Seinfeld Reference: The Complete Encyclopedia (53 page)

148.
"The Van Buren Boys" (2.6.97).
  This episode encompasses several characters and their dealings with an urban gang, the Van Buren Boys.  When Kramer fortuitously flashes the gang's secret signal, they allow him to pass as is one of them.  However, after he sells his life story to J. Peterman, Kramer is unable to reveal the code to George, who is under siege for denying a gang member a foundation scholarship. 
Subplots:
Jerry dates the ideal woman but everyone thinks she is a loser.  Elaine has the unenviable task of writing J. Peterman's autobiography, which is based upon Kramer's inane life.

Written By: Darin Henry

Directed By: Andy Ackerman

Characters: Barney Martin (Morty), Liz Sheridan (Helen), Bruce Davison (Wyck), John O'Hurley (J. Peterman), Christine Taylor (Ellen), Jed Rhein (Steven Koren), Tony Colitti (Leader), David Moscow (Lomez, Jr.), Yunoka Doyle (Lydia), Dublin James (Maurice), Justine Slater (Melissa), Michelle Maika (Kim), Steve Hofvendahl (Man)

149.
"The Susie" (2.13.97).
  When Elaine is mistakenly referred to as Susie, she has to account for both identities at work.  To avoid detection, Elaine devises a plan where Susie commits suicide. 
Subplots:
George eagerly awaits the Yankees gala ball to showcase his girlfriend Allison.  When a breakup appears inevitable, he purposely avoids contact with her until after the ball.  Kramer sets his watch forward one hour because he cannot wait for daylight savings time.  Jerry breaks the thumbs of a financially strapped bookie who welshes on a $1,000 wager.

Written By: David Mandel

Directed By: Andy Ackerman

Characters: John O'Hurley (J. Peterman), Lee Arenberg (Mike), Shannon Kenny (Allison), Megan Cole (Peggy), Richard Herd (Wilhelm), Jane Edith Wilson (Woman)

150.
"The Pothole" (2.20.97).
  After losing a talking-head key chain in a pothole that is promptly filled with asphalt, George uses a jackhammer to extricate the keys. 
Subplots:
Kramer adopts a one-mile section of highway and converts the four-lane arterial into a luxurious two-lane thoroughfare.  Jerry dreads kissing his girlfriend after she unwittingly uses a toothbrush that was knocked into the toilet.  She exacts revenge by placing one of his household items into the toilet.  Elaine inhabits an apartment building hall closet to receive Chinese food deliveries, and is forced into performing various janitorial duties.

Written By: Steve O'Donnell and Dan O'Keefe

Directed By: Andy Ackerman

Characters: Wayne Knight (Newman), Kristin Davis (Jenna), Jack McGee (Ralph), George Kee Cheung (Owner), Seraiah Carol (Mrs. Allister), Radmar Agana Jao (Delivery Guy), Walter Addison (Man)

151.
"The English Patient" (3.13.97).
  Elaine infuriates her friends and boyfriend by criticizing
The English Patient
.  When J. Peterman is equally enthralled by the film, Elaine willingly abandons her job rather than suffer through the entire movie. 
Subplots:
An elderly man challenges Jerry to a weight lifting contest and winds up in the hospital.  Soon three generations of testosterone-laden Mandelbaum males are hospitalized with back injuries.  When a beautiful woman mistakes George for her boyfriend, he tries to learn everything about the other man so he too can acquire an attractive woman.  Kramer imports three Cubans to roll cigars but they eventually find employment rolling crepes for the Mandelbaum family restaurant.

Written By: Steve Koren

Directed By: Andy Ackerman

Characters: Lloyd Bridges (Izzy), Liz Sheridan (Helen), Barney Martin (Morty), John O'Hurley (J. Peterman), Chelsea Noble (Danielle), O'Neal Compton (Earl Haffler), Lisa Mende (Carol), Gene Dynarski (Izzy Jr.), Marco Rodriguez (Guillermo), Joseph Urla (Dugan), Jill Talley (Gail), Jill Holden (Lisa), Todd Jeffries (Blaine), Earl Schuman (Izzy Sr.), Edgar Small (Sid Luckman), Lauren Bowles (Waitress), Juan Garcia (Jaime), Jeff Miller (Neil)

Note:
Chelsea Noble is most remembered as Kirk Cameron's wife. They met on the set of "Growing Pains" where she played Kate MacDonald (1989-92).  She also costarred in "Kirk" (1995-96) as Elizabeth Waters. Chelsea and Kirk married in 1991 and have 6 children (4 adopted).

152.
"The Nap" (4.10.97).
  George's highly-visible office is not conducive to napping so he finds the perfect resting place under the desk.  He hires Jerry's carpenter to install shelves, drawers and other amenities.  When George is subsequently trapped under the desk, Jerry reports a bomb threat, and explosive experts defuse the sleeping arrangements. 
Subplots:
Jerry's carpenter redesigns the kitchen cupboards but cannot make a decision on his own.  Kramer feels restricted by the confines of a swimming pool so he begins treading water in the polluted East River.  Elaine frets after receiving a supportive mattress from a man she only dated once.

