'Curb Your Enthusiasm': Never leaving the past (behind)

While this week's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" offered some window dressing (borrowed pens, rash-afflicted 9-year-old girls, maitre d' bribery, Groat's disease), the main events were clearly the table read for the "Seinfeld" reunion and Michael Richards being haunted by his past. 

I have to give Larry David credit for cannily structuring this season of "Curb" around the fictional reunion and using this week's episode, the season's penultimate installment, as a way of allowing the audience a behind-the-scenes look at one of television's most acclaimed comedies.

While next week's season finale will depict the reunion itself, we were treated this week to the table read for the "Seinfeld" reunion as well as the event's rehearsal, conducted on the updated set for Jerry's apartment. 

Offering an insightful as well as hilarious look into the typical sitcom process, Larry David has essentially reconstructed what it must have been like for the cast and crew during the "Seinfeld" days. We're privy to seeing the cast crack each other up, rivalries develop (such as the one between Cheryl and, well, just about everyone else) and little vendettas creep in. As Julia Louis-Dreyfus admits to Larry upon seeing the "Seinfeld" set, "It's like going back in time or never leaving the past or something."

'Curb Your Enthusiasm': Larry's laws of life

"I'm Larry David and I happen to enjoy wearing women's panties."

Throughout the seven seasons of HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm," Larry David has marched to the beat of his own drum, embracing the quirky idiosyncrasies that make him the curmudgeonly individual that he is.

One of those little quirks is Larry's insistence on following his own unique code of ethics and living his life according to certain irrefutable Laws and Regulations that exist only in his mind. 

On this week's episode of "Curb," Larry issued five new edicts to which he said everyone he encountered should ascribe.

1) There are only two ways to injure your neck. Though Larry often finds himself at the receiving end of a butt-kicking from the universe, every now and then something goes his way. To wit: After promising ex-wife Cheryl the role of George's ex-wife, Amanda, in the "Seinfeld" reunion, Larry discovered that Jerry wanted to give the part to someone else, namely Valerie (guest star Elisabeth Shue) ... but Valerie ended up having to drop out of the project after she injured her neck. While Larry was overjoyed at being able to fulfill his promise to Cheryl (and perhaps pave the path to reconciliation in the process), he soon embarked on a witch hunt to determine just how Valerie hurt her neck, whether it was a car accident or a certain sexual act that he contended Valerie performed upon Cheryl. Only Larry David and Jeff Greene would consider that these were the only two possibilities. (For the record, it was a car accident, after all.) 

'Curb Your Enthusiasm': Swan's way

In science, a black swan relates to an event that is impossible to predict because it exists outside the realm of normal expectations.

Within the off-kilter world of "Curb Your Enthusiasm," most of the consequences of Larry David's actions could be considered black swans, but never with the literal-mindedness of this week's episode, which found Larry committing involuntary manslaughter, voluntary cellphone abuse, misunderstood additional gratuities, and defensive homicide upon a prized swan with a golf club.

Unfolding with the tension of an Agatha Christie murder mystery, this week's episode focused on the catastrophic fallout from various decisions that Larry made, whether that be a benevolent gesture that goes awry or the wanton killing of a rare bird.

The Additional Gratuity. Judging from the amount of time that tipping has come up over the course of seven seasons of "Curb," it's a contentious subject to Larry David, whether it be overtipping, coordinating the tip, tipping the dining room captain, or the vagaries of the additional tip. Personally, I've never understood the concept of the additional tip, which is often confusing and misleading. In this case, Larry had already paid a mandatory 18 percent tip, so the addition of a further tip seems superfluous at best. (As for the waiter's explanations of how to calculate a 2 percent tip, he should really head back to high school math class, despite Larry's promise to protest math at the table.) I'm siding with Larry on this one. Yes, amazing service should be rewarded, but a waiter demanding an extra tip on top of the mandatory one is a little much. (As for Larry giving the waiter a $500 tip because he mistakenly believed he was being blackmailed? Chalk that one up to miscommunication.) Larry: 1. Humanity: 0.

'Curb Your Enthusiasm': Wendy Wheelchair

This week's episode of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" found the master misanthrope, Larry David, in fine form as he attempted to maneuver himself out of all manner of ethical quagmires.

Whether it was coming to physical blows with Rosie O'Donnell over a check, insulting Ted Danson over a piece of pie, nearly letting Jeff and Susie's daughter drown, or substituting one disabled woman for another, Larry once again proved that there's no one he can't manage to insult or aggrieve.

