Review: Curb Your Enthusiasm 'The Bare Midriff'

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.

In this, the second episode of the Seinfeld reuinion arc of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld are working on the script. Very little reference is made to the writing of the show, however one can’t help but wonder exactly what it is that is being brainstormed by the two of them. A few choice phrases written on the whiteboard behind Jerry:

Refurbished skeleton.
Bathroom monitor.
The doll.
Rage killing.

Most of the episode centers on Larry and Jerry feeling uncomfortable with their PA wearing a crop-top, despite her flabby belly. This was certainly one brave actress.

The premise of the episode was a little shakey. The PA’s contempt for Larry over being told not to wear a crop-top to work seemed a little excessive. It’s unprofessional attire, yet this aspect was never made mention of? It just didn’t ring true. Larry’s forceful urination was funny, but again, it didn’t quite ring true enough. Some splashback is expected, but enough to hit a nearby hanging image of Jesus? I don’t think so.

And on that: who hangs a picture of Jesus next to their toilet. Sure, Jesus is supposedly everywhere and can see what goes on in there if he wants, but I’m sure that he’s really just not that interested. Folder or scruncher? Jesus can travel the cosmos. He doesn’t care. And if I was an all-mighty deity, the last thing I want is for you to show your respect to me by hanging my visage next to where you flush.

But, I digress.

Part of the joy of this episode was watching the banter between Jerry and Larry. We glimpsed some of this in the last reunion episode, but its only now that we’re watching them debate minutae. The two of them seem to thrive off each others narcissistic, self-absorbed, and cantankerous approach to life – often at the expense of all those who surround them. The more the two of them are on screen together, the more natural it is begining to feel. As a result, their comedic performances have lifted considerably.

The episode was flawed, but it certainly delivered some well-earned chuckles. It’s just a shame that the David/Seinfeld reunion is to be so short-lived.