It is not always easy to appreciate a game-changer when you look back on it from many years after it happened, mainly because a true game-changer has such an impact and influence that by the time you look back you're seeing a version of what you now consider "the norm" and wonder what the big deal was. This is sorta the case with Seinfeld because it created the possibility for Curb, Always Sunny and many other similar sitcom that broke away from the traditional family model with the plots you know they have all done. The influence it has had over the decade since is such that it does feel a little like it has lost its edge by comparison rather than by time.
So it is to the credit of the show that, although it has lost a little of its edge in hindsight, it is still funny and entertaining and these are the qualities that have not faded. This season continues the theme of being about nothing while also continuing season 2's involvement of all the characters so that each short episode is a mix of them with plenty going on to be funny. This season has plenty of great episodes such as the parking space standoff, the parking garage fiasco, the limo, the one on the subway and more. Almost all of them are packed with great scenarios and characters that are exaggerated and outrageous but yet have a link to reality and, more importantly, make perfect sense within the show's internal logic. The highlight for me is the library detective Bookman as played by Phillip Baker Hall – such a great character and such a great delivery.
Of course he is only a tiny part where the main cast yet again deliver really well. More and more I'm seeing Seinfeld's own character as the slightly duller of the group, he may be the focal point of the show but he is less funny and interesting than the others. He does do well though and his delivery is very good. Richards' steals a lot of the physical humour though and this season sees the audience starting to appreciate even his entrance with applause and laughter. Alexander does a great Larry David and his frustration with the world not following rules while also trying to avoid the rules himself is well played out ahead of David doing it himself later. Louis-Dreyfuss has better material again and is the equal of all of them. The many supporting characters may not be as great as Bookman but there are still plenty to love – not least of which is Knight's Newman.
This season may not be the show at the height of its powers and time may have hurt it a little by comparison with more recent shows that have been influenced by it, but season 3 of Seinfeld is remarkably well done and funny thanks to strong creative scripts and strong delivery across all the cast members.
So it is to the credit of the show that, although it has lost a little of its edge in hindsight, it is still funny and entertaining and these are the qualities that have not faded. This season continues the theme of being about nothing while also continuing season 2's involvement of all the characters so that each short episode is a mix of them with plenty going on to be funny. This season has plenty of great episodes such as the parking space standoff, the parking garage fiasco, the limo, the one on the subway and more. Almost all of them are packed with great scenarios and characters that are exaggerated and outrageous but yet have a link to reality and, more importantly, make perfect sense within the show's internal logic. The highlight for me is the library detective Bookman as played by Phillip Baker Hall – such a great character and such a great delivery.
Of course he is only a tiny part where the main cast yet again deliver really well. More and more I'm seeing Seinfeld's own character as the slightly duller of the group, he may be the focal point of the show but he is less funny and interesting than the others. He does do well though and his delivery is very good. Richards' steals a lot of the physical humour though and this season sees the audience starting to appreciate even his entrance with applause and laughter. Alexander does a great Larry David and his frustration with the world not following rules while also trying to avoid the rules himself is well played out ahead of David doing it himself later. Louis-Dreyfuss has better material again and is the equal of all of them. The many supporting characters may not be as great as Bookman but there are still plenty to love – not least of which is Knight's Newman.
This season may not be the show at the height of its powers and time may have hurt it a little by comparison with more recent shows that have been influenced by it, but season 3 of Seinfeld is remarkably well done and funny thanks to strong creative scripts and strong delivery across all the cast members.