JOLLY DAYS

Seinfeld Xtras, Part 2

A few remaining comments about the Xtras on the Seinfeld DVDs (actors denoted by character's name):

• I think the benevolent glow I associate with the show had more to do with Seinfeld than anyone else. By stepping back and letting everyone share the limelight Seinfeld made the show better. His generosity of spirit — a surprising thing to say about a performer in the cynical world of stand-up — pervaded the show. He didn't always have to say the funniest line. He was willing to be the target of jokes, or a set-up, or absurd.

• The policy of the show was that the writer whose episode was being filmed was made part of the entire process; allowing them into all the stages of production — helping them to, perhaps someday, do a show of their own. The only sitcom that did that.

• The most pleasant commentators to listen to were Elaine and George. They really enjoyed watching the shows again and were in perfect rhythm with what was being shown — their comments didn't distract, but adorned.

• Kramer, as a commentator, didn't work. Kramer's a wonderful performer, but he seems, in real life, either not the sharpest knife in the drawer, or so shy he is out of rhythm, unable to engage comfortably in day to day conversation. (It was mentioned that he never went to the night-outs at a nearby restaurant after the show had wrapped for the week. He might just be awkward. Or extremely sensitive and self-protective. Or all of the above. Amazing to talk about shyness in such a supremely confident performer, but it seems fairly common.) Larry Charles, who looks like a rich homeless person, was an interminable bore in his commentary. I don't know what to make of that — he wrote funny scripts.

• Even though Larry Charles came up with some funny things, he, and two writers who were brought in from Letterman, seemed to be responsible for my least favorite episodes; the more over-the-top ones, the sitcom-y ones. I think this is where Larry David's down to earth approach probably saved the show, because Seinfeld said that he liked those over-exaggerated episodes. (Of course, by disposition, Seinfeld's reaction appears to always be positive — like Joyce's Molly Bloom offering up a big yes to experience.) George said he thought those episodes were a “step in the wrong direction”. But like many performers whose values derive principally from popularity, after those over-the-top episodes received great praise and ratings, he changed his mind. George, you were right the first time.

• The physicality of the acting struck me on the DVD's more than when they were aired. Every word had a facial and physical gesture attached. Elaine was brilliantly expressive. George and Kramer and Newman like dancers.

There is hardly a day that goes by but that some odd human behavior or story of an urban dilemma reminds me of a line from Seinfeld. What a great show.