, David reveals the true story behind the episode's origins and who was part of the actual contest.
SEINFELD THE MASTER OF MY DOMAIN EPISODE TV
Rather, the show could take unexplored territory-Jerry, George, Kramer, and Elaine making a bet on who could go the longest without masturbating-and turn it into one of the most iconic TV episodes of all time.Īnd the story behind this bold and crazy idea is just as bold and crazy as the episode itself-complete with shocked network executives, secrecy, and plenty of people doubting creator and writer Larry David.
But in 1992, when Seinfeld aired the episode "The Contest," masturbating was still a pretty taboo thing to talk about on TV. It's something our president would probably talk about on the phone to a war widow at this point and no one would bat an eye. Masturbating! By 2017's standards it seems almost adorable-so tame and normal.