Seinfeld Ultimate Episode Guide

By Dennis Bjorklund

Seinfeld Ultimate Episode Guide is written by an authoritative expert who penned the most comprehensive reference book ever written about the show—Seinfeld Reference: The Complete Encyclopedia. The latest effort, Seinfeld Ultimate Episode Guide, is the best source for little-known facts, details and information about the sitcom voted The Greatest TV Series of All-Time by TV Guide.

 

Each episode offers the original airing date and production code with intricately summarized plots and subplots. There is verified supporting credits—writer, director, guest stars, and uncredited actors, plus a section detailing the trade credits of every actor and crew member who appeared on the show. Best of all, there is insider information, little-known facts and unique trivia about every episode.

 

Get insight into how some of the plots and subplots originated or evolved, as well as cast changes, staff and crew member onscreen appearances, and so much more. There is even a portion devoted to industry nominations and awards for major Seinfeld crew members.

 

Many fans read the book while watching episodes to fully appreciate the breadth of information about Seinfeld. Nearly every imaginable question about the show, its characters, or guest actors is painstakingly covered. This type of episodic thoroughness cannot be found anywhere else in the entire Seinfeld Universe. There is only one essential guide for every fan of the show: Seinfeld Ultimate Episode Guide. Photos included.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Praetorian Publishing
• Release date: Nov 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223363149

Book preview

Seinfeld Ultimate Episode Guide

Author

Dennis Bjorklund

Published by Praetorian Publishing

Copyright 2023 Dennis Bjorklund

Last Revised and Updated November 2023

Draft2Digital Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Draft2Digital.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

First published in the United States of America in 2004

Discover all the amazing television sitcom print and ebook publications by Dennis Bjorkund:

eBooks

Seinfeld

Seinfeld Reference: The Complete Encyclopedia, 30th Anniversary Edition

Seinfeld Reference: The Complete Encyclopedia With Biographies, Character Profiles & Episode Summaries

Seinfeld Secrets: 1500 Fun Facts About the Show

Seinfeld Secrets: An Insider Scoop About the Show

Seinfeld Trivia: Everything About Nothing

Seinfeld Trivia: Everything About Nothing, Challenging

Seinfeld Trivia: Everything About Nothing, Multiple Choice

Seinfeld Ultimate Episode Guide

Seinfeld Episode Guide: Ultimate Guide About Nothing (coming soon)

Friends

Friends Behind the Scenes: Backstage Pass to the Series, A Comprehensive History

Friends Secrets: 236 Episodes, Thousands of Facts

Friends Exposed: 1500 Fun Facts About the Show

Friends Trivia Quiz & Fun Facts: Channel Your Inner Unagi Fan

Cheers

Cheers TV Show: A Comprehensive Reference

Cheers Trivia: It’s a Little Known Fact…

Big Bang Theory

The Big Bang Theory TV Show Trivia Quiz & Fun Facts, Casual Fan

The Big Bang Theory TV Show Trivia Quiz & Fun Facts, Challenging

Modern Family

Modern Family TV Show Trivia Quiz & Fun Facts: Early Years

All the digital books listed above will be available in paperback in 2024.

* * * * *

Table of Contents

Author Biography

Episode Index

The Episodes

The Seinfeld Chronicles: Pilot (1989)

1. "Good News, Bad News (7.5.89)

