I liked this episode better than "The Blood," which was pulled off well despite what I believe to be the worst premise ever.
Kramer's discovery of the post office conspiracy was odd, and remnicient of the Post Office interrogation of Jerry as well as the conspiracy of doctors, both of which appeared in last season's "The Package" (coincidentally, also the fifth episode of the season). The interrogation room was even the same set! This time around, though, it was executed much better--from Newman's nervous warnings to Kramer, to Wilford Brimley's intimidating performance. It wasn't laugh-out-loud funny, but it was so well done I just admired it.
The Van, which was the sole connection between subplots (George's and Jerry's, and briefly, Kramer) seemed an odd plot device, and as such, never quite clicked. It's not that there was anything wrong with the idea, it just seemed pointless. A van--why? (And that "Don't go a-knockin'" line? What was *that*? I guess the writers couldn't resist)
George's backfiring plan to get together with his cousin was very funny, but his parents sudden affection for each other was totally out of character, and should have at least been explained better. (Maybe the "serenity now" and "hoochie mama" stuff worked.) On a minor point, it would have been a good idea not to have named Jerry's old friend Frankie, because it got confusing when Kramer talked about Frank Costanza.
As always, Elaine's plot was disposable--I groaned when I saw Puddy again--and was funny in only one scene, when Jerry reveals the WIZ guy. (speaking of which, what was with her hair in that scene?!) It does bring up an interesting point--how *do* people in such shameful commercials get dates?
By the end, Kramer had branched off again, and Elaine never connected, so we're left with only two connecting subplots--usually only one is left loose. Not that there's anything wrong with that--many great episodes have had loose ends, and it's better than forcing them together unbelievably (The English Patient, anyone?). Still, it did seem oddly flat and anticlimactic at the end.
-Kenny