Seinfeld & the question of its return

Well it seems obvious to me that there should be significance (one way or another) in the judge's sentence of only one year. Remember, there was a maximum possible penalty of five years. Plus, this was emphasized in lines such as "It's only for a year." I think there are three possibilities:

1. Definite plans are in place for a continuation of Seinfeld after one year's time. This way they get all the bang of a finale (though I didn't find it to be much of a bang), Jerry gets his "rest from being funny", and NBC gets to have their very profitable sitcom, albeit one year later. But if this is true, can all of those in the know be expected to keep this a secret for an entire year? But then again, a rumour of it continuing can be met with a rumour of it not continuing, so that the uncertainty remains the same anyway.

2. Seinfeld is over forever. The "year" has significance only in that the writers wanted to tantalize the viewers with the possibility and keep them hoping, but in fact, the end is the end.

3. They incorporated a sentence of only a year, because they want to retain the _option_ of continuing the show in a year's time. Jerry might have agreed to consider continuing the show after a year's rest, but may not have committed to it. Perhaps NBC told them to incorporate it into the finale because they are hoping that the show will end up continuing. If it does continue, it makes perfect sense (i.e. they have now gotten out of jail), and if it doesn't, well most people thought it was the end anyway...

What do you think?

Kathleen,

I hadn't thought it through as much as you did. But reading your post, I must say I agree with you totally. Those seem to be the most logical conclusions. (I had forgotten about Jerry making a point to say to Jay Leno that he "wanted to take a break, or rest, or take time off - whatever he said - from "being funny".) Another "clue", or coincidence?

One thing is for sure - this debate will continue for at least one year!

In article ,

On E! they said NBC would like Jerry to consider doing the show in a one hour special next year during sweeps.

<3 wishful yet naive ideas snipped>

Look, its TV! The judge could have said, "1 week" and then the show could disappear for a year or 5 years and then come back and its only a week later. This whole, "The show will come back" thing is the kind of groundless speculation that gives "the internet" a bad name. I too will miss Seinfeld, but it is very clear that this show is done, period. Jerry may come back to TV, but it won't be as the Jerry who knows Elaine, George, and Kramer.