Jerry dates a woman with a mentor, and through a convoluted series of events, becomes Kenny Bania’s mentor. Elaine wants to fire an incompetent employee, but is so intimidated by his military Fatigues and unpleasant demeanour that she promotes him. George schemes to get a textbook on audiobook. Kramer runs a Jewish singles night but is undone by Frank’s PTSD.

Written by: Gregg Kavet & Andy Robin
Directed by: Andy Ackerman

Something that occurred to me during this episode is that the characters are generally much more successful than they’ve ever been before. George has been working for the Yankees for years at this point, and now Elaine is upper management. One wonders how Seinfeld (comedian) taking the reins fully for managing the show; it’s interesting that the show is technically ‘maturing’ in a way, as the characters rise in station without their emotional sophistication rising to match. In fact, the increased wackiness the show is undeniably undergoing is in stark contrast to the increased responsibility. I think there’s always a grounded element to Seinfeld, even in these later years, even as what grounds it evolves.

Meanwhile, for once the title plot is the one that captures my attention here. The time I’ve spent working in offices has been so brief as to be statistically insignificant, but I’m very familiar with complaints about working in them; in fact, I recently read a book called The Visible Hand by Alfred Chandler Jr, which lays out the origins and workings of the modern managerial system that makes comedies like Office Space or Dilbert (or even stories with satirical office elements like The Matrix) suddenly make sense, as it becomes clear that procedures either make sense when you’re the drone at the bottom or others that were sensible at the time and evolved into traditions came back on people, with people like Elaine promoted to a role where they have no context for what they’re doing and are just following base instinct.

With Elaine, the reasons for her actions are very obvious and very funny: she’s, uh, stupid and lazy, and just trying to avoid an awkward situation. This is actually what I usually assume is going on in the world, as opposed to a malicious conspiracy – for the most part, people making short-term attempts at gains that are poorly thought through and based entirely on being comfortable. This is really what Seinfeld manages to capture.

TOPICS O’ THE WEEK

• “What makes them think you’re a risk management expert?” / “Guess it’s on my resume.”
• “Well, he can’t be any worse than the pointless drivel we normally churn out!”
• I’m not really a duck fan, the skin seems sort of human.”
• “Well, if he’s doing that bad, maybe he’s in line for another promotion.”
• “It tastes like dirt!” / “Well, I also dropped it on the way over.”
• “Cynthia would not date a hack!” / “Would. Does. Is.” A very Jerry Seinfeld line.
• Classic gag to have Jerry Stiller playing young Frank. “I sent sixteen of my own men to the latrines that night!”
• “They had to sit him on a cork the eighteen hour flight home!”
• “I told you, it’s like getting beaten by a bag of oranges.”
• “I need someone I can trust.” / “Oh.”
• “It’s tough keeping your feet dry when you’re kicking in a skull.”
• “The absolute worst, Jerry. The worst!” Man, this is a quotable episode. It is the one that has “That’s gold, Jerry! Gold!”

Biggest Laugh: This is another one that depends on the rhythm that comes with a live studio audience.

Next Week: “The Checks”