by Mona Gallagher

Created on: May 14, 2007   Last Updated: December 10, 2009

Was Jerry Seinfeld the best or the funniest? I wouldn't go so far as to say that, but the show was funny and the star and co-stars had a chemistry that helped sustain the show. It was advertised as a show about nothing, but often had some interesting story lines.

The Seinfeld Show didn't contain slapstick, the absurd type of humor that made you laugh from the belly or the 'fall out of your chair,' humor. Seinfeld's humor was more sophisticated but appreciated by a wide range of people and audiences. His was an around the water cooler discussion type of show.

Characters of the Seinfeld show were somewhat believable except for the relationship between Jerry and Elaine. It's a stretch to believe that ex lovers can attain an easy and relaxed relationship that they reached after their break-up. Why did they break up anyway? I never knew.

I liked Elaine's character however; she was eccentric and funny. Jerry was mild-mannered and easy going like a bowl of cornflakes. Situational comedy made the show funny and entertaining.

The George Costanza character was believable but sleazy and opportunistic. It's a tribute to actor Jason Alexander to say that I didn't like his character, because that means he made "George" totally believable. His character often left me with a frown instead of a laugh and frankly I didn't like George.

Kramer was least believable, although Michael Richards did a good portrayal. Think about it, if you were a successful comic, you wouldn't be living next to an unemployed off the wall wacko. In fairness, Richards added some much needed pizazz to the cast. Wayne Knight as "Newman" rounded out the cast as an occasional nemesis.

Some of the shtick became too familiar, such as Kramer skidding in through Jerry's door every time he came onstage. If you saw it a dozen times, that was plenty.

Overall the Kramer character worked within the comedy. The positive things I can remember is that the cast worked well together. Their characters jelled as friends in the sitcom, and the show was well received.

A favorite episode with almost everyone is the episode about the Soup Nazi.

JERRY: There's only one caveat - the guy who runs the place is a little
temperamental, especially about the ordering procedure. He's secretly
referred to as the Soup Nazi.

ELAINE: Why? What happens if you don't order right?

JERRY: He yells and you don't get your soup.

ELAINE: What?

JERRY: Just follow the ordering procedure and you will be fine.

Of course Jerry and friends don't follow the ordering procedure and when George doesn't get bread with his soup, he ends up with no soup at all. There is no great meaning or moral to the story, its just entertainment.

We could use some entertaining TV shows again.

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