Once again, I'll be exploring the little things that got under Larry's skin this week and whether it was Larry or the rest of humanity who was truly at fault. (And this week, it did seem like Mr. David was on a tear.)

The Asker or the Toucher. It's a common enough situation: Friends meet up for a meal, and there's the uncomfortable moment when the check arrives. Who should pay for the meal? Larry believed that, as the person who invited his guest -- in this case, Rosie O'Donnell -- it was his responsibility and his pleasure to pick up the check. Rosie, on the other hand, vehemently believed that as the person who physically picked up the check, it was incumbent on her to pay. Who's right? Honestly, I'm not sure. Granted, there is some level of responsibility on the part of the person who instigated the meal, but if the check is in someone's hand, it's therefore their right to pay for the meal. Certainly, it shouldn't turn into a physical altercation or a restaurant-set wrestling match as what passed between Larry and Rosie. Especially because that Rosie is one tough brawler. Given Rosie's reaction, I'm calling this one a stalemate. Larry: 0. Humanity: 0.

'Curb Your Enthusiasm': Can't take my eyes off of you

This week's episode of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" had Larry once again encountering some ethical land mines in pursuit of (his own) happiness, but Larry isn't always on the side of the angels, even when he attempts to do the Right Thing. 

Let's take a look at the little things that got under Larry's skin this week and whether it was Larry or the rest of humanity who was truly at fault.

The Airplane Shorts. Larry took offense to the clothing choice of his seatmate on a recent flight, berating the man for wearing shorts and forcing Larry to stare at his hairy legs during a five-hour flight. Sure, airplanes are claustrophobic spaces; we're forced to spend time surrounded by strangers and those people can get on our nerves in unexpected ways. But I think it was totally wrong for Larry to say something to Mr. Shorts, who defended his sartorial choice by saying that they're comfortable. It's not like the man was deliberately provoking Larry or causing him physical discomfort through his actions. No-brainer on this one. Larry: 0. Humanity: 1.

Dialing Dr. Morrison. After burning his hand on an airplane hot towel (those things are killer), Larry forced his doctor (guest star Philip Baker Hall) to give him his home number, saying that it would make him feel better. Reluctantly, Dr. Morrison agreed, with the stipulation that Larry not ever call him at home. One cellphone misdial later, Dr. Morrison screamed at Larry for disturbing him at home after he clearly told him never to call there. Which is understandable but, hello, Larry called him by mistake. There was no reason for Dr. Morrison to freak out the way that he did and Larry was clearly in the right here. Larry: 1. Humanity 1. (That said, Larry showing up at Dr. Morrison's house later on was decidedly not OK, so our total sinks back down to Larry: 0, Humanity 1.)

'Curb Your Enthusiasm': Reunited and It Feels So Good

And just like that the gang was back together again.

This week's episode of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" did what many people thought was impossible: It brought together the cast of "Seinfeld," more than 10 years after the series went off the air, for a reunion show. Sort of, anyway. 

In true "Curb" tradition, there's more than meets the eye here as the "Seinfeld" reunion itself is wholly fictional, a fantastic display of meta-theater that will only be glimpsed in tiny pieces this season on "Curb." Just as Jerry and George once pitched NBC a show about "nothing" on "Seinfeld," so too is Larry back at NBC doing a "Seinfeld" reunion as a deeply layered show-within-a-show.

And, yes, some uncertainty about the way that "Seinfeld" ended its series run is brought up as well, at least by the "Seinfeld" actors, even if Larry seems to be content with that downer of an ending.

The kumquat and the quail. The "Seinfeld" gang -- Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Richards and Jason Alexander, natch -- are back together and, well, it feels so great. Yes, there were rumblings of trouble among the quartet (fans will remember those arguments over DVD royalties, and then there was Richards' brush with notoriety a few years back for some racially insensitive remarks), but there's a sense of frisson at seeing them back together on the set of Jerry's apartment that's really indescribable. It's nostalgic and comforting and exciting all at the same time, even if it's just a fantasy sequence. (I think I cheered when they all ran in.)

Larry David tells you where to watch the big game

As any enthusiast of  “Curb Your Enthusiasm” knows, Larry David is a sports fan. New York Yankees, New York Jets, some New York Giants, he said during a recent interview over lunch in Santa Monica. In  Sunday night’s "Curb," which marks the beginning of the so-called “Seinfeld” reunion story line, Larry attends a game for another team he likes – the Los Angeles Lakers. Without spoiling it, let's just say his  viewing experience doesn’t go well.

