As I was the one who started the "What's with Jerry?" thread, I feel compelled to say that Jerry did a decent job acting-wise with this week's episode. Although they are getting a little over the top, almost parodying themselves (which has been speculated as a possible direction for the show -- please no), I thought that this show was much better than last week's and Jerry sufficiently emersed himself into the "character".
I think though that the recent comments about too much plot are correct (including the unneccessary laughtrack). The show's charm and attraction has always been in its unusual (for network tv anyway) neo-realist sensibilities. Emphasing the small (but often intricate) moments of daily life without needing to add plot or storyline are what has MADE this show. In an effort to stay fresh and innovative I'm afraid they may feel inclined to embellish those unique moments that they have done so well: eg. the chinese restaurant show...no plot, but sheer genius.
I'll reserve judgment until the new season is further underway...but I hope the current trend is just a manifestation of this opening two- parter being shot in LA and perhaps just trying too hard to be SPECIAL.
--Cea
By the way I heard somewhere that Elaine is going to be temporarily in Europe with a new boyfriend (Julia has a new baby at home that she'd like to spend some time with) for a good deal of the new season. She will occasionally be included via telephone conversations... Bummer.