Seinfeld (TV Series) The Betrayal (1997) User Reviews

A very clever parody of Harold Pinter's movie "Betrayal."

[TrentinaNE · 10/10 · 10 April 2007]

This episode is based on the movie "Betrayal" by Harold Pinter (winnerof the Nobel Prize for Literature, 2005). The movie starred Jeremy Irons and Ben Kingsley as long-time friends and business associates. As the movie opens, Irons's character meets with Patricia Hodge, the wife of Kingsley's character, to reminisce about an affair they'd broken off about a year earlier. The movie then moves backward in time until the closing scene that occurs just before Irons and Hodge embark on their affair. At every moment, the audience knows more than the characters do, which gives the story a compelling poignancy.

Seinfeld takes this conceit to hysterically funny levels by continually introducing "prior" information that makes what we just saw happen "later" all the funnier. The episode incorporates some inside jokes as well: there are several "love triangles" going on (Elaine, Susan, Pinter form one; Jerry, George, and Nina the other) and of course, the character of Pinter is an homage to Harold Pinter. The fact that they all go to India for the wedding may be a nod to Kingsley's heritage (he's half Indian).

Very creative and very funny, this episode proved that "Seinfeld" could be fresh and innovative even in its 9th season.

A classic Seinfeld, based on Harold Pinter's The Betrayal

[safenoe · 8/10 · 11 March 2016]

This is the closet I'll get to seeing Harold Pinter's The Betrayal because that movie isn't on DVD sadly. Why is the public denied the right to buy it on DVD??!!

I loved this Seinfeld episode. It was bold and innovative and it's wonderful it played tribute to Harold Pinter's famous play. The writing was impressive and took the viewer through to the beginning of the series, which occurred at the end of the episode.

I heard Jerry Seinfeld wanted to do a claymation episode but this didn't eventuate unfortunately. But at least The Betrayal happened and I'm pleased about this.

The best of Elaine

[carlsez_1 · 10/10 · 8 January 2009]

This is my favorite episode; they only did this format once and managed to hit a home run.

The regulars are all in their usual fine form here, but it is Elaine who has some of the best comic moments and lines. With the exception of Kramer's parallel FDR feud, she seems to drive the frenetic pace of every scene.

Her discovery of the Nina affair, her failure to keep it concealed from George, more drunken confessions in India - they are all high comic points for Julia Louis-Dreyfus. For an actor who I started out thinking was just filler to round out the male cast, I've come to appreciate as a comedic equal. Her character held her own well against the scene stealing George and Kramer.

Creatively at its finest

[mikerichardson-63034 · 10/10 · 26 November 2021]

This is a hilarious parody of Harold Pinters The Betrayal. For any of those taking offence perhaps you need to elevate your education or try to stop watching TV thru race coloured glasses.

The reverse

[mardellsardell · 10/10 · 14 December 2020]

I mean seriously the creativity on this show is out of this world they did the whole episode in reverse I think this episode inspired nasir song rewind krazy.

Loved it

[jasonray-82834 · 10/10 · 3 January 2022]

I really loved this episode. There were countless quick jokes and overall very intelligent. I like shows and movies that keep you guessing and this episode did that all the way through with laughs to boot! Excellent job.

A Fun Premise

[Samuel-Shovel · 8/10 · 13 June 2019]

In "The Betrayal" Jerry, George, and Elaine head to India for Sue Ellen Mischke's wedding. Elaine gets an invitation a week before the wedding and attends mostly out of spite. George brings along a lady he's dating, an old friend of Jerry's. The two have recently hooked up, unbeknownst to George. Kramer's friend FDR uses his birthday wish to wish that Kramer will drop dead. Kramer does everything he can to counteract that with wishes of his own.

This episode would probably be a fairly mediocre one if it weren't for the structure that they chose here. It really brings about a great comedic element in which we get a bunch of punchlines before we ever hear the joke. This reverse of the typical Seinfeld plot is a breath of fresh air to the stabdard episode. It's not hard to see why this one's a fan favorite.

A unique episode.

[Sirus_the_Virus · 10/10 · 10 October 2009]

The Betrayal is an actually unique episode of Seinfeld. All of the Seinfeld episodes are fantastic but this one is backwards. So it's pretty unique. In The Betrayal, you find out what happens in the end of the episode in the beginning of the episode. The Betrayal, like all Seinfeld episodes, is fun to watch. Elaine travels down to Sue Ellen Mishkie's (the bra less wonder)wedding to spite her. Once she gets there, she realizes that she once slept with the groom(Shaun Toub). Other things go on in the episode but I won't say them.