Season One: 1989-90

2. The Stake Out (5.31.90)

3. The Robbery (6.7.90)

4. Male Unbonding (6.14.90)

5. The Stock Tip (6.21.90)

Season Two: 1990-91

6. The Ex-Girlfriend (1.23.91)

7. The Pony Remark (1.30.91)

8. The Jacket (2.6.91)

9. The Phone Message (2.13.91)

10. The Apartment (4.4.91)

11. The Statue (4.11.91)

12. The Revenge (4.18.91)

13. The Heart Attack (4.25.91)

14. The Deal (5.2.91)

15. The Baby Shower (5.16.91)

16. The Chinese Restaurant (5.23.91)

17. The Busboy (6.26.91)

Season Three: 1991-92

18. The Note (9.18.91)

19. The Truth (9.25.91)

20. The Pen (10.2.91)

21. The Dog (10.9.91)

22. The Library (10.16.91)

23. The Parking Garage (10.30.91)

24. The Cafe (11.6.91)

25. The Tape (11.13.91)

26. The Nose Job (11.20.91)

27. The Stranded (11.27.91)

28. The Alternate Side (12.4.91)

29. The Red Dot (12.11.91)

30. The Subway (1.8.92)

31. The Pez Dispenser (1.15.92)

32. The Suicide (1.29.92)

33. The Fix-Up (2.5.92)

34. The Boyfriend, Part 1 aka The New Friend (2.12.92)

35. The Boyfriend, Part 2 aka The New Friend (2.12.92)

36. The Limo (2.26.92)

37. The Good Samaritan (3.4.92)

38. The Letter (3.25.92)

39. The Parking Space (4.22.92)

40. The Keys (5.6.92)

Season Four: 1992-93

41. The Trip, Part 1 (8.12.92)

42. The Trip, Part 2 (8.12.92)

43. The Pitch (9.16.92)

44. The Ticket (9.16.92)

45. The Wallet (9.23.92)

46. The Watch (9.30.92)

47. The Bubble Boy (10.7.92)

48. The Cheever Letters (10.28.92)

49. The Opera (11.4.92)

50. The Virgin (11.11.92)

51. The Contest (11.18.92)

52. The Airport (11.25.92)

53. The Pick (12.16.92)

54. The Movie (1.6.93)

55. The Visa (1.27.93)

56. The Shoes (2.4.93)

57. The Outing (2.11.93)

58. The Old Man (2.18.93)

59. The Implant (2.25.93)

60. The Junior Mint (3.18.93)

61. The Smelly Car (4.15.93)

62. The Handicap Spot (5.13.93)

63. The Pilot, Part 1 (5.20.93)

64. The Pilot, Part 2 (5.20.93)

Season Five: 1993-94

65. The Mango (9.16.93)

66. The Puffy Shirt (9.23.93)

67. The Glasses (9.30.93)

68. The Sniffing Accountant (10.7.93)

69. The Bris (10.14.93)

70. The Lip Reader (10.28.93)

71. The Non-Fat Yogurt (11.4.93)

72. The Barber (11.11.93)

73. The Masseuse (11.18.93)

74. The Cigar Store Indian (12.9.93)

75. The Conversion (12.16.93)

76. The Stall (1.6.94)

77. The Dinner Party (2.3.94)

78. The Marine Biologist (2.10.94)

79. The Pie (2.17.94)

80. The Stand-In (2.24.94)

81. The Wife (3.17.94)

82. The Raincoats, Part 1 (4.28.94)

83. The Raincoats, Part 2 (4.28.94)

84. The Fire (5.5.94)

85. The Hamptons (5.12.94)

86. The Opposite (5.19.94)

Season Six: 1994-95

87. The Chaperone (9.22.94)

88. The Big Salad (9.29.94)

89. The Pledge Drive (10.6.94)

90. The Chinese Woman (10.13.94)

91. The Couch (10.27.94)

92. The Gymnast (11.3.94)

93. The Soup (11.10.94)

94. The Mom & Pop Store (11.17.94)

95. The Secretary (12.8.94)

96. The Race (12.15.94)

97. The Switch (1.5.95)

98. The Label Maker (1.19.95)

99. The Scofflaw (1.26.95)

100. The Highlights of a Hundred, Part 1 (2.2.95)

101. The Highlights of a Hundred, Part 2 (2.2.95)

102. The Beard (2.9.95)

103. The Kiss Hello (2.16.95)

104. The Doorman (2.23.95)

105. The Jimmy (3.16.95)

106. The Doodle (4.6.95)

107. The Fusilli Jerry (4.27.95)

108. The Diplomat’s Club (5.4.95)

109. The Face Painter (5.11.95)

