Wednesday, 10 April 2024

TV REVIEW: CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM - Season 12


4/5

Pretty Little Larry.

10 Episodes. Starring: Larry David, Jeff Garlin, Cheryl Hines, Susie Essman, Richard Lewis & J.B. Smoove. Directed By: Robert B. Weide.

Here's a pretty, pretty good story. About two years back, I went on a date with a wonderful American woman who I didn't want to stay away from me like Lenny Kravitz sang. I thought it went pretty, pretty well. I took her to the New York bar in Tokyo's Park Hyatt hotel, made famous by the Sofia Coppola classic 'Lost In Translation' love story starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson (this is where the two other women I've been on a date with during my swipe right time are like, "you took me there too motherf#####", in their best Susie Essman voice. Took the "takai" tab. You know, errr (*Larry David voice*), what you're supposed to do. But then, as I got home and we made it Instagram official, swiping through her pictures of the night I saw the same skyline and then the meme of memes..."Directed By Robert B. Weide." Bring on the trumpets. I mean, that was a pretty hilarious way of knowing it was a done deal. I should have married that one.

More heartbreaking than realizing that even with my LD hairline and fashion choices, I can't seem to inexplicably date everyone from the Hollywood star here, to Xena Warrior Princess, is the fact that we have to come to terms with the fact that this is the last season of the classic HBO show 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'. A baker's dozen of twelve terrific seasons that redefined comedy and the improv of sitcom...even bringing the master of such Vince Vaughn to a recurring role that pays tribute to the late, great Bob Einstein. After all this time, what's your favourite episode? For this Lakers fan, I'd be tripping if I didn't say the one where Shaq slipped, but even those glory days are even boss bested here by THE classic cameo in a coral of them that we compel you not to reveal on the water cooler that is social media. Or how about the best bit on that infamous Oscar's slap? As for all the epic episodes that will now be rerun like...well...'Seinfeld', you don't need to take a trip down memory lane. The final, almost hour long episode will do that for you as it seeks to right the wrongs of the Jerry co-created show that the legendary J.B. Smoove tells Larry he "f##### up", straight. No chaser. As 'Curb' chases this decade's long ghost in the same court-room drama, prison (just wait until you see his mugshot). Yet, comedy clip shows aren't the victory lap franchises think they are, as your Home Box Office continues its trend for stunted season finale's in this comedy game of thrones. Still, it's more of a disappointment that it's over...roll credits and get the hint...like I certainly should have.

Atlanta like Donald Glover plays home to this final dose of 'Enthusiasm' in a child's gambit in the same week we're taken back to '97 for some animated 'X-Men' (sniff...I can't say why) and the other best theme tune ever made. There's plenty here to get stuck into as Larry "Involved" David sticks it to the man and crazy election laws with the most controversial bottle of water since the one he took into the bathroom. Pitching a pants tent, the opening episode, is a real spectacle like putting a lawn jockey outside your home. There's more unFOREgettable golfing moments with Takahashi in a duel worthy of the gladiators. Not to mention stirring addresses, nightmare trips from hell and a classic car you just have to smell like the cheese. Whether your names Ken, or Kendra, you don't need to be disgruntled at this, even if no lessons are learnt by the finale. And that's the point. It's the same old Larry you love. No matter how much he hates this. With Jeff Garlin always by his side like the best, best friend in comedy. Whilst the interplay between the perfect pair and Susie Essman is a comedy trio, big-three like no other, we never want to shut the, or get the f### out our house. Not to mention the candle held for Cheryl Hines, and the 'Cheers' that brings with Ted Danson. Yet for all the dynamic duos, partnering up here, like the classic odd couple moments with J.B. Smoove (with the guffaw inducing explanation of s###) that still bring da ruckus (you haven't been to an all-you-can-eat buffet, until you've been to one with him), it's his friendship from birth with the late, great Richard Lewis, who we lost midway through this season, that really moves us. How could they do another season now he's gone? Simply put, they couldn't. The enthusiasm wouldn't be the same. So as we curb this classic, this is it. And this is for him. There is no better. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Seinfeld', 'Atlanta', 'Young Larry'.

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