The Betrayal is kind of like Memento. Because it goes backwards. I think, like all Seinfeld episodes, this is a great one. I have seen every episode and not disliked one. I think the worst episode is the Pilot, but what did I expect. This is a great episode.

Very clever

[pledgerock · 8/10 · 31 March 2022]

The Memento episode! Told backwards, this episode starts with the closing titles and ends with the Seinfeld logo. Maybe it's the bizarro world?? The plot isn't the funniest and the side plot with Kramer is a little odd but the way the story unfolds is clever. Love the details in this like Kramer's lollipop becoming bigger and bigger as time moves backwards. Might not be the funniest and at times, a little hard to follow but this was a clever idea done right. Good writing. Also, drunk Elaine is the best Elaine. Give her more Schnapps!

The Seinfeld/Kramer meeting at the end was a really nice touch.

Priceless

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 2 June 2023]

I see some are offended by the portrayal of Indian culture. That is probably true, but this is a single, comedic portrayal. It doesn't indict an entire cultural entity. What is striking here is not the wedding itself, but the whole wonderful use of movement back in time. It is so hard to pull something like this off. The point is that the wedding was taking place--that is the fact that is there. Does anyone believe that Seinfeld represents American values in the mainstream. Hey there's Kramer, George, Elaine, Newman, and Jerry. George, especially, is a disgrace to basic human values. He is not to be admired. I thought this to be one of the most creative half hours ever.

Freaky

[bevo-13678 · 10/10 · 23 June 2020]

I like the bit where they do the whole show in reverse

Dialed to 11

[familymikej · 6/10 · 5 August 2020]

Nice premise and nifty execution. I know to most tv and film buffs this justifies everything. Reminded me of a lesser comedy like 'Friends'. The characters were far more broader than usual, scenarios more over the top and laughs tad crueler rather than the regular schadenfreude. It's typical season 9. 4 episodes at least dont cut the mustard. Elaine giving up secrets due to alcohol was never mentioned once in 8 series, but suddenly a verbose lush. Maybe I'm judging harshly due to the greatness of Seinfeld.

Wrong portrayal of India

[adbamaneab · 3/10 · 14 May 2021]

I'm Indian Seinfeld fan & deeply offended by this episode. This episode depicts very wrong portrayal of India, from the elephants to 'indian' language...

Satirical and effective

[rhr955 · 9/10 · 18 August 2022]

Excellent episode. Beyond the tribute to Pinter, the story told "in reverse" reminded me of the dramatic film "Irreversible", by Luis Noé, with Mónica Bellucci. Of course, everything that happens in Sienfeld is satirical, and should not be taken as a real criticism of India. It is perhaps a satire on the prejudices that an American traveler can have about the great Asian country. The unexpected reappearance of Heidi Swedborg, if only for a moment, is welcome.

Creative the first few times.

[ThunderKing6 · 6/10 · 27 February 2023]

This was a creative episode. As rewatched it via in reverse for the first time. It felt better in actual order.

February 27 2023 this review for this episode has been published.

What is the episode about?: George dates a hot lady however Jerry smashed her and wants to put it in the vault.

Elaine finds out about Jerry's betrayal and puts it in the vault. Also she opened her legs for the groom who was marrying her revial the Braless Wonder.

Kramer fueds with FDR.

Story and production: Funny enough story. Though in original form after awhile I tend to dread this episode. Again in reverse the episode plays out better.

Creative ep nevertheless.

Highlight: Newman

Stuff your sorrys in a sack

Elaine looked good on this. She had a decent ass.

Girlfriend attractive level: Nina was a dime. She was fiiine. Fine body. Perfect face.

What can be learned?: Control yourself. Know how to keep secrets like Mason does.

Should you watch this?: Watch it once or twice in its original form then watch it in reverse.

Pathetic potrayal - again!

[brokenhillman · 1/10 · 1 June 2021]

I like Seinfeld, but haven't seen all the episodes. I did catch this one the other night and was completely flabbergasted. What's wrong with American producers and their portrayal of India/Indians? It's so removed from reality, it ain't funny. Sure, it's a crazy place, but not "THAT" crazy. What a sad bunch of ignorant losers. I feel sorry for you guys. No wonder the world thinks we Americans live in a Lalaland of our own imagination. Sheesh!

Freaky

[bu-rn_hollywood_bu-rn · 1/10 · 13 December 2020]

I like the bit where Heidi Swedberg's ''scary'' wig, she is such a wonderful sport

Great content but too many "hours earlier"

[arjunrajkss · 4/10 · 23 June 2022]

Amazing content but it felt they did too many "hours earlier" stuff. Full reverse didn't work out for me. It was good to see the folks in set-up India. They could have tried shooting it in actual India.