110. The Understudy (5.18.95)

Season Seven: 1995-96

111. The Engagement (9.21.95)

112. The Postponement (9.28.95)

113. The Maestro (10.5.95)

114. The Wink (10.12.95)

115. The Hot Tub (10.19.95)

116. The Soup Nazi (11.2.95)

117. The Secret Code (11.9.95)

118. The Pool Guy (11.16.95)

119. The Sponge (12.7.95)

120. The Gum (12.14.95)

121. The Rye (1.4.96)

122. The Caddy (1.25.96)

123. The Seven (2.1.96)

124. The Cadillac, Part 1 (2.8.96)

125. The Cadillac, Part 2 (2.8.96)

126. The Shower Head (2.15.96)

127. The Doll (2.22.96)

128. The Friars Club (3.7.96)

129. The Wig Master (4.4.96)

130. The Calzone (4.25.96)

131. The Bottle Deposit, Part 1 (5.2.96)

132. The Bottle Deposit, Part 2 (5.2.96)

133. The Wait Out (5.9.96)

134. The Invitations (5.16.96)

Season Eight: 1996-97

135. The Foundation (9.19.96)

136. The Soul Mate (9.26.96)

137. The Bizarro Jerry (10.3.96)

138. The Little Kicks (10.10.96)

139. The Package (10.17.96)

140. The Fatigues (10.31.96)

141. The Checks (11.7.96)

142. The Chicken Roaster (11.14.96)

143. The Abstinence (11.21.96)

144. The Andrea Doria (12.19.96)

145. The Little Jerry (1.9.97)

146. The Money (1.16.97)

147. The Comeback (1.30.97)

148. The Van Buren Boys (2.6.97)

149. The Susie (2.13.97)

150. The Pothole (2.20.97)

151. The English Patient (3.13.97)

152. The Nap (4.10.97)

153. The Yada Yada (4.24.97)

154. The Millennium (5.1.97)

155. The Muffin Tops (5.8.97)

156. The Summer of George (5.15.97)

Season Nine: 1997-98

157. The Butter Shave (9.25.97)

158. The Voice (10.2.97)

159. The Serenity Now (10.9.97)

160. The Blood (10.16.97)

161. The Junk Mail (10.30.97)

162. The Merv Griffin Show (11.6.97)

163. The Slicer (11.13.97)

164. The Betrayal (11.20.97)

165. The Apology (12.11.97)

166. The Strike (12.18.97)

167. The Dealership (1.8.98)

168. The Reverse Peephole (1.15.98)

169. The Cartoon (1.29.98)

170. The Strong Box (2.5.98)

171. The Wizard (2.26.98)

172. The Burning (3.19.98)

173. The Bookstore (4.9.98)

174. The Frogger (4.23.98)

175. The Maid (4.30.98)

176. The Puerto Rican Day (5.7.98)

177. The Chronicle, Part 1 aka The Clip Show (5.14.98)

178. The Chronicle, Part 2 aka The Clip Show (5.14.98)

179. The Finale, Part 1 (5.14.98)

180. The Finale, Part 2 (5.14.98)

Technical Credits

The Seinfeld Chronicles: Pilot (1989)

Season One (1990)

Season Two (1990-91)

Season Three (1991-92)

Season Four (1992-93)

Season Five (1993-94)

Season Six (1994-95)

Season Seven (1995-96)

Season Eight (1996-97)

Season Nine (1997-98)

Industry Nominations and Awards

The Seinfeld Chronicles: Pilot (1989)

Season One (1990)

Season Two (1990-91)

Season Three (1991-92)

Season Four (1992-93)

Season Five (1993-94)

Season Six (1994-95)

Season Seven (1995-96)

Season Eight (1996-97)

Season Nine (1997-98)

* * * * *

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

For over 25 years author Dennis Bjorklund has been an accomplished and well-respected television authority who published many small screen books covering some of the best sitcoms in history. In addition to writing books, the author provides literary contributions to numerous entertainment magazines, and provides interviews as an authoritative expert for E! Entertainment and the Biography Channel.

