In his early days as a stand up comic, Larry David would sometimes walk on stage, pick up the microphone, scan the audience from left to right, put the microphone down, say "Never mind" and walk off stage. The man has never exactly been a people person, and thank God for that. David is most commonly known for creating Seinfeld, on which he provided the basis for George Costanza's blunders and Jerry's social commentaries. He is the king of the awkward situation, or the socially unacceptable comment and if you've ever seen his new show, Curb Your Enthusiasm, it's not hard to tell he was the genius behind Seinfeld's success. | ;

When the series began in 2000, it was titled Curb Your Enthusiasm as a type of warning. The warning was fans should not expect another Seinfeld. The message was clear; don't get your hopes up. However, the show was met with praise from critics and fans alike. The Seinfeld comparisons were quick to follow, but there was simply not enough mate- rial to judge. Having finished up it's fourth season, and film- ing of a fifth set to commence in January, perhaps it's time to let comparisons begin.

The show follows an interesting and unique plot line. Larry David plays himself, and the show follows him - in docu- mentary style - through the wacky events that occur to him involving real and fictional characters. David has stated that the show is the confusion and chaos that would ensue if he acted without any inhibitions. What really makes the show unique, is that all the acting is improvised. David writes the plot lines, then the cast improvise several takes of each scene and keep the best ones. This adds to the documentary style of Curb and also adds a more natural feel to the show. Airing on HBO, Larry David has the ability to use more obscene plotlines and vulgarities than would ever be green- lighted for Seinfeld. "You throw in a ‘fuck' or two, and dou- ble your laughs," muses David.

The show does not rely on merely Trailer Park Boys-esque vulgarity for laughs. The plot lines are cleverly written, with multiple twists and turns and interconnecting events that are

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Richards as a private investigator. Even though Curb Your Enthusiasm shows Larry David's life after Seinfeld, it still has that cozy feel of the Seinfeld universe. The show definitely takes an adjustment period, espe- cially with the large number of recurring themes, and like Seinfeld is not for everyone. With that being said, it is the funniest show to air in years, adding much needed life to the tired comedies that have been regularly appearing as of late. It's safe to uncurb that enthusiasm because this show has the makings of a timeless classic.

Curb You Enthusiasm airs Sunday nights at 11 PM on Showcase.

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reminiscent of your favourite Seinfeld episode. In the world of Larry David anything that can go wrong, will. He has a

knack for screwing up the simplest of tasks, and offending his family, friends, co-workers, business partners, or anyone else in ear shot. A slew of celebrity cameos don't hurt either, as many famous actors - including Jason Alexander, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Ben Stiller and David Schwimmer - appear playing themselves.

Curb Your Enthusiasm definitely delivers where other Seinfeld alumni have failed. Nobody wants to see Jason Alexander as a bumbing motivational speaker, or Michael

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UPEI Cadre September 14, 2004 page 9