The Betrayal
Aired Thursday, November 20, 1997 Β· 30 min

The gang goes to a wedding in India in this special episode told in reverse. Meanwhile, Kramer uses his superstition to try to make sure he won't drop dead.
Posts per day after the first airing
The morning after
Fans rave about The Betrayal's reverse chronological structure and clever script, with many praising its innovative approach despite some confusion about motivations.
Fans praise the brilliant reverse-chronological structure and writing of the backwards episode, with standout comedic moments and dialogue throughout.
Viewers debate whether George's refusal to use Indian bathrooms in "The Betrayal" contradicts his established character trait of being knowledgeable about and comfortable using public restrooms.
Fans debate whether Paul Buchman from Mad About You should have been Jerry's neighbor in The Betrayal's flashback sequence, with disagreement over whether the shows share a universe.
Viewers are split on the backwards chronological format used in The Betrayal episode, with most criticizing it as unfunny while others defend the experimental structure.
Viewers discuss plot details from the backwards-told episode, asking about George's bathroom habits and a scene involving Kramer at a port-o-potty.
Fans debate whether George's parents should be removed from the show, with most defending the Costanzas as comedic assets despite criticism of their loud personalities.
Fans discuss and clarify the exact phrase George says in The Betrayal, determining it's "You can stuff your sorry's in a sack, mister!"
Fans praise the reverse-chronological episode as incredible, with appreciation for callbacks to earlier episodes and continuity details.
Viewers discuss whether Susan appeared in The Betrayal episode, with clarification that the episode was told in reverse chronology and showed events from years earlier when Susan was still alive.
Best of the morning after
βYou should say that that episode was "otherly advantaged"...or even the out-moded "developmentally delayed".β
βAccording to Jerry Seinfeld in a recent 60 minutes interview, the idea behind "Seinfeld" is that the characters ARE despicable!β
βOverall, the best episode of the season (I know that's not saying a whole lot) and one of my favorites of the series!β
βElaine's ass in Jerry's face...Jerry: "All right, it's time to go!"β
βExactly and of course don't forget the fact that George can be a bit of a hypochondriac --so he'd be afraid to catch any diseases.β
βOr is it so possible that my mind is spinning like a top?β
Over the years
The upcoming reverse-chronology episode will either ruin the show or be a monumental success depending on execution quality.
Fans debate whether the show should end soon, with concerns that an upcoming reverse-chronology episode could either be groundbreaking or disastrous, comparing it to Sondheim's theatrical precedent.
Poster defends Seinfeld against accusations of antisemitism and racism, arguing the show satirizes everyone including itself and that critics misinterpret storylines.
Fans debate whether the backwards episode works if scenes are reordered chronologically, with mixed opinions on its quality and whether it requires an open mind to appreciate.
Fans debate a continuity error in The Betrayal episode regarding Kramer's name on the apartment buzzer and Paul Buchman's presence, referencing a Mad About You crossover.
Fans clarify that Susan's actress is alive; only her character died on the show in the May 1996 season finale.
Fans praise the backwards-told India wedding episode for its clever storytelling and gimmick execution, with most agreeing it's one of the show's best despite the unconventional format.
Fans debate their favorite and least favorite Seinfeld episodes, with mixed opinions on "The Betrayal" backward episode; some find it innovative and funny while others find it confusing and annoying.
Fans discuss scenes from "The Betrayal" that appear to have been cut from reruns, including Kramer banging on the Port-a-Potty, FDR's rock-in-snowball bit, and Jerry's milk-covered keys.
Fans discuss the idea of editing The Betrayal episode to play in chronological order rather than backwards, with some finding it an interesting creative exercise similar to reordering Pulp Fiction.
Poster asks what e-mail is after hearing it mentioned in The Betrayal episode, seemingly unaware it's a real technology, prompting respondents to accuse them of trolling.
Fans discuss why NBC hasn't rerun "The Betrayal" episode despite repeating other Season 9 episodes multiple times, with speculation about a planned top 10 countdown airing.
Fans discuss the correct name and appearances of Kramer's friend, with debate over whether it's Lomas, Lomax, or Lomez, and recall a scene from the backward episode.
Fans discuss what Jerry uses to open Elaine's vault in The Betrayal, with replies identifying it as peach schnapps or getting her drunk.
Fans discuss the early life backstories of Seinfeld characters revealed throughout the series, noting George and Jerry met in childhood, Elaine is from Maryland, and other biographical details.
Fans discuss George wearing elevator boots in "The Betrayal" and explain that he continues wearing them around his girlfriend Nina because they made him appear taller when they first met.
Fans discuss whether FDR from 'The Betrayal' is the same actor as the Cable Guy character, with someone clarifying they are different actors.