He is the only television scholar to write thoroughly comprehensive books on Cheers and Seinfeld, which makes Bjorklund the only authoritative expert on these situation comedies. Here is the list of available books:

Seinfeld Reference: The Complete Encyclopedia, 30th Anniversary Edition

Seinfeld Trivia: Everything About Nothing

Seinfeld Trivia: Everything About Nothing, Challenging

Seinfeld Trivia: Everything About Nothing, Multiple Choice

Seinfeld Secrets: 1500 Fun Facts About the Show

Seinfeld Ultimate Episode Guide

Cheers TV Show: A Comprehensive Reference

Cheers Trivia: It’s a Little Known Fact…

Friends TV Show Trivia Quiz & Fun Facts: Channel Your Inner Unagi

The Big Bang Theory TV Show Trivia Quiz & Fun Facts, Casual Fan

The Big Bang Theory TV Show Trivia Quiz & Fun Facts, Challenging

Modern Family TV Show Trivia Quiz & Fun Facts: Early Years

The author continues to reside in California to remain close to the heart of network television programming.

* * * * *

EPISODE SUMMARIES

The Seinfeld Chronicles: Pilot (1989)

Wednesday, 9:30-10pm EST (NBC)

1. Good News, Bad News (7.5.89). While performing in Michigan, Jerry meets the perfect woman (Laura) who unexpectedly visits New York to attend a seminar. He anticipates developing a romantic relationship but after discussing the possibilities, George offers enlightenment about reading women’s signals, and unequivocally concludes that Jerry is a contingency plan. Although skeptical, Jerry feels redeemed when she suggests spending the night at his apartment. Expectations are further elevated when they plan a tour of New York City and she suggests spending both nights at his apartment. Fortunately, Jerry made alternative sleeping arrangements because his hopes are dashed when Laura admits to having a fiancé.

Written by: Larry David & Jerry Seinfeld

Directed by: Art Wolff

Characters: Pamela Brull (Laura)

Interesting Facts

Lee Garlington only appeared in the first scene but was listed as a cast regular. Her role was a waitress who offered friendly advice to Jerry and George. After the pilot, NBC demanded a stronger female supporting role that would add more sex appeal to the show. Garlington was axed from the show and a search began for a new female lead role.

The original title to the show was StandUp. It was supposed to be a 90-minute documentary about how a comedian gets his material and only a fill-in for Saturday Night Live. Jerry never actually wanted a sitcom. When the idea developed into a sitcom, the show title was The Jerry Seinfeld Show.

The featured diner was Pete’s Luncheonette, which was changed to Monk’s diner for the remainder of the series. Pete’s Luncheonette used a set that had its exterior left over from The Muppets Take Manhattan.

Jerry discussing the location of a button on George’s shirt was the first and last discussion between Jerry and George in the pilot and series finale, respectively.

Though Jerry’s neighbor was always meant to be named Kramer, legal concerns with Kenny Kramer (the real-life inspiration for the character) prompted the creators to call him Kessler in the pilot. However, the first draft of the script referred to the character as Hoffman.

In the pilot episode, Kramer has a dog named Ralph; it was included in a scene so Jerry Seinfeld could perform a stand-up routine about dogs. The routine was cut from the episode but the dog was never explained and did not appear in any future episodes.

For syndication, the pilot episode was re-titled Good News, Bad News to avoid confusion with The Pilot episode in Season 4. Other working titles for this episode included, Signals and The Airport Pick-Up.

Season One (1990)

Thursdays, 9:30-10pm EST (NBC)

2. The Stake Out (5.31.90). Elaine convinces Jerry to accompany her to a birthday party and is disconcerted when he flirts with another woman (Vanessa). When Vanessa unexpectedly departs, Jerry becomes obsessed with finding her. Since he only knows the name of her employer, he stakes out the office lobby until she leaves for lunch. While waiting in the lobby, Jerry and George devise a story about being in the building to meet their importer-exporter friend Art Vandelay. Elaine remains miffed about Jerry’s escapades and they spend time discussing the parameters of their friendship vis-à-vis romantic relationships.