It’s not first time Larry has been disappointed after attending a big game. He had good seats at 2008’s Super Bowl XLII between the Giants and the, until then, undefeated New England Patriots.

“You know what, looking back on it,” said Larry. “I would have rather watched it on television.”

Why -- that Super Bowl had one of the most exciting finishes in league history?

“You don’t really get the game, I mean really, really get the game when you’re there. You don’t get the game the way you do on television. You don’t see the isolations, you don’t see so much. It’s much different than at the game. You just can’t take it in.”

For more about what Larry had to say over lunch, read the full story.

-- Martin Miller

Photo credit: HBO

 

'Curb Your Enthusiasm': The C Word

Larry David has never been one to shy away from controversial topics, whether that be cancer, disabilities, death, or in the case of this week's episode of "Curb Your Enthusiasm," er, vehicular fellatio.

That particular carnal act was a central piece of this week's episode of "Curb," which found Larry struggling with several issues, including looking for a way to break up with the cancer-stricken Loretta (Vivica A. Fox), avoiding kissing the latest girlfriend (guest star Lolita Davidovich) of BFF Richard Lewis, and… attempting to open a plastic package.

Haven’t we all been in this position, taunted by what’s behind the clear, seemingly indestructible plastic coating, unable to peel away that thick transparent shell? Like “Seinfeld” before it, “Curb” mines comedy from the most ordinary and universal of experiences, creating a string of seemingly tiny moments that slowly snowball into an explosion before Larry’s eyes such as:

TCA Press Tour: Robin Williams returns to stand-up, tests out new material on critics

But was it a good idea?

A relatively restrained Robin Williams took to the stage this afternoon to hawk for his HBO stand-up special “Robin Williams: Weapons of Self-Destruction.” The program will be taped during his November appearance in Washington, D.C., one of the stops on his sold-out national tour.

Williams had heart surgery in March, and the comedian was clearly making an effort to stay calm -- calmer than his usual uproarious antics -- while trying out some new material on critics in attendance.

You can be the judge. Here’s a sampling:

TCA Press Tour: 'Hung's' mystery continues

Inquiring minds at the HBO session of Thursday's press tour want to know: Why haven’t we seen Ray’s “winning tool” yet? After all, viewers see plenty all of Sookie, and then some, on the network’s “True Blood.”

“We have not shown his penis -- yet,” said executive producer Colette Burson, who tried to explain why a shot of his most marketable asset hasn’t made its way onto the show. “It’s the perfect penis. It’s perfect for everyone who comes into contact with it.”

In other words, they don’t want to let anyone down. Not yet, anyway.

Set in Detroit, “Hung” revolves around a middle-aged gym teacher-turned-gigolo who struggles with his remarried ex-wife (Anne Heche), raising two teenagers and working with his female pimp on the side.

Jane Adams, who plays his pimp, Tanya, said she recently sat next to Terrence Howard on a plane and told the actor about her new role. Howard was Oscar-nominated for having played a pimp-turned rap star in 2005‘s “Hustle & Flow.”

“He had a lot to say,” Adams said. “And then I realized, ‘You know, this has nothing to do with Ray and Tanya.”

“Hung” and has been compared to like-minded series -- “Weeds” and “Breaking Bad” -- that revolve around characters dealing with their midlife crises in unconventional ways. But producers said that Ray’s secret work moonlighting in the sex trade is almost beside the point.

“Being hung has informed his life to a degree…so it seems an accurate [title for the show],” Burson said. “But it also seems to us, on a certain level, like an existential state. He is hung.”

And on that point, the series’ star Thomas Jane doesn‘t think that Ray’s crisis is a laughing matter. “I don’t consider it a comedy. I’m not going to play something for laugh. I’m going to play it for real,” he said.

“But I’ve heard it’s funny.”

In fact, although Ray sells sex, producers say nudity wasn’t discussed while they were trying to cast for the lead role. “It was always about how they did the dung beetle speech,” executive producer Dmitry Lipkin added.

“I had to go into another room to change so I wouldn’t hit anyone in the eye,” Jane offered.

As for why he took the role, the star deadpanned, “The hours are always a consideration. How much money I’m going to make. Those are the first things.”

But, seriously, “I thought it was a really clever idea,” Jane began, but wound up summing up: “It’s all …fate and luck, man. There is no reason this show should be good. It should be bad. It’s about a guy with a big [penis who has sex with] people for money!”

-- Denise Martin

Photo: Jane Adams and Thomas Jane in HBO's "Hung." Credit: HBO