After nine seasons of ‘Seinfeld,’ many episodes are loved by fans, but a few stand out as particularly memorable. Season 8, Episode 3, “The Bizarro Jerry,” is often considered one of the best episodes of the series.
Among these are Elaine’s (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) “Bizarro” friends, the character of Gillian (Kristin Bauer) with her notable “man-hands,” and Cosmo Kramer’s (Michael Richards) brief stint at Brandt-Leland, where he brings a mysterious briefcase. The surprise inside the briefcase? Ritz crackers, of course!
Kramer’s Fake Job Is a Highlight of the Episode
Kramer’s brief time working at Brandt-Leland adds a hilarious subplot to “The Bizarro Jerry.” Although this storyline is not the main focus of the episode, it greatly contributes to its full appeal. The plot begins when Kramer helps a Brandt-Leland employee with a malfunctioning printer.
This simple act of kindness leads to Kramer being mistaken for an actual employee. Enjoying the routine that comes with having a job, Kramer decides to continue “working” at Brandt-Leland every day, even though he is not actually being paid.
Kramer’s quirky behavior at his fake job adds a lot of humor to the episode. He brings along a briefcase filled with Ritz crackers, which he consumes throughout the day. This detail adds an extra layer of comedy, as Kramer’s actions are both bizarre and amusing.
The funniest part of this storyline is the “day in the life” sequence, where viewers see Kramer’s daily activities. He takes the subway to work, gives presentations, and spends an unusual amount of time at the water cooler. All of this happens to the tune of Sheena Easton’s “9 to 5,” creating a perfect comedic effect.
By the end of the episode, Kramer is “fired” from his fake job, but the reason he carries Ritz crackers remains one of the many delightful mysteries of his character. The fact that the reason behind the crackers is never fully explained adds to the humor and charm of Kramer.
“The Bizarro Jerry” Is a Favorite of the Writer
David Mandel, the writer of “The Bizarro Jerry,” has stated that this episode is his favorite from the ‘Seinfeld’ series. Mandel’s pitch for the Bizarro Jerry idea was well received by Jerry Seinfeld, who quickly understood and appreciated the concept.
Still from Seinfeld (Credit: Netflix)
In an oral history of the episode, Mandel mentioned that Seinfeld was enthusiastic about the idea and saw why it would be funny. This episode cleverly references the Superman villain Bizarro, partly due to Seinfeld’s support.
“The Bizarro Jerry” stands out because it showcases how ‘Seinfeld’ evolved in its later seasons. After many original writers and Larry David left the show, Jerry Seinfeld sought new writers who could continue the show’s legacy. Mandel, along with other new writers, brought fresh and innovative humor to the series.
This episode, in particular, benefits from the show’s long history and Mandel’s unique comedic style. The addition of the Ritz crackers to Kramer’s character highlights the way ‘Seinfeld’ continued to surprise and entertain audiences even as it approached its final episodes.
This episode might not have worked as well early in the series, but its distinct humor and memorable moments make it a standout example of the show’s enduring charm.
“The Bizarro Jerry” is a beloved episode for its clever writing, humorous plotlines, and the unique touch that Kramer’s character brings. The episode remains a fan favorite, demonstrating the creativity and innovation that characterized the later years of ‘Seinfeld.’
Season 4 of the Apple TV+ spy thriller Slow Horses has kicked off with two intense episodes. The plot centers around Jackson Lamb (played by Gary Oldman) and his team at Slough House as they tackle a new danger in London.
The storyline comes from Mick Herron’s fourth novel, Spook Street, which focuses on MI5’s response to the terrorist bombing at Westacres in downtown London.
But this season adds a second plot. It focuses on River Cartwright (played by Jack Lowden) and his grandfather, David Cartwright (played by Jonathan Pryce). Both characters are in serious trouble after shocking developments in Episode 2. The series also introduces Frank Harkness (played by Hugo Weaving), a new villain.
How the Cartwrights Landed in Danger
In the first two episodes, David mistakenly shoots someone in his home. At first, he thinks the person is River, but later it’s revealed to be an assassin named Robert Winters. David is experiencing dementia-like episodes and can’t clearly explain why he shot the man.
River helps cover up the murder and then travels to France to investigate Winters’ past. Catherine Standish (Saskia Reeves) provides a safe house for David, but he keeps talking in circles when Jackson Lamb asks him about River’s whereabouts. Jackson believes that David might be pretending to be confused.
Meanwhile, River arrives in Lavande, a quiet town in France. He finds Winters’ house and searches through his belongings. However, he is caught by Frank Harkness.
Harkness is connected to the Westacres bombing and wants to keep River from linking him to Winters. Just as it seems Harkness might kill River, a mysterious Frenchman shows up and drives Harkness away with a shotgun.
After escaping from the burning house, River thanks the man but is knocked unconscious by the butt of his gun. The man then drives them both away. The episode ends on this cliffhanger, raising several questions.
Who is helping River and David Cartwright if it’s not MI5 or Slough House? The Frenchman was seen tracking River earlier, but who is he working with?
What’s Frank Harkness Hiding?
Hugo Weaving joins Slow Horses in Episode 2 as Frank Harkness. So far, Harkness’ role in the story remains a mystery, but it’s clear that he’s connected to the Westacres bombing. He appears to be an American, and he’s controlling the events surrounding the bombing.
His attempt to stop River in Lavande shows he is now directly involved in the Cartwrights’ storyline. More will likely be revealed about Harkness and his motives in Episode 3.
Still from Slow Horses (Credit: Apple TV)
Although Diana Taverner (Kristin Scott Thomas), the deputy head of MI5, hasn’t been directly involved with the Cartwrights yet, she knows about Robert Winters’ fake identity, which MI5 created 28 years ago.
Taverner’s story will likely intersect with the Cartwrights and Jackson Lamb as the season progresses. The Westacres bombing will tie all their fates together.
Is David Cartwright Faking Dementia?
Catherine Standish has offered David Cartwright a safe place to stay after the shooting. While David appears to be confused and in shock, he also has moments of clarity. Based on Jackson Lamb’s strong instincts, it seems likely that David is pretending to be more confused than he is. The bigger question is why David would fake his condition.
Slow Horses Season 4 is available on Apple TV+ in the U.S., with new episodes released every Wednesday.