Written by: Larry David & Jerry Seinfeld

Directed by: Tom Cherones

Characters: Lynn Clark (Vanessa), Phil Bruns (Dad), Liz Sheridan (Mom), Maud Winchester (Pamela), William Fair (Roger), Ron Steelman (Artie), Joe George (Uncle Mac), Ellen Gerstein (Carol), Janet Rotblatt (Woman)

Uncredited: Norman Brenner (Man Walking Into Elevator)

Notes

Phil Bruns appeared in 102 roles before his death in 2012 (age 80).

Liz Sheridan appeared in 79 roles; she started in show business as a dancer, was engaged to James Dean in 1952, and wrote a book about their love (Dizzy and Jimmy). Sheridan is best remembered as Helen (Jerry’s mother) in Seinfeld (1990-98), but also as a recurring regular in ALF (1986-90) as Raquel Ochmonek, and a costarring role in Play the Game (2009).

Maud Winchester also appeared as a hippie in The Keys (ep 40). She married Lucas Reiner, son of Carl Reiner and sibling of Rob Reiner.

Norman Brenner’s entire acting resume is appearing in two titles: Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm (The Seinfeld Episode). In Seinfeld he appeared in 28 episodes but only 5 were credited. Brenner also worked as the stand-in for Michael Richards in 4 episodes (The Muffin Tops, The Merv Griffin Show, The Betrayal and The Dealership).

Plots

The plot is drawn from an incident in Larry David’s life. David went to a restaurant with a woman he previously dated (Monica Yates) and met another woman. He could not flirt as much as he wanted due to the presence of Yates. David only knew the name of the building where she worked so he staked it out.

Interesting Facts

Brandon Tartikoff kept a scene from this episode cued up on his office VCR to show guests the pure humor of Seinfeld.

The names of the people in the law firm Sagman, Bennett, Robbins, Oppenheim and Taft are the names of David’s college friends. Vanessa was the name of woman that David once dated.

This is the first appearance with Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Elaine. Although the second episode to air, it was the third produced. It was decided that it should air earlier since it provided background information about Elaine and her relationship with Jerry.

The scene in which Jerry and Elaine are in a taxi was filmed in a studio using a black background and moving a fake taxi (due to budget restraints); it is a method known as the poor man’s process.

In this episode George devises the alter ego Art Vandelay and voices his desire to be an architect.

Jerry’s father was originally named Leon in the script but it was changed to Morty during production.

In the video store scene, extras are seen stepping down from the front of the stage.

Casting Changes

Philip Sterling was originally cast as Jerry’s father but was replaced with Phil Bruns. In the second season Bruns was replaced by Barney Martin because it was decided the character should be more cranky. When the show went into syndication, Larry David wanted to reshoot Bruns’ scenes with Martin but decided against the idea because the differences in the cast’s ages would be noticeable.

Awards

The episode was nominated for a Writers Guild of America Award in 1991. This episode was also nominated for the 1990 Emmy Award for Outstanding Editing for a Miniseries or a Special - Multi-Camera Production.

3. The Robbery (6.7.90). When Jerry goes out of town for a weekend performance, Elaine volunteers to watch his apartment. During one of many neighborly visits, Kramer inadvertently leaves the hallway door open and the apartment is burglarized. Jerry entertains the idea of moving, which Elaine wholeheartedly supports because she wants his old apartment. After touring the perfect abode, he agrees to sign the lease; however, George also expresses interest in renting the property. They compete for the tenancy but the combination of George’s sulking and Jerry’s guilty conscience prompts them to offer the apartment to a waitress.

Written by: Matt Goldman

Directed by: Tom Cherones

Characters: Anita Wise (Waitress), James F. Dean (Larry), Kimberley Kates (Diane), Bradford English (Cop), David Blackwood (Man #1), George Simms (Man #2)

Uncredited: Scott Shaw (Shop Lifter)

Notes

David Blackwood had minor roles in seven Seinfeld episodes. George Simms appeared in The Baby Shower (ep 15) and Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde (2003) as Speaker of the House.

