I came into this season with some concerns because I had originally watched this show in a very piecemeal and fragmented way due to how it was screened in the UK and as such didn't have strong memories of any specific season. So I wasn't sure if the season went out on a high or if it was typical of many shows where the networks push them till they start failing and then put them out of the misery in order to move onto something that will get advertisers in the door. I was very pleased then to find that the show was allowed to go out with dignity because this season really maintains the laughs and the invention right up to (but sadly not including) the end.
The show continues the rather wacky humor from the previous season but it does it so well it is hard to complain. The plots this time are mostly very good, providing each character with something good in almost every episode and I was surprised by just how sharp and consistent so much of it was – supporting characters are also really well used and bring plenty of laughs, with George's father remaining my favorite of the support. I loved the exaggerated tone to the humor and the continued physical comedy being part of it, mainly because this aspects suits Kramer the best, producing a lot of funny throwaway reactions and moves. It still does manage to retain the air of observational humor that the original seasons did best, albeit it not as accessible as it was – either way these aspects and fully engaged characters all work very well together.
The one really disappointing misstep is the actual finale itself; a show that even merited an in-joke dig in the Curb Your Enthusiasm episode with the Seinfeld reunion. This episode sets up closure but it sets it up and delivers it in an oddly harsh and uneven way; I like the idea in theory but in reality it doesn't feel right that the characters of the last 9 years are judged and sentenced for just being themselves – particularly as we have looked on and enjoyed it. There is a nice symmetry to some of it and it does allow memories of older laughs to come through, but mostly it doesn't work as is all the more evident for being the one big clunky episode in the whole season.
This aside the season is strong and the cast seem energized for it, with strong performances from all of the main four and the main group of supporting cast members really playing it strong throughout. With the exception of the final clip episode it does mostly avoid sentimentality as a season and it is only the final two longer episodes that see this come through – but this is understandable and forgivable. Overall season 9 is a very strong season and a really good way to bow out; it is just a shame that the actual final episode itself is quite a misstep and doesn't really work or fit, otherwise though it is a consistently hilarious season.
The show continues the rather wacky humor from the previous season but it does it so well it is hard to complain. The plots this time are mostly very good, providing each character with something good in almost every episode and I was surprised by just how sharp and consistent so much of it was – supporting characters are also really well used and bring plenty of laughs, with George's father remaining my favorite of the support. I loved the exaggerated tone to the humor and the continued physical comedy being part of it, mainly because this aspects suits Kramer the best, producing a lot of funny throwaway reactions and moves. It still does manage to retain the air of observational humor that the original seasons did best, albeit it not as accessible as it was – either way these aspects and fully engaged characters all work very well together.
The one really disappointing misstep is the actual finale itself; a show that even merited an in-joke dig in the Curb Your Enthusiasm episode with the Seinfeld reunion. This episode sets up closure but it sets it up and delivers it in an oddly harsh and uneven way; I like the idea in theory but in reality it doesn't feel right that the characters of the last 9 years are judged and sentenced for just being themselves – particularly as we have looked on and enjoyed it. There is a nice symmetry to some of it and it does allow memories of older laughs to come through, but mostly it doesn't work as is all the more evident for being the one big clunky episode in the whole season.
This aside the season is strong and the cast seem energized for it, with strong performances from all of the main four and the main group of supporting cast members really playing it strong throughout. With the exception of the final clip episode it does mostly avoid sentimentality as a season and it is only the final two longer episodes that see this come through – but this is understandable and forgivable. Overall season 9 is a very strong season and a really good way to bow out; it is just a shame that the actual final episode itself is quite a misstep and doesn't really work or fit, otherwise though it is a consistently hilarious season.