As with all nine of the show's seasons, season eight features several classic episodes, nearly all of which have worked their way into American pop culture in various and assorted ways. One of the eighth season's more notable contributions is the "Yada Yada." Though it didn't originate on the show, it has still become forever attached to it. Other memorable episodes include "The English Patient" and "The Muffin Tops."
Trying to break down the series into a handful of recommended episodes is tough since nearly every one includes something that is sure to get you laughing - at least that was the case as I reviewed the episode list with J.R. Nip when I first received the boxed set.
As already mentioned, season eight finds George doing everything he can to put Susan's death behind him. Much to his dismay, this turns out to be harder than he hoped since she simply will not go away. He does, however, find solace in the arms of an inmate, a relationship he considers to be perfect until she makes parole. But, at least he finds the perfect place to sleep at work and, after he is fired from the Yankees, declaring "The Summer of George."
Meanwhile, Elaine finds herself having her own relationship troubles when she dates a guy who breaks up with her after he discovers her dislike for The English Patient. To add to her problems, she also gets caught in a problem while trying to dispose of "muffin stems" - but at least she finds a new group of friends who are the exact opposite of her regular group.
As usual, Kramer's antics are some of the show's more unique. They begin with a one-man crusade against the Kenny Rogers Roasters restaurant that opens up across the street from his apartment, continue with his stumble into the world of cock fighting and end in a dispute with Newman over who gets to hold a THE Millennium party. But, it isn't all bad since he does come into money after selling his life story to J. Peterman for use in Peterman's auto-biography and his short, but successful, "J. Peterman Reality Tour."
Then there's Jerry who, despite being the show's star, takes a small step back throughout many of the season's episodes. Though he does have his fair share of situations, including a revolving door of girlfriends and a situation with a toothbrush, Jerry mostly plays the straight man role for his friend's situations.
In addition to reoccurring guest stars like Jerry Stiller, as George's father, season eight includes guest appearances by Derek Jeter, David Letterman, Robert Wagner, Lloyd Bridges, Kristin Davis, Amanda Peet and Raquel Welch.
While the 22 episodes contained on the four disc set provide more than enough entertainment, Seinfeld: Season 8 includes a number of fun extras. Cast and crew commentaries are available for several episodes, as are a number of deleted scenes, outtakes, bloopers and trivia. A documentary, "Jerry Seinfeld: Submarine Captain," details what went on after producer Larry David left the show, leaving Jerry Seinfeld to serve as both producer and star.
Another really cool feature are two Sein-Imation features that re-imagine scenes from the show using animated characters and the original voice tracks.
Seinfeld: Season 8 is, without question, a must buy for any Seinfeld fan. Sure you can always catch an episode on TV, but sometimes you find yourself in the mood for certain episodes. Even if you managed to miss the show during its original network run or multiple syndicated replays, season eight is just as good a place as any to jump into one of the funniest, and arguably influential, series of the last few years.
