#9 Contesting to be the Funniest

Out of all the episodes of SEINFELD, "The Contest" was definitely the highest rated one. With the four characters competing against each other to see who could hold out the longest before masturbating, why was this episode so popular? The language use and the filming cuts are two examples of why "The Contest" made such a stir over America.

The cast members during the entire show were not allowed to say the word "masturbate", so creative language use to go around the word had to be used. Jerry and his friends would ask each other if they were still "master of their domain". They use this saying in multiple episodes, yet this time it is especially funny because of the emphasis on master, such as in masturbate. Other language use included saying they were "king/queen of the castle", as in their self control was still in charge of other temptations.

Besides the language use, there are also creative film cuts which make this particular episode even more entertaining to watch. Every night, the camera would cut to each person in bed, tossing and turning trying to overcome their wants. After a person caved, the camera would show each person restless in bed, and then finally the person who gave in sleeping peacefully. At the end of the episode, every character is in a deep sleep, showing they all gave in.

Just with these two aspects of the show, it really adds to the humor and could be part of the reason why "The Contest" was the highest rated out of the whole season.