Episode 1: Good News, Bad News
Episode #1; 1:1
However, instead of George
continuing with Jerry in this comical banter, he needs to act like it's a weird thing that Jerry
is analyzing something so insignificant. THAT IS THE SHOW! George then tries to end the back and
forth about his button when he should let the conversation end on its own volition, I said momentum,
same thing. There are also 2 lines in that opening scene which are despicably voiced: Jerry answering
about the girl "ya know, but it was great" and George answering "Devil you". I want to jump over this counter
and punch George in the brain. Then in the next scene at the laundry place, Jerry again has some good funny
comedy, but George needs to act the big shot and ask everyone in the place if they had any questions about
Jerry's comedic explanation to George about overdrying. Seinfeld is all about them doing their nutty observations
while other people are in the background, totally oblivious to the lines that we hear.
Then, we have Jerry in his apartment (wrong outside apartment shot) and totally weird apartment.
The windows, the fence, the couch, the painting in the hallway, the apartment number, not to mention
what the hell is Jerry wearing!?!?! Kramer doesn't popin, he knocks. But then maybe only Kramer
pops in, while KESSLER knocks. (What's the deal with Hoffman?!?!?) Kramer is really goofy, not smooth,
his hair is way too low, and his voice is too dumb sounding, not to mention his attire. Then, don't
get me started on George and Kramer interacting. George is afraid of Kramer, either that he's gonna hurt him
or that he's gonna give him some sort of disease. What's going on with George's hat? Is he a golfer
or a cabbie? And his shirts have been purple and bright orange?!?! Where the heck is this dog coming from?
One cool thing that happens is that George executes a self fulfilling prophecy by giving Jerry advice, but
that he doesn't ever follow his own advice of always doing (5:22) the opposite. Then, overall, the episode feels like 10 seconds have gone by. Too much time is spent in each scene, and
there is only one event occuring. We have no idea what the other characters are doing except for Jerry. To
call George and Kramer peripheral characters would be an insult to future peripheral characters Bania and
Whatley!
In the end though, we must look at the positives that are begun in the pilot, and make the series
what it is. Jerry does funny standup. He's watching the Mets game and eating cereal. Kramer does a semi-opening big mouth about the Mets game.
Kramer gets food from Jerry's fridge. He also gives a great eyebrow look that reminds one of the future Kramer he will evolve into.
There are some great observations and comedic moments. That said, I still want to beat up George:
"DEVIL YOU!!!"
EPISODE GUIDE from Jerry Seinfeld: The Entire Domain by Kathleen Tracy
PILOT The Seinfeld Chronicles (July 5, 1989)
SUMMARY Jerry doesn't know what to expect when a woman he met on the road says that she is coming into town.
OF SPECIAL NOTE The pilot was later aired as the episode "Good News, Bad News." Jerry calls Michael Richards's character Kessler, although in the TV Guide he is listed as Hoffman.
TRIVIA Jerry lives in apartment 311.
DIRECTOR Art Wolff
TELEPLAY Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld
GUEST CAST Pamela Brull (Laura); Lee Garlington (Claire)
Stats
2nd Siyum
First Times
Jerry
George
Kramer
The only ep not to have the word "The" in it is 1:4 Male Unbonding. The other episodes don't really count as they are either 2 part episodes or clip episodes. ["Of Mastadons and Men", which is really 3:18 The Boyfriend Part 2, or as originally broadcast, like all 2 parters, as just The Boyfriend; 6:14 Highlights of 100 Part 1 and 6:15 Highlights of 100 Part 2, once again, originally broadcast as Highlights of 100; and the Pilot episode (this episode!) of Seinfeld, which was later renamed for syndication as Good News, Bad News, or as we affectionately call it, 1:1 Good News, Bad News (The Seinfeld Chronicles Pilot).]
3rd Siyum
3rd Siyum Updates of 2nd Siyum (3rd Siyum Revised)
Tells
The Greeting, Puts bags down before greeting, The lip area, A hug, A shake, Hand sandwich
Tours