Written By: Gregg Kavet & Andy Robin

Directed By: Andy Ackerman

Characters: Stephen Lee (Conrad), Vince Grant (Hal), Richard Herd (Wilhelm), Angelo Tiffe (Delivery Man), Jonell Kennedy (Secretary), Mik Scriba (Bomb Squad Guy), Terry Rhoads (Father), Sid Newman (Old Man), Kevin Keckeisen (Brian), Kyle Sullivan (Son)

153.
"The Yada Yada" (4.24.97).
  George's girlfriend, Marcy, has the most fascinating means of succinctly telling stories by glossing over the middle part with a flippant "yada yada."  Soon everyone is using the phrase to streamline conversations, especially to avoid revealing damning details about their regrettable involvement in the anecdote. 
Subplots:
Elaine seduces an adoption agency representative so her friends will receive approval to adopt.  Jerry is offended when his dentist converts to Judaism to acquire joke-telling immunity.  Kramer and his friend Mickey vie for the affection of two women but cannot decide the appropriate dating arrangement.

Written By: Peter Mehlman and Jill Franklyn

Directed By: Andy Ackerman

Characters: Jill St. John (Mrs. Abbott), Robert Wagner (Mr. Abbott), Debra Messing (Beth), Bryan Cranston (Tim Whatley), Danny Woodburn (Mickey), Suzanne Cryer (Marcy), Stephen Caffrey (Arnie), Henry Woronicz (Father Curtis), Monica Lacy (Julie), Ali Marsh (Karen), David Chandler (Brian), Virginia Watson (Nun), Walter Franks (Waiter), Jerry Maren (Dad)

Note:
Jill St. John is best remembered as Bond girl Tiffany Case in
Diamonds Are Forever
(1971), but also wrote
The Jill St. John Cookbook
(1987). Robert Wagner starred in “It Takes a Thief” (1968-70), "Switch" (1975-78), and costarred in “Hart to Hart" (1979-84) with Stephanie Powers.  Jill St. John and Robert Wagner married in 1990.

154.
"The Millennium" (5.1.97).
  As Kramer prepares for a New Year's Eve millennium party, Newman preempts the plans by mailing invitations for his own party.  In the face of celebration extinction, they cohost the party but argue over whether Jerry should be invited. 
Subplots:
Jerry's latest girlfriend, Valerie, uses the telephone speed dial as a relationship barometer, and he must compete with her spiteful stepmother.  Elaine seeks revenge on a rude store owner by purchasing garments at a competitor's store, and is incensed to learn that the woman owns both businesses.  George is offered a scouting position with the New York Mets but only if he gets fired by the Yankees.

Written By: Jennifer Crittenden

Directed By: Andy Ackerman

Characters: Wayne Knight (Newman), Richard Herd (Wilhelm), Lauren Graham (Valerie), Louan Gideon (Mrs. Hamilton), Victoria Mahoney (Gladys), Michael Laskin (Minkler), Bruce Jarchow (Mooney), Maria Cina (Saleswoman), Steve Koren (Steve Koren)

Note:
Lauren Graham costarred in the series "Gilmore Girls" (2000-07) as Lorelai Gilmore, and “Parenthood” (2010-12) as Sarah Braverman.  She also appeared in the movies Bad Santa (2003) and Evan Almighty (2007).

155.
"The Muffin Tops" (5.8.97).
  While speaking with her former boss, Mr. Lippman, Elaine suggests opening an exclusive bakery that only sells muffin tops.  Despite becoming successful business partners, a garbage strike causes complications in discarding the muffin stumps. 
Subplots:
George poses as an Arkansas tourist to spend time with the city's visitor guide.  Jerry inadvertently shaves his entire chest, and then struggles to remain hairless to impress his girlfriend.  Kramer devises a reality bus tour to receive credit for supplying the anecdotes in J. Peterman's autobiography (a real-life parody of Kenny Kramer's Reality Bus Tour in New York City).

Written By: Spike Feresten

Directed By: Andy Ackerman

Characters: Wayne Knight (Newman), John O'Hurley (J. Peterman), Richard Fancy (Lippman), Rena Sofer (Mary Anne), Melinda Clarke (Alex), Chaim Jeraffi (Jiffy Dump Guy), Sonya Eddy (Rebecca), Barry Kramer (Bag Guy), Elayn Taylor (Book Fan), Paige Moss (Girl), Viola Kates Stimpson (Old Woman),
Riders
: Jack Riley, Bunny Summers, Earl Carroll, Norman Brenner, Reuven Bar (Foreign Guy),
Passersby:
Vince Donvito, Chris Burmester, Deck McKenzie (Man), Victoria Fischer (Bartender), Keith Sellon-Wright (Guy)

Note:
Former Assistant Production Coordinator Jeff Bye was the warm-up comic.

