Well, I've been looking in vain for some informed commentary on one of the greatest single episodes of comedy ever produced...the November 11 episode of "Seinfeld" entitled "The Checks." I guess it is up to me to write an appreciation of this absolutely hilarious episode that had me laughing even as I shaved and showered this morning.
First, I want to note the heavy '70s influence in the show. Perhaps some younger viewers don't remember how popular The Eagles' song "Desperado" was in the '70s...indeed, for many people, it had almost religious connotations. This element of the plot tied in nicely with the "carpet cleaning cult," and also explained the mysterious glazed look that came over the face of Elaine's boyfriend Brett when he listened to the song.
Secondly, there was the element of Wilhelm's cult conversion. Wilhelm is becoming an increasingly funny secondary character, taking on some of the elements of Mr. Pitt. Again, another '70s reference that younger viewers might not have picked up on was when Wilhelm shouldered his carpet cleaning tool like a gun and said, "Wilhelm? My name is Tanya," a reference to the name Patty Hearst adopted after she had been kidnaped and brainwashed by the Symbionese Liberation Army.
It was also hilarious the way George was disappointed that the cult didn't try to brainwash him, plus the weird deja vu when he and Jerry pitched the pilot to the Japanese TV execs, and, of course, George mentioning to Jerry that he thought the Japanese "Susan" liked him.
Jerry is also becoming more of an active contributor to the insanity, rather than just watching the insanity of George, Kramer and Elaine. His little umbrella twirl dance was hysterical! Also, the scene where he was walking in the rain and Brett thought that Jerry was down and out, because he couldn't afford an umbrella, his hand had CTS from "writing and writing," and his despair when the rain washed the ink off the 12 cent checks ("all that hard work wasted!"). Another subtle '70s reference occurred when Brett offered to "front" Jerry the "12 cents?!" The word "front" used to be used quite often when friends bought drugs from each other, as in, "I'll front you the ounce." (But I never inhaled!)
And, of course, Kramer's interaction with the Japanese. If you did not totally lose it when Kramer served the two Japanese gentlemen Rice Krispies in their drawers, and then knocked on the drawer of the third guy as if he were the chambermaid in a hotel ("I need to make up the drawer"), only to be told "Come back in half-hour," you REALLY need to have your sense of humor checked out by a reliable physician.
All in all, the best of the new season (IMHO), and a true classic, to be preserved for future generations!