#13: The Last Hoorah

For this week's blog (April 14-20), explain why "The Finale" was exceptional TV and why it was a let-down. As you know by now, it's best that we consider ALL angles--even those with which we don't agree, right? So, why don't you try that here... Don't forget the rules:

• catchy title,
• roughly 250 words,
• italicize sitcom titles,
• place quotes around episodes
• Be on time. Late blogs will be deleted. Yikes!

#13 This IS The End

The last episode of Seinfeld, "The Finale" (May 14, 1998), created much controversy for the way it ended and left the audience. Some felt that the episode did not fulfill the expectations, or end with a bang to make it memorable. With the four characters, Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer, placed in the jail cell some viewers were left to wonder "is this it?" However, for those who study in the art of Seinfeld, and are knowledgeable of its aspects found this episode to be the perfect way to end the sitcom. With the reunion of past characters, such as the Soup Nazi and past incidents, such as the button conversation it brought back the humor and memories that Seinfeld first gave to the audience. But not only do we reunite with old characters, we see each characteristics of each one brought out and summed up in the last episode. Even when put into jail we can see that they all do a 360 and remain the same even in the end. Of course, if some did not view certain episodes it is reasonable for them to be feel confused with the jokes, which is why this may have been considered as a failure. In the end, I find that Seinfeld stayed true to its "no hugging, no learning" rule by leaving the way it did, leaving us with nothing.

#13: All Good Things Must Come to An End

As they say, “all good things must come to an end” and unfortunately the same goes for Seinfeld. The series finale of Seinfeld marked the end of an era as its viewers across the country bid farewell to the greatest television sitcom in history. As the last episode, “The Finale,” approached there was an incredible amount of media buzz and anticipation as to how the series would end. However, the television community had a split decision between those who loved “The Finale” and those who hated it.
For the avid Seinfeld viewer who tuned in every week, I believe they loved and appreciated the finale because of its self-referential characters and joke that had come from previous seasons. It made them feel like they were in on the inside jokes that came with its self-referential humor and like they were a friend of Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer. Also, the realization of how wild and insensitive they were. Despite being in jail, they were still making post-modern conversation that was seen in the first Seinfeld episode “The Seinfeld Chronicles.” This reference to the past shows that the sitcom had come full circle and the rest is history.
However, the reason “The Finale” was a disappointment to many viewers was because it failed to live up to the audience’s monumental expectations. The fact that the invincible characters were brought to justice took away the excitement of the show as well as perhaps some of its comedy.

A Unique End...

SEINFELD's season finale was taken with many differing opinions. The show itself was much different in atmosphere and interplay between many of its themes. The biggest impression I got from the season finale was that the characters were over-the-top. Throughout the episode George was especially neurotic and anxious. Kramer seemed much more strange, if it was possible than ever before. Jerry and Elaine, who throughout the series were more mellow and laid back, kept up their usual demeanor. In the scene directly preceding the NY Four's departure, Newman simply freaks out. Throughout the show he was always a little over the top but in this scene especially, you see him in a much different light. He really is insane.

This along with the constant allusions and flashbacks to previous episodes made the SEINFELD season finale what it was. It, much like other season finales takes a long look back at the entire history of the show and wraps it up in a nice, neat package. But because of the strange nature that the events went along, about half of the viewers didn't like it and the other half loved it. Regardless of anyone's opinion's about the season and series finale of SEINFELD, the one element is still there. SEINFELD was always unique.

# 13 A FINAL SUCCESS

The last episode of Seinfeld, “The Finale” was a great end to the sitcom. It was creative way to show the four main characters end up in jail, rather then Jerry’s apartment. A lot of people in jail might be worried about how they got there but as usual they focus on stuff that doesn’t matter; when Jerry is so focused on George’s button placement. This talk about daily minutiae is relevant to the whole sitcom, “A show about nothing.” Larry David came up with a way to incorporate all previous characters that frequent viewers were familiar with. Except to the viewer who only watched “The Finale” is left confused. It isn’t really one of those shows that it is easy to pick up by watching one episode, which is a downfall. To the common viewer they would understand the feeling of anxiousness when Elaine says, “I love United Airlines.” To someone who just picked it up would not really understand why. “The Finale” left you hanging about a few things but still ended it with Jerry’s comedic act.