156.
"The Summer of George" (5.15.97).
  George receives three months severance pay from the Yankees, and resolves to spend the entire summer catering to his every need--it is the summer of George!  After a brief but leisurely summer, he tumbles down a flight of stairs and suffers serious leg trauma.  The conclusion parodies last year's finale, except George spends the summer in physical therapy learning to walk. 
Subplots:
Jerry realizes that it takes two men to satisfy his latest girlfriend, so he hires George as a relationship intern.  Elaine is stalked by a bitter coworker after criticizing the employee for failing to move her arms while walking.  Kramer is a seat-filler for the Tony Awards, and offered the trophy if he fires Raquel Welch from a musical.

Written By: Alec Berg & Jeff Schaffer

Directed By: Andy Ackerman

Characters: Raquel Welch (Herself), John O'Hurley (J. Peterman), Molly Shannon (Sam), Amanda Peet (Lanette), Joe Urla (Dugan), Victor Raider-Wexler (Doctor), Peter Dennis (Lew), Tucker Smallwood (Malcolm), Wayne Wilderson (Walter), Blake Gibbons (Lyle), Adrian Sparks (Man), Jane A. Johnston (Woman), Lauren Bowles (Waitress), Sue Goodman (Clerk), Neil Flynn (Cop #1), Tom Michael Bailey (Cop #2), Denise Bessette (Therapist), Dave Mandel (Himself)

Note:
Molly Shannon is a familiar face from "Saturday Night Live" (1995-2001), costarred in “Kath & Kim” (2008-09) and Superstar (1999), and appeared in Analyze This (1999), Never Been Kissed (1999) and How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000).

* * * *

Season 9: 1997-1998

Season Regulars

Jerry Seinfeld (Jerry Seinfeld), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Elaine Benes), Michael Richards (Cosmo Kramer), Jason Alexander (George Costanza)

Thursdays, 9:00-9:30 p.m. EST (NBC)

Technical Credits

CREATED BY: Larry David & Jerry Seinfeld

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Jerry Seinfeld, George Shapiro & Howard West, Alec Berg, Jeff Schaffer, Larry David

CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Gregg Kavet, Andy Robin

SUPERVISING PRODUCERS: Spike Feresten, David Mandel

CO-PRODUCERS: Jennifer Crittenden, Steve Koren

PRODUCERS: Andy Ackerman, Tim Kaiser

PRODUCED BY: Suzy Mamann Greenberg

WRITERS: Alec Berg, David Mandel, Dan O'Keefe, Jeff Schaffer, Spike Feresten, Gregg Kavet, Andy Robin, Steve Koren, Jennifer Crittenden, Darin Henry, Bruce Eric Kaplan, Larry David, Peter Mehlman, Kitt Boss, Marc Jaffe, Billy Kimball, Steve Lookner

DIRECTOR: Andy Ackerman

STORY EDITOR: Dan O'Keefe

CREATIVE CONSULTANT: Bruce Eric Kaplan

COORDINATING PRODUCER: Nancy Sprow

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER: Rick Corcoran

UNIT PRODUCTION MANAGER/FIRST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Randy Carter

SECOND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Cherie Hankal

CASTING BY: Liberman/Hirschfeld Casting C.S.A.; Brian Myers

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Wayne Kennan, A.S.C.

PRODUCTION DESIGNER: Tho. E. Azzari

MUSIC BY: Jonathan Wolff

EDITORS: Skip Collector, David Rogers

SET DECORATOR: Diane Yates

LEADMAN: Jerry Tirado

PROPERTY MASTER: Stan Ascough

ASSISTANT PROPERTY MASTER: Andrew Allen-King

SWING: Bob Cervi, Tim Savatgy, Jeff Tirado

SET DESIGNER: Martha Johnston

CONSTRUCTION: Mike Casebolt, Ted Barti, Randi Horn

CONSTRUCTION COORDINATOR: Mike Casebolt

COSTUME DESIGNER: Charmaine Simmons

KEY COSTUMERS: Amy Elise Roberts, Stephanie Kennedy

COSTUMERS: Mary Ellen Bosche, Emily Wyss

SCRIPT SUPERVISOR: Christine Nyhart

DIALOGUE COACH: Judy Kerr

HAIR: Judy Crown

MAKE-UP: Patricia Messina

PROPERTY MASTER: Stan Ascough

ASSISTANT PROPERTY MASTERS: Andrew Allen-King, George Capetanos

ART DEPARTMENT: Holly Foster, Nicole Wales

TRANSPORTATION COORDINATOR: Dave Pierce

TRANSPORTATION: Dave Pierce, Tom Hampton

CRAFT SERVICE: Bill Nuzzo, Bruce Moore

KEY GRIP: Pete Papanickolas