Plots

The idea for the episode was inspired by Seinfeld’s real-life experience of his apartment being robbed when he was a student. Instead of the door being unlocked as it was in the episode, the burglars broke through the wall. Seinfeld has since commented that it was like being robbed by Superman.

Interesting Facts

Kramer makes his first sliding entrance in this episode. According to Michael Richards, he was late on his cue so he compensated by entering quickly. When the audience laughed, Richards decided to keep the sliding entrance and it eventually became his signature move.

While warming up the audience, Seinfeld improvised the routine about someone flashing him the middle finger. It worked so well that it was used in the opening stand-up segment instead of his prepared material.

Carolyn the waitress and her husband Larry are named after Seinfeld’s real-life sister and brother-in-law.

In an early draft of the script, Jerry’s English neighbor is named Berbick, the man Kramer accuses of stealing Jerry’s property.

This was the first Seinfeld episode written by someone other than Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld.

4. Male Unbonding (6.14.90). A clingy childhood friend (Joel) maintains regular contact with Jerry in a feeble attempt to resuscitate their dead relationship. To avoid future contact, Jerry creates a list of excuses but cannot overcome Joel’s persistence. When they meet for lunch it appears obvious that Jerry must terminate their association. Joel is traumatized by the news and starts crying so Jerry rescinds the breakup and invites Joel to a basketball game. Since Jerry does not want to attend the event with Joel, he creates another excuse to unload both tickets. Subplots: George is disconcerted after telling a woman he likes her. Kramer is excited about a new business concept where customers make their own pizza pie.

Written by: Larry David & Jerry Seinfeld

Directed by: Tom Cherones

Characters: Kevin Dunn (Joel), Anita Wise (Waitress), Frank Piazza (Customer), Kimberley LaMarque (Teller)

Notes

Kevin Dunn appeared in over 100 roles and is recognized in Samantha Who? (2007-09) as Howard and Luck (2011-12) as Marcus, as well as three Transformers movies as Ron Witwicky and Warrior (2011). Frank Piazza appeared in The Stranded (ep 27) as a cop.

Interesting Facts

Kevin Dunn auditioned for the role of George Costanza.

Male Unbonding was the second episode produced. In early drafts of the script, Elaine does not appear. The character was added during pre-production because NBC demanded a strong female character be added to the cast. Thus, Elaine appeared in only one scene. The character was originally named Eileen but was changed just a few days before filming.

Other than the pilot, this is the only episode not starting with the word The in the title. Although it was common practice to have humorous titles, Larry David wanted the writers to focus on the episode material because the title would not be known to many viewers.

Jerry’s audience monologues were recorded twice. The first time he appeared in front of a piano in a brightly lit room that resembled a church basement, so the monologue was re-recorded in front of a dark curtain to give the feel of a night club performance.

Alternate Ending

Joel asks Jerry if he can date Elaine. Jerry is offended and breaks up with Joel for good. Joel storms out of the diner but returns to say that he will see Jerry the following week to return a k.d. lang tape he borrowed.

5. The Stock Tip (6.21.90). A friend proffers insider information on a stock investment so George ventures $5,000 and convinces Jerry to ante $2,500. Naturally, the stock price rapidly plummets, and when their investment source becomes hospitalized, George attempts a friendly bedside visit. When this fails, he decides to weather the misfortune, and a sudden upward turn produces an $8,000 windfall. Jerry, on the other hand, cannot handle the stress of a declining market so he immediately unloads the stock after losing $1,500. Subplots: Jerry spends a romantic weekend with Vanessa but inclement weather ruins their plans. Elaine is allergic to her boyfriend’s cats and gives him an ultimatum.

Written by: Larry David & Jerry Seinfeld

Directed by: Tom Cherones

Characters: Lynn Clark (Vanessa), Ted Davis (Dry Cleaner), Jill C. Klein (Waitress), Benjamin Lum (Stock Boy)

Uncredited: Norman Brenner (Manager)

Notes

Benjamin Lum, a grocery store worker, reappeared in The Cigar Store Indian (ep 74) as a mailman.

Interesting Facts

This was the last Seinfeld episode to be filmed at Ren-Mar Studios in Hollywood. All future episodes were filmed at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, California.