The Last Reunion

To the ever loyal Seinfeld fan who manages to never miss a show, this final episode was a superior success. In "The Finale" (May 14, 1998), all of the characters were brought together for the first and last time. Even secondary characters were once again brought back, including the Soup Nazi. Furthermore, the former memories from past shows were once again resurfaced.

On the other hand, it may have been a let down to the many who did not watch Seinfeld from the beginning and on a rigid frequent basis. The casual viewer more than likely did not find most of the jokes, mannerisms, and humor referring to previous episodes as funny. In fact, they may not have even gotten the references at all, making it less entertaining and just plain dull. The general audience, however, expressed an upset opinion claiming that it was a terrible way to end Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer's last show since they are such talented loved characters and actors. Outcomes that were anticipated and hoped for did not sustain, and hardly anything out of the ordinary happened as a final surprise. Unfortunately, "The Finale", did not rock most people's world as it previously had. But even to this day, Seinfeld has set the high standard to every modern American sitcom filmed since their time and on.

13: Is this the way its gonna end?

The final episode of Seinfeld (1989-1998) caused a big upheaval and split viewers down the middle to a good episode and a very poor one. I would have to agree with the poor episode viewers, as I did not like the end to the very successful run.

First, the shows format was different then they regularly were. Kramer and George's personalities were well exaggerated, and at first, very alarming to see them jump out of their skins so much.

Secondly, the show had music underlying most of it. This broke the traditional pattern, as they usually just had the electric bass and drum set. The underscore made the show seem very cheesy. It reminded me of the melodramatic TV shows.

Overall, Seinfeld has influenced my life. I find myself quoting it frequently and doing many of my daily routines in a very seinfeldian manner.

#13 Was it Worth Watching?

On May 14, 1998, many viewers eagerly turned in to watch the final SEINFELD episode, "The Finale." However, there were many who thought the ending to the sitcom was not nearly as good as it could have been while others thought it was a perfect way to say goodbye.

Many of the viewers did not like the way the show's one hour episode went for different reasons. Primarily, many people were disappointed because in this episode was different than the usual SEINFELD script, with lots of flashbacks and not as much as the quick-wit humor. Also, the whole episode was about the four main characters getting judged on how their whole lives they have been nothing but selfish, awful people. This contradicts what all the seasons have been about because they never got in trouble for their actions before and that is what some find so funny. Lastly, the ending of the show really disappointed some people because they actually didn't slip away from the law for doing all the bad deeds during life. Viewers were not happy that that is the way it all ended: the four sitting in jail and everyone cannot go on thinking the four are still out there still in their "play world."

On the other hand, many also thought this was a perfect way for SEINFELD to go out. For the people who watch the show regularly, they got many inside jokes that were put in to make it even funnier. Also, in the end when the four are in the jail cell, they are still talking about little everyday things showing that they are still the people they always have been and learned nothing from their punishment.

Although it is a complete matter of opinion, I believe it was a great ending if it is looked at in a deeper way and the inside jokes are pointed out.

#13: The last Hurrah

The last episode of Seinfeld was both a failure and a success, depending on how you look at it. To the hardcore, knowledgeable Seinfeld fan, it was amazing because of the self-referentiality... all of our favorite Seinfeld characters were brought back into one big episode and our past experiences were made anew in our minds. There was also self-referentiality within the subtle jokes made, the references to the show within the show, and of course the button conversation that was had at the beginning of the first pilot episode followed by the ever-so-strange background music found in every episode and Jerry doing some of his stand-up in prison.
However, the final episode of Seinfeld could have been seen as a complete failure to others who are more casual watchers because they would not understand some of the subtle mannerisms or the context in which the old characters were brought back... For instance, if you had never seen the original episode containing the soup nazi, then the part when he is brought back in the court room, or even the part where he takes the soup away during the montage while the verdict is being reached would never be funny.
I also think that this episode tells us something about the characters. Not only do we learn that if we disrespect others as a part of our daily lives will we get our commupence, but the comical message gets across that 'if disregarding others was a crime, these guys would be the first to be put in jail' (as the episode says, they are the first to be tried for that offense)

Goodbye to "Nothing"

