I thought the premiere episode was pretty funny. I'm worried, however, at the continuing trend since last season of reducing the key players to broad charicatures instead of dimensional charaters.
Elaine has become far too acerbic and irrational; it's funny when she loses her temper or goes off the deep end from time to time, but whenever she acts like a catty, emotional basketcase in every episode, it can be grating.
Kramer is almost a bonafide clown these days. I remember reading some comments made by Michael Richards to the effect that Kramer was supposed to be ahead of the game compared to everyone else. So how come he's turned into such a slapstick buffoon?
And can someone explain to me exactly when George suffered brain damage? Why is it funny to make him such a complete moron? His whole character hinges on dishonesty, hedonism, and selfishness--these traits are only funny if he is smart enough to know better. If he's too stupid to be conscious of his shortcomings it ruins the humor.
Jerry...well Jerry is just Jerry. Hasn't changed or grown as a character in any way, really. I like it like that.
These are only my opinions. Others may completely disagree. Don't get me wrong, though. "Seinfeld" is the only thing that gets me going on Thursdays; even with its faults, it's still the best thing going on network TV.
C. Auguste Dupin