Aired Thursday, April 28, 1994 · 30 min
In this two-part episode, Jerry's parents are visiting before leaving for France which prevents Jerry from having alone time with his new girlfriend, Rachel. George uses the trip to get out of volunteering for the Big Brother program. Kramer and Morty team up to sell Morty's old belt-less trench coat "The Executive" to a vintage clothing store. Elaine's creepy new boyfriend is a "close talker" who enjoys spending time with Jerry's parents.
Posts per day after the first airing
Fans debate Newman's character after "The Raincoats (1)" airs, with strong negative reactions to him contrasting with some defenders who appreciate his comedic role with Kramer.
Fans debate whether a character named Rachel represents a reference to Jerry Seinfeld's real-life friend Shoshana, based on physical characteristics and family background.
Fans discuss the two-hour episode, praising the interconnected plot elements, Newman's appearances, and Mrs. Seinfeld's delivery of her famous greeting.
Fans ask about and identify the episode title for the April 28 episode as "The Raincoats", with one noting Judge Reinhold's guest appearance.
Fans discuss a humorous comparison between Schindler's List and Seinfeld's Close Talker character, joking about how the character would reframe Schindler's sacrifice.
Fans debate whether Jerry's "sex is good" line was borrowed from a movie or is just his natural speech pattern, with discussion of whether Kramer resembles the Joker.
Viewer notices an editing continuity error in the episode where George's position changes between shots, questioning quality control for a top show.
“Am I the only one, or are there others of you that wanted to see Newmans bullet filled body lying in a filthy gutter in some alley?”
“I think George is a strange TV-land hybrid, I'd call him a "jewtalian" although catholic italian families have many of the same emotional traits as jewish families <I know wherein I speak>, especially Guilt and Neuroses.”
“Would you allow a guy who's actions are so jerky, who's dropped a baby, and who's always falling on his ass to work with sharp tools in your mouth?”
“His only words: "Looks a little constrictive."”
“I propose "The Family Problems" Making out during Shindler's List...”
“All I know about tonite's episode is that Judge Reinhold is going to be on.”
Fans discuss a Smith & Wesson reference Jerry makes when Kramer agrees to handle Morty's raincoat business, debating the meaning of the casual allusion to the famous gun manufacturer.
Fans discuss the close talker character from the episode, sharing personal experiences with people who invade personal space during conversation.
Fans discuss Judge Reinhold's role as the close talker in "The Raincoats" episode and recall his comedic performance, particularly his parody of Schindler's List and obsession with Jerry's parents.
UK fan frustrated that Paramount is not airing The Raincoats (2) after showing part one, instead showing The Robbery, and criticizes the station's treatment of Seinfeld compared to other comedies.
Fan requests script or synopsis of The Raincoats part 1, particularly scenes with the close talker, for a university portfolio assignment; another user provides a link to episode information.
Fans praise the close talker scene where Jerry maintains composure while being confronted by someone who stands too close during conversation.
Fans react to a character being a close talker and discuss Gore's kissing habits from the show.
Fans discuss whether Judge Reinhold will become a semi-regular on the show, with one viewer confirming he appeared in The Raincoats episode as the Close Talker who showed Jerry's parents around town.