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Seinfeld: Season 2, Episode 13The Deal (2 May 1991)Jerry and Elaine believe that they have found a fool-proof way to start having sex again but still remain just friends, but they quickly start encountering problems. Director:Tom Cherones |
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Title: The Deal (02 May 1991)
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Cast
| Episode complete credited cast: | |||
| Jerry Seinfeld | ... | ||
| Julia Louis-Dreyfus | ... | ||
| Michael Richards | ... | ||
| Jason Alexander | ... | ||
| Siobhan Fallon | ... | ||
 |
Norman Brenner | ... |
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
Neither Elaine or Jerry have had sex for awhile and they begin to speculate on how they could become sexual partners again but still remain friends no matter what happens. They agree on a set of rules that they think will keep their friendship intact but it soon becomes apparent that it isn't going to work very well. Jerry also begins to obsess over what to get her for her birthday eventually settling on something inappropriate. Kramer however seems to hit just the right notes as far as gift-giving goes. Written by garykmcd
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ComedyParents Guide:
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Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
2 May 1991 (USA) See more »Company Credits
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Technical Specs
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ColorAspect Ratio:
1.33 : 1
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[gesturing between them]
Jerry: is very good.
Elaine: [Gesturing to the bedroom] And that would be good.
Jerry: That would be good too.
[repeating gestures]
Jerry: See the idea's to combine this and that. But this cannot be disturbed.
Elaine: Yeah, we just want to take this and... add that.
[Jerry makes a "There you have it" gesture]
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Did You Know?
Goofs
After Kramer gives his gift to Elaine and is speaking to Jerry, Jerry's door behind Kramer opens and closes between shots. See more »Quotes
Jerry: [Discussing The Deal with Elaine] Because this...[gesturing between them]
Jerry: is very good.
Elaine: [Gesturing to the bedroom] And that would be good.
Jerry: That would be good too.
[repeating gestures]
Jerry: See the idea's to combine this and that. But this cannot be disturbed.
Elaine: Yeah, we just want to take this and... add that.
[Jerry makes a "There you have it" gesture]
See more »
Technically, this is the last episode of Season Two (and listed as such on the DVD), but with NBC running the last four shows in the wrong order, the "finale" made no reference to the pivotal events of The Deal, which was the perfect ending for the season (in fact, Larry David had envisioned it as the end of the series, fearing Seinfeld wouldn't live past its second year - how wrong he was!).
The whole idea is based on the network's request that Jerry and Elaine get back together. Larry was against it but, fearing cancellation, he eventually relented and decided to use one of his personal experiences (he says so in the DVD interviews) for the storyline: after seeing an adult channel on TV (a random event that also spawns some priceless input from George), the former couple ponders whether to resume their relationship. Following some serious discussion, they strike a "deal": they will mix "this" (their friendship) and "that" (sex), meaning they can sleep together but not become romantically involved. No phone calls, no cuddling - just emotionless sex. Needless to say, this will cause problems.
One of the show's most unlikely set-ups becomes one of its best moments: The whole conversation about "this" and "that" is one of Larry David's finest achievements as a screenwriter (surpassed only by the "Master of your domain" jokes in Season Four), as is the unusually sweet epilogue, which some might find too moving for a show that made its lack of sentiment something to wear with pride. But maybe that's the point: ending it any other way would have been predictable by Seinfeld's standards, so an old-fashioned, heartfelt conclusion turns out to be the boldest narrative choice of the entire episode. It's also funny as hell.
If a complaint has to be made, it's regarding the fact that The Deal's events didn't affect the third season in terms of continuity. Oh, wait, hang on: continuity and Seinfeld? Forget what I just said: this is a comedy classic from start to finish - don't miss it for anything in the world.