The tenth episode of Seinfeld's fourth season is best remembered as the one that sets up the classic installment The Contest, which aired the following week. Nevertheless, it's perfectly enjoyable as a standalone piece of comedy, and one of the best chapters in the NBC storyline.
George and Jerry have to come up with an idea for their pilot project, and struggle to do so because of Kramer's constant interruptions. Eventually, they figure out something just hours before the meeting, which partly goes down the drain when George has the brilliant idea of kissing Susan in front of everyone, thus exposing their inappropriate relationship. Back at home, Jerry has more surprises in store as he discovers that the girl he's dating, Marla Penny (Jane Leeves), is still a virgin, which makes for a few awkward moments when Elaine comes up to the apartment to discuss her latest sexual mishaps...
Mixing realistic comedy and pure zaniness, The Virgin is great in providing insights into the frustrating realm of TV writing (although George's lack of experience in the field kind of adds extra layers of difficulty), paired with the cruel reality of corporate politics when Susan gets in trouble. The best moments, however, remain those featuring Marla, mixing a sweetness of sorts with a cruder brand of humor and showing Leeves' pre-Frasier comedic abilities (the episode aired several months before the intellectual sitcom made its debut). Smart and fun, in equal measure.