The Abstinence (21 Nov. 1996)

Abstinence allows George to become a genius, but it turns Elaine into an idiot. Jerry gets bumped from career day at his old Jr. High School. Kramer turns his apartment into a smoking lounge and all the smoke disfigures his face.

Director:

Andy Ackerman

Writers:

Larry David (creator), Jerry Seinfeld (creator),

Stars:

Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Richards

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Jerry Seinfeld	...	Jerry Seinfeld
Julia Louis-Dreyfus	...	Elaine Benes
Michael Richards	...	Cosmo Kramer
Jason Alexander	...	George Costanza
Phil Morris	...	Jackie Chiles
Debra Jo Rupp	...	Katie
Brenda Strong	...	Sue Ellen
Bob Odenkirk	...	Ben
Meagen Fay	...	Mrs. Burns
Tamara Bick	...	Louise
Alex Trebek	...	Himself
Derek Jeter	...	Himself
Bernie Williams	...	Himself
Lawrence Mandley	...	Larry The Cook (as Lawrence A. Mandley)
Fern Fitzgerald	...	Ms. Wilkie

Storyline

When George's new girlfriend gets mononucleosis, he's told there'll be no sex for at least six weeks. Frustrated, he begins to realize he has interests in science and history. Jerry says the lack of sex has made him smarter as he's now concentrating on his brain. For Elaine however, the lack of sex is having the opposite effect. Jerry is supposed to speak at career day at his old junior high but is continually being bumped first by someone who goes over his time and then by a fire drill. Kramer doesn't like having to go outside the restaurant to smoke and seeing there are many in the same boat, decides to turn his apartment into a smoker's lounge. It all has a serious effect on his looks and turns to lawyer Jackie Chiles to get justice.

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Plot Keywords:

mononucleosis | smoking lounge | radiometer | cigar smoking | batting practice | 

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Genres:

Comedy

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 November 1996 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Shapiro/West Productions, Castle Rock Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

23 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

4:3

Did You Know?

Goofs

When Jerry puts the Rubik's Cube down on the counter, the red and yellow sides are facing the camera. In the next shot the white side is facing the camera. Also, the cordless phone next to the cube has moved a little further from the edge of the counter.

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Quotes

Cosmo Kramer: They're trying to screw with your head.
Jerry Seinfeld: Now why would a junior high school want to screw with my head?
Cosmo Kramer: Why does Radio Shack ask for your phone number when you buy batteries? I don't know.

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Connections

References ER (1994)

User Reviews

Funny episode.

The Plot: George has to stop having sex with his girlfriend, and it turns him into a genius. Elaine stops having sex also, but it has the reverse effect. Jerry gets bumped from career day at his old Jr. high school. Instead, he has a two hour assembly.

The Abstinence is a very funny episode. The funniest part about this episode is Elaine. Watching Elaine acts stupid is funny. In this episode, she turns really, really stupid. She looks at a spinning tire and is amazed. She thinks Winnie the Pooh is funny. I also liked what happens with Jerry at the middle school. The abstinence is a great,great episode.