May Larry David never be happy – or even remotely satisfied.
A dour pronouncement, yes, but one that ensures our continued enjoyment of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” David launched his wry, documentary-style sitcom in 2000, not long after “Seinfeld” went off the air. That show had brought the former stand-up
comedian fame and fortune, but judging by the plot lines of “Curb,” it didn’t bring him an ounce of serenity.
“Curb” looks at David’s cushy SoCal life and the social absurdities it nurtures. Many characters play bombastic version of themselves. Casual and unscripted, the improvised dialogue is peppered with pauses and fits of laughing. The hand-held, roving cameras lend the show a verité-style immediacy.
The fifth season, released on DVD today ($24.99), is not the show’s strongest. David continues to carry certain plot elements through the 10-show season. Is he adopted? Will he donate his kidney to friend and show regular Richard Lewis? Who cares?
What we really want to see are David’s wry observations on social convention, his blow-up fights with his manager’s wife, Susie, and the squirm-inducing embarrassments he precipitates.
The crudeness of many of the episodes feels too easy: David is constantly revisiting body and gender issues, racism and sex. The character of his wife, Cheryl, is relegated to the Suffering Nag role, a tragic waste of actress Cheryl Hines’ comedic gifts. And the situations David gets himself into are increasingly ridiculous.
Still, the show pushes boundaries and should be lauded for that, considering the sea of television mediocrity on which it bobs. Unsurprisingly, it was nominated for another six Emmy Awards. That’s 95 total for HBO this year alone, a network rightfully praised for its edgy, go-ahead-and-try-it programming.
An example is “The Christ Nail,” an episode which addresses one of David’s favorite topics – religion – with malicious zeal. He doesn’t attack Christianity so much as he mocks some of its mindless followers, interweaving Judaism (a constant thorn in his side), race relations and familial turmoil.
At first blush it’s obvious and simple. A second viewing reveals plot intricacies as impressive as the best “Seinfeld” episodes. The directors (many of them “Seinfeld” alums) balance spontaneity with comic timing and deft editing.
Fans of the show shouldn’t think twice about picking up the fifth season two-disc set, especially because of its excellent bonus features. “The History of Curb … So Far” includes interviews with every important cast and crew member and reveals interesting, hitherto secret info about the show. “The History of Curb … Even Further” looks at the show’s impact, its critical accolades and its future.
Despite the obvious self-satisfaction that has gripped David, his restless mind can still deliver the surreal, laugh-out loud moments we’ve come to expect. It’s predictable, yes, but still the best half-hour comedy on television. Or as David would say, “Pretty, pretty, pretty good.”
Staff writer John Wenzel can be reached at 303-820-1642 or jwenzel@denverpost.com.