Soon after this episode aired, NBC executives ordered 12 additional Seinfeld episodes to air as a mid-season replacement during the 1990-91 season.

During filming, Michael Richards played a practical joke on the rest of the cast. He entered Jerry’s apartment with a woman who immediately began removing her clothes until she had stripped down to a g-string.

Deleted Scenes

A line cut from the finished episode had Jerry agreeing to let Kramer’s anarchist friends stay in his apartment but only if they promised to wear all of Jerry’s underwear.

Season Two (1990-91)

Wednesdays, 9:30-10pm EST (NBC)

6. The Ex-Girlfriend (1.23.91). Despite the absence of love, George cannot end his relationship with Marlene. After repeated efforts, he finally musters the courage to officially break up and then convinces Jerry to retrieve a few books from her apartment. Jerry is enthralled with the southern belle and obtains George’s permission to date her. Although addicted to the sex, Jerry contemplates ending the relationship; ironically, Marlene strikes first by giving him the axe after watching one of his comedy routines. Subplot: Elaine is obsessed with a man in her apartment building that refuses to acknowledge her presence. She finally confronts him after their relationship descends from polite chatting to a simple hello and then to saying nothing at all.

Written by: Larry David & Jerry Seinfeld

Directed by: Tom Cherones

Characters: Tracy Kolis (Marlene), Karen Barcus (Receptionist)

Uncredited: Norman Brenner (Man on Sidewalk)

Notes

Tracy Kolis also appeared in The Soup (ep 93) as Kelly, a waitress at Monk’s. She started acting in soap operas in 1984 and after 25 roles disappeared from acting in 1999.

Plots

As with most of the early episodes, it was inspired when Larry David gave a ride home to a woman who had recently dated a friend of his. He was conflicted about breaking up with her because the sex was too good.

Interesting Facts

Among the actresses who auditioned for the part of Marlene: Amy Yasbeck (Wings), Jeri Ryan (Star Trek: Voyager) and Heidi Swedberg (who later played Susan Ross in Seinfeld).

Norman Brenner, who worked as Michael Richards’ stand-in on the show for all its nine seasons, appeared as an extra during the second scene, walking by twice in different clothing.

Due to a limited budget, the poor man’s process was used for the car scenes; crew members shook the car and flashed lights overhead to give the illusion of movement along a city street.

This episode was supposed to air on January 16, 1991 but its premiere was postponed one week due to the start of the first Gulf War.

Beginning with this episode, Seinfeld was filmed before a live studio audience on stage 19 of the CBS/MTM lot in Studio City, California.

Deleted Scenes

Additional dialogue was cut from the final version in which George discusses staging his own kidnaping to get out of dating Marlene.

ej%20table%20talk%20wide%20pony%20remark

Jerry and Elaine attending Manya’s party where he made the pony remark

7. The Pony Remark (1.30.91). Jerry single-handedly wins a softball game that earns his team a championship berth. Meanwhile, his parents visit New York to attend Manya’s 50th wedding anniversary party. Jerry also attends the party but inadvertently insults Manya for owning a pony as a child. She leaves the table enraged and dies the next day. Jerry agonizes over whether he caused her death but is more concerned about Manya’s funeral interfering with his softball game. He reluctantly attends the funeral though his misfortune is reversed when the championship game is postponed due to rain. Jerry is able to participate in the tournament and this time he single-handedly loses the game. Subplot: Kramer decides to redecorate his apartment with wood and build levels.

Written by: Larry David & Jerry Seinfeld

Directed by: Tom Cherones

Characters: Liz Sheridan (Helen), Barney Martin (Morty), Rozsika Halmos (Manya), Len Lesser (Uncle Leo), David Fresco (Isaac), Scott N. Stevens (Intern), Earl Boen (Eulogist)

Notes

Barney Martin appeared in 77 roles before his death in 2005 (age 82). He is best remembered as Morty (Jerry’s dad) in Seinfeld (1991-98). Martin worked as a policeman for 20 years before going into acting and appeared in a 1970s television