Seinfeld

Memorable incidents

See also List of Seinfeld terms

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The Dry Heave

In the episode "The Little Kicks" Elaine does the notorious Dry Heave dance in front of co-workers at a J. Peterman party (to which George and later Jerry exclaim "Sweet Fancy Moses!"). Thoroughout the entire episode she is made fun of by co-workers behind her back; at first she believes it is George that has caused her troubles, until she is told it is her horrendous dancing in which she moves her thumbs around and does little kick-ups with her feet. She is eventually told this by Jerry and she films over a bootlegged copy of a fictional movie called Cry, Cry, Again that was shot by Jerry who was forced to film in theatres by a bootlegger named Brodie (A friend of Kramer's).

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Moops

In the episode "The Bubble Boy", George claims "The Moops" is the answer to the Trivial Pursuit question "Who invaded Spain in the 8th century A.D.?". The Bubble Boy contested the answer, claiming it was the Moors (which is correct). George, with his stubborn nature, in reaction to the belligerent arrogance of the Bubble Boy, and out of spite, refused to accept the response in favor of the (presumably misprinted) answer given by the card. This incident is based on an actual error spotted by one of the writers while playing the home edition of Jeopardy!.

Related Topics:
The Bubble Boy - Trivial Pursuit - Moors - Jeopardy!

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The Contest

One of the most controversial Seinfeld episodes, "The Contest", centers around a pact of self-denial between Jerry, George, Kramer, and Elaine. The four place a bet (with Elaine contributing a higher stake) on who can go the longest without masturbating. In the show however, they were able to convey the meaning without actually using the word "masturbation". Kramer's early exit from the bet has become a classic moment in Seinfeld history, with his simple "I'm out!" as he slams his cash on the counter. This episode also features Jane Leeves (of Frasier fame) as "The Virgin", Jerry's girlfriend at the time.

Related Topics:
Masturbating - Jane Leeves - Frasier - Virgin

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Other classic moments include: Jerry's rant about the woman across the street, who struts around naked in her apartment, compromising his ability to remain "Master of His Domain" (and the same woman responsible for Kramer's early departure); Elaine's fascination with John F. Kennedy, Jr.; George's subtle introduction of the subject matter with the phrase, "My mother caught me"; and the "ease" with which the characters can sleep at night, depending on their current standing in the contest.

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In an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm, during an argument between Larry David and Jason Alexander, it is mentioned that David participated in a contest exactly like this one.

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The Soup Nazi

In this episode, Jerry introduces Elaine to a soup restaurant run by a draconian owner, whom Jerry has nicknamed the "Soup Nazi." Based on a real-life New York City soup store, the owner enforces strict customer rules about ordering: State your order, then move quickly down the line, with your money ready. Jerry coaches Elaine on them, but she disregards the rules, wasting the Soup Nazi's time and infuriating him. He kicks her out, yelling, "No soup for you!", which would become a catch phrase. The episode also includes a plot about an armoire that Elaine buys and then leaves on the street, asking Kramer to watch it. It is stolen right in front of him by a pair of effeminate, antique-loving Latino thugs, played by Yul Vazquez and John Paragon. Later, she finds the Soup Nazi's recipes and distributes them widely in an act of revenge, ruining his business. Larry Thomas guest stars as The Soup Nazi, a role that netted the actor an Emmy nomination.

Related Topics:
Soup Nazi - Armoire - Yul Vazquez - John Paragon - Larry Thomas - Emmy

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