The farewell episode of Seinfeld was, by some, considered to be a flop, however, it still encompassed the essence of Seinfeld that captured viewers to begin with. The less than optimistic “Finale” (May 14, 1998) episode of Seinfeld took an unprecedented take on recapping the sitcom. The finale reminisced about all the awful things the “New York Four” did to their unsuspecting victims, however they were brought as witnesses in the case against the four who were bring charged with violating the Good Samaritan law. Although viewers were expecting a more uplifting end to the iconic sitcom, such as a rekindled relationship between Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld) and Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), it did not deliver as expected. A part from the failed expectations Seinfeld still allowed viewers to visit the colorful characters seen throughout the series for one last time. Seeing these characters first on the stand in the court room then flashing back to their scenes let viewers look back on the hilarity of Seinfeld and help to remember why so many people feel in love with this comical series. Now sentenced to a year “removed from society”, (“Finale”) the foursome still kept their Seinfeld spirit and kept on moving forward with their odd way of looking at reality. Kramer even stated, “Could be fun. Don’t have to worry about your meals…” (“Finale”), exemplifying their skewed outlook. Yet unique and unfortunately criticized, the finale episode of the beloved Seinfeld brought up all the wonderful and terrible emotions felt through the turbulent sitcom, it allowed viewers to say their last goodbye to the series about “nothing”.

#13 So Long To Seinfeld

"The Finale" was not the episode I expected SEINFELD to go off the air with. In some ways I was disappointed because it didn't seem like the daily minutiae the show is usually about. Going to jail is not something most people would consider minutiae. I also did not like that it didn't take place in the typical SEINFELD setting of Jerry's (Jerry Seinfeld) apartment or Monk's cafe. The whole episode was not what us viewers were used to or expected to see in the series finale. 

Despite the things I did not like, I thought the episode became a success because it upheld the main value of the show- "No hugging, no learning". Jerry and George (Jason Alexander) pretended like they were going to go into full embrace when at the last second they pull away to preserve the show's motto. Another reason why "The Finale" was a success was because of the multiple self-references and flashbacks to all of the terrible things the group had done to people they encountered throughout the seasons. This really added humor to the episode and made it relatable to the audience.

#13 Back to Reality

Many SEINFELD viewers were extremely surprised and let down from the sitcom’s final episode called “The Finale.” Why was there such a depressing ending to such a light-hearted sitcom? The four main characters are all found guilty for not implicating a so-called “good Samaritan” crime, therefore the show ends with them all four in a jail cell together. This seems to be contradicting what critics called “a show about nothing.” After all, an ending where the four characters end up in gloomy place does not seem like nothing to me. I argue that this is what makes SEINFELD unique. Most people would think that at least Jerry and Elaine would end up together, or George would end his deceitful behavior. However, the writers of SEINFELD chose to take a different route with the ending of this sitcom.The show has always revolved around a simple and care-free life about nothing, but now they are facing something big such as jail. Therefore, SEINFELD's final episode brings the audience back into reality. These four childish adults end up in a “time-out” which reminds the audience that there is no such thing as an easy life forever. The final episode of SEINFELD might not have been ideal and expected, yet it exemplifies that these characters are there for each other in the end. They make the best out of nothing and they realize that marriage and jobs does not make one’s life meaningful. It is friendship and being there for each other that is most important, even in a jail cell.

#13 No SEINFELD for You

While I enjoyed the final episode of SEINFELD, "The Finale," I understand the uproar that was heard from many of SEINFELD's viewers. Looking at traditional sitcoms and their final episodes, there are usually two types of viewers: the "hardcore" group and those that have only seen a handful of episodes and tuned in to the finale due to large amounts of advertisements. In either case, it is easy to see their disappointment with the final episode of SEINFELD.

To viewers that have watched every episode of SEINFELD, the finale would have been much of the same and nothing new. For instance, while the flashbacks and self-referentiality of the finale proved useful in telling the plot, many viewers could have seen this as things they've already seen, especially if they are "true" to the series. Sometimes repeating and bringing back old plots and ideas gets boring and is not exciting to watch at the end of a sitcom.

For those just tuning into the series, the finale would have had too many re-occuring jokes and plots that many viewers would not have understood and find funny. The court scene recalled many people "the four" have hurt in the past; if you haven't seen many episodes of SEINFELD, these short flashbacks and quick clips would not have made any sense and in some instances would not have been funny at all. Seeing as much of the finale dealt with these flashbacks it would be easy to believe viewers would have found the final episode not funny and not SEINFELD-like.

