Highly anticipated, this Seinfeld-free episode was initially a disappointment, but a 2nd viewing showed nothing more or less than a classically structured and executed Curb episode, with several moments of hilarity (mostly by Marty Funkhouser). At his golf clubhouse, Larry and company (his cousin, Marty, and Jeff) try to get out on the golf course ahead of a very slow group. When this fails (because of some crispy onions), Larry gets irate on the course and yells at the hypertensive Paul Mazursky (who subsequently has a heart attack). The next day, Larry is attacked by a prized black swan on the same hole and easily dispatches it with a golf club. These unfortunate events as well as Larry's take on social mores (tip inclusion, unnecessary introductions) will lead to a memorable headstone for Larry's mother (or is it moth?) . . .
I agreed with everything Larry did in this episode (except the aggressive swan reaction, of course). My tipping starts at 20% goes up to 25% if they're good and down to 15% if they're bad. If 18% is included, they automatically get 18%. This is the third Curb episode this season that has dealt with tipping and I can't imagine David getting any more mileage out of it. He really needs a consistent semi-foil (expertly played by Seinfeld last time and pretty good this time by Bob Einstein). Jeff sides with him too frequently and his cousin (Richard Kind) is too passive (I do love the way Kind says "horrible" though). Overall, a very good episode for Curb fans, but unlikely to appeal beyond David's base. B+
Favorite line: "Even though it was an accident, you're still a murderer."
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Curb Your Enthusiasm - The Black Swan
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1 comment:
Superdave was awesome as usual - I liked his bargaining with the club owner and sideways glances at Larry. It is also cathartic for me to see someone as neurotic and annoyed with social conventions. Misery (and misanthropy) loves company.
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