# 13: The Last Dance

SEINFELD left the general American audience rather upset after the airing of “The Finale” (May 14, 1998). I personally enjoyed the last episode. I like how in “The Finale” several secondary characters reappeared to prosecute the mischievous foursome. None of their personalities changed, especially the “Soup Nazi.” As an avid fan of SEINFELD, I appreciated and understood the humorous undertones that reminded me of former episodes. The last conversation that George Costanza (Jason Alexander) and Jerry Seinfeld (Jerry Seinfeld) had was the first conversation they had in Monk’s café. However, the main problem with “The Finale” is that it didn’t meet the audience’s expectations. Many viewers claim that this was a terrible way to end the sitcom because the ending was so unfortunate for the four loveable characters. Everyone thought that Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and Jerry would finally get together but to everyone’s dismay, that didn’t happen. No one is ever happy about the ending of anything, naturally. Sadly, “The Finale” was the last dance for this iconic show that set a precedent for nearly all sitcoms.

#13 Some times we have to punish the kids.

As we could see in many of Seinfeld's episodes the main characters do not have an adult behavior, but a child actitude in most of the cases. In the Finale episode those characters are going to be punished for their jelousy, stupid and selfish behavior. This episode started when Jerry Seinfeld recived an invitation by NBC to extend his show and with that he also received the opportunity to use the NBC's plane. After arriving in Boston because of technical problems. They witnessed a grand theaf auto and as ussual they did not do anything. In Boston they had this new policy that if a person sees an event such as assualt, etc they have to help the victim and not stand there only. Not knowing that the characters were making fun of the victim when the police arrived they were arrested. In the court room was not the perfect place to punish the kids, but since the characters are not real kids they were taked to the court were the real fnny part started when everybody who do not like them from the previous seasons and episodes were there to witness against them.

#13 THIS is The End?

Seinfeld’s “The Finale” was a huge disappointment when compared to the series as a whole. Seinfeld was renown for breaking the mold and being original, but in “The Finale” basically all we see is an extended curtain call for the series many many memorable guests. Very little if anything presented here was original and by relying on these small-time characters to carry the series finale some would say they have let down their diehard fans! If we are able to ignore that then we are still let down by “The Finale’s” lack of just that, finality. The characters are left in exactly the same situations we saw them in during the very first show, for example the conversation concerning the second button on a shirt. Some would argue that it is these things that in actuality made Seinfeld’s “The Finale” a huge success. By bringing back all these small characters and the events they inspired we see exactly the kind of people the main characters are, in essence the reason we watched the show was that the characters had an eerie draw to themselves. It was almost like a car accident on TV, you didn’t “want” to watch but you couldn’t look away, just what would George(Jason Alexander) do next? In just under a decade they were able to show four people go full circle. Their endless nitpicking of the daily minutiae we call life actually had to start over; they’ve done it to death as Elaine would say…

# 13 Childish cannot be forever

“The Finale” was the unique episode as compare with rest of Seinfeld episodes. They landed on the way to go Paris and they violated a Good Samaritan law with not helping the person who got a carjacking in front of them. It was as same as before that they are doing unmoral behaviors which are not usual in the real life. In previous episodes, these behaviors are not big deal and didn’t involve any trouble but not in “The Finale.” They got caught and they stood in the trial. Many people showed up in the trial to prove that four character’s unmoral behaviors. At the end the four characters end up in the jail. I think that the reason the Seinfeld was popular was that most thing on the show was unusual and not real life. Four characters usually think differently than others and they don’t much care about the life. For examples, for George, he doesn’t much think about his fiancé’s dead because of cheapness. For Kramer, he could live well even though he doesn’t have job. Also they had weird competition like who can stay away from masturbation longer. However in “The Finale,” they faced the really big trouble in the trial. Their childish behaviors cannot help to get out of the jail. Probably audiences wanted to forget about their real life as they are watching the Seinfeld that’s why “The Finale” could make them let-down which four characters faced the reality at the end in the jail.

# 13 The Last Show About Nothing

In "The Finale" (May 14, 1998), the writers of Seinfeld did nothing differently then what they had done in any of the shows' 178 prior episodes. In doing this, the episode was received not only as genius and well-written, but also as a huge let down.

In this episode, Seinfeld was incredibly self-referential (more so than usual) in all of the secondary characters and plots that were referenced. Because of this, avid viewers praised the episode and got to relive old jokes and subtleties. Those who tuned-in from hearing the hype about the final episode couldn't fully appreciate the humor and references used. Perhaps the writers of the show did this on purpose, but either way it was much more satisfying for those who had regularly watched the show. However, even some of the shows biggest followers criticized this final episode.

This happened because many viewed the episode as being anti-climactic. After 9-season, the audience thought that this final episode would tie up loose ends, have a memorable story line and show us where the characters would all end up. What really occurred though was just an hour-long episode of Seinfeld. While some took that as a letdown and scorned the last episode, others took it as just a clever way to end the series in its regular fashion. That being, "a show about nothing."

#13 The Joke is On You

There is absolutely no better way that the writers could have ended one of the greatest sitcom series than with “The Finale”. Understandably, there were many avid SEINEFLD viewers left disappointed and upset, but anyone who was truly disappointed with this ending does not truly understand the show they had been watching for the last 10 years. “The Finale” was simply a tribute to all those who understood and appreciated what SEINFELD was all about. It would be crazy to think SEINFELD would end in some cliché tear jerking fancy manner that left you smile and satisfied, it’s simply not the shows style. Never has the show left the viewers with a smile on their face because one of the characters did something morally superior or motivated by the good of human kind, why would they start now?
What made this final episode even more spectacular was the way it reflected back on its entire past in such a short time, to say thank you to all its viewers who have never missed an episode. The writers of SEINFELD already captured all the viewers it needed they were not out to please everyone with one final episode. Instead they sent the message that these four characters are nothing but a bunch of idiots living in their own world and that’s not how life works. It told everyone that living a life with no substance gets you nowhere and the joke is on you if you believe a life like theirs is possible.

#13: "OHHH who's laughing now punk!"

Looking back at "The Finale" it's understandable why fans of Seinfeld felt betrayed, outraged at the sitcoms mundane grand finale, but then again that is the beauty of the show, living upto its main premise "a show about nothing" and i think this is greatly defined during the last dialougues where Jerry and George strike up the very same conversation they shared together in the very first episode "The Seinfeld Chronicles" regarding the proper placement of George's button.

Personally i found "The Finale" overall very symbolic and most importantly different from the rest of the episodes. Simply because this episode finally established a moral, we finally see that the four trouble makers are finally punished for their selfish, inconsiderate behaviour- crime really doesn't pay.

I believe the issue here is the fact Seinfeld approached the series finale from both a traditonal and a non traditional angle. The traditonal angle that Seinfeld has undetaken to maintain is it's "no hugging, no learning" motto. Yet it's non traditional approach revolved around it's conclusive ending, it's less than humourous dialouges and most importantly the fact that for the first time, we have all four characters outside of their domain- vulnerbale, helpless- for the first time we have other characters who affect the outcome of these peoples lives (Jerry, Elaine, George and Kramer) and as a result this led upto a single episode that attempts to restablish and redefine the main plot of the sitcom. Whether i partially liked "The Finale" is irrelavant, after studying and understanding the series throughout this semest I respect and admired "The Finale" for how it was approached and handled despite the major let down when it first appeared.

#13 The Last Laugh

"The finale” left viewers with mixed feelings. Some thought it ended in true seinstyle while others thought it was a big let down after all the hype created around it. The final episode was self reflexive and had several intertextual references - very seinstyle-but there in lay the problem. The episode with innumerable characters from the past made it difficult for first time viewers to relate to the true meaning of the jokes and innuendos that were better appreciated by regular viewers. While the entire series hinged on the motto “no hugging no learning” with no morals to be learnt, ‘the finale’ did just the opposite. That the four friends finally end up in prison for being selfish, self absorbed and doing absolutely nothing to help others is suggestive of the age-old adage ‘the more evil you do the more you will suffer’. Even the final scene with Jerry doing his act for the inmates wasn’t taken to well by the audience.

The episode did have factors that were appreciated by many. All through the episode there continues to be comical twists for instance during what appears to be the final moments of their lives when the plane seems to be going down, Elaine tries to tell Jerry how she has always loved him but promptly changes her words when the pilot manages to control the aircraft and she realizes she is not going to die. Seinfeld finally ended letting the fat man(Newman) have “the last laugh”.

#13: Neverland is Burning

In the final episode of SEINFELD, “The Finale”, the group of four friends were thrown into unfamiliar territory and punished for their usual childish antics. Loyal followers of the show had to suffer through the realization that the past several years of watching the group of four had been a waste of their time on four unlikeable people in the bigger context of society. Inside Jerry’s apartment and Monk’s coffee shop they were safe to do as they pleased without anyone judging them too harshly. The childlike world that they had constructed was brought crashing down as many characters from their past were paraded in front of them in a courtroom. They showed no remorse for their actions and even smiled when it adversely affected others lives. The writers could have stopped showing witnesses for the prosecution after four or five people, but instead we were made to see that our modern heroes ruined many lives to gain passing satisfaction for their own narcissistic natures. By only showing a few lives ruined every few episodes, we were able to negate the fearsome foursome's actions, but the bombardment of over thirty witnesses from past episodes overwhelms us.

While some might argue that this self-referential nature made this episode great, I submit that it awoke the audience to painful realizations about the true nature of the show. George’s mom even thought that the show sounded “stupid”. A final blow to regular SEINFELD viewers was the triumph of Newman over Jerry.

The Final 75 Minutes of Stagnance

From day one, Seinfeld has intrigued its' audiences with the 'no hugging, no learning' concept; a show about nothing and no morality included. The success of this daring idea proved to be phenomenal so why is the final episode so controversial? Many feel it was a let-down and there was no closure with the characters and their futures. Why didn't Elaine and Jerry get together? What life will George lead? Will Kramer ever settle down? It seems that despite audiences nine seasons of love for the disfunctional four, they were frustrated with the permanent stagnance of Seinfelds' characters. Personally, I enjoyed the hilarity of "The Finale"(May 14, 1998). It displayed more 'seinfeldisms' than any other episode; wrapping them all up into two episodes of constant self references. Of course, only loyal Seinfeld viewers would be able to appreciate the genious of these final episodes because they were built around self referential material but, that fact alone almost 'hugs' the audience with memories of all the 'good times' they've had together. Some may criticize that the ending had no substance and no big finish, 'This is how it ends?' ("The Finale" May 14, 1998). However, interpretations lead to the idea that immorality and lack of ethics will be brought to justice. I will agree, the episode is not a flashy, dramatic finish to the sitcom as every other sitcom has automatically created, it is simply an enhanced situation of daily minutae, the very foundation of Seinfeld.

(13)Not what we expected, but exactly what we wanted to see.

Seinfeld, one of the greatest shows in Television, encountered greater success with its culmination then most shows in pop culture history. “The Finale” ended with a bang having over 76 million viewers tune in to examine the 23^rd and 24^th episode of the last Season. However was it the ending that we were hoping for? It sure wasn’t for me.

It was one of the greatest letdowns ever because after all of the no learning and no hugging, you would think they would show us a different side. Throughout the series, the creators have been very mind-blowing with the different shenanigans that they pull. Why would they end it all in the little ole town of Latham, Mass. In addition, the events that occurred were so unreal. Throughout the years Seinfeld always proved a point about daily minutiae (or minutiae in gen.) however the events that transpire in the finale were far from it.

All of the reason stated above as to why “The Finale” was a let down, are the same reasons why the episode was such a success. No one would have ever thought the dynamic foursome would end it in the rural town of Latham, not to mention going to jail for not practicing the “Good Samaritan Law.” During the course of Seinfeld, they have always given us something we didn’t expect, but at the same time presenting it in an everyday event. The events that occurred were unusual; however those events made it possible for us to discuss the series ten years later.

#13 The End of the Road

SEINFELD, origionally doomed by critics as a "show about nothing," left thousands of viewers in confusion on "The Finale" after a ten year run. Ironically, the unique theme of egocentrism that made SEINFELD exceptional T.V. is the same idea that caused many to consider "The Finale" a let down.

Although much of SEINFELD'S audience enjoyed watching the "New York Four's" single, almost imaginary child lifestyle where friends were always superior to an adult career, seeing the series end with the four in prison was a depressing, surprising conclusion for the series. For the past decade viewers watched the crew live a carefree lifestyle most adults could only dream of, and to be punished in the end for minor occurrences was a disappointment. In a sense, it brought the viewers back to reality, reminding us that the four were indeed human, and karma still does exist in this world. Perhaps this comeback to reality was the biggest let down of all, since SEINFELD was always a source of escapism from a stressful adult lifestyle for many of us. Although this finale was unique, the failure to reach a happy ending, such as Jerry and Elaine finally being back together, or the friends once again getting away for their childish deeds, was the biggest let down of the series.

All the while, writing a finale that does not end in the main character's favor is a unique aspect to the sitcom genre. All too often are sitcoms concluded with a joyous event such as marriage or a birth. However, SEINFELD'S prison scene was an unique intriguing setting, while the adaptability of the characters despite their poor situation was classic. SEINFELD will remain in history as a show that can always make the best out of nothing, an amazing feat than many viewers would like to someday accomplish.