Hot & Heavy: The Elaine Benes Podcast
This show explores the Seinfeld character, Elaine Benes, as portrayed by the brilliant Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Episode by episode, Elaine's storyline is explored in both plot and performance. If only she knew... she was the sponge-worthiest of them all.
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The Money - Season 8 Episode 12
05/31/2024
The Money - Season 8 Episode 12
Elaine's reign as president of J. Peterman comes to an end after J. Peterman himself returns from Burma. Elaine is teed up for a couple highly comedic storylines; George resenting her financially "stickin' it" to him and losing her job as president, but instead we get buried under too many scenes involving Florida and a Cadillac. I also discuss some behind-the-scenes tea from Sarah Silverman! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected]
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The Little Jerry - Season 8 Episode 11
05/24/2024
The Little Jerry - Season 8 Episode 11
Elaine's shallow nature forces her dashing boyfriend to discover he's going bald after years of shaving his head. We are treated to an incredibly funny performance by veteran actor John Michael Higgins, who plays Elaine's balding beau. There are so many entertaining moments in this one, but as usual, I feel more time allotted to the Elaine plot would have elevated the episode that much more.
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The Andrea Doria - Season 8 Episode 10
05/17/2024
The Andrea Doria - Season 8 Episode 10
Elaine dates a guy who keeps getting attacked by ex-girlfriends due to the way he breaks up with them. Unfortunately her curiousity about his "stab-worthiness" leads her to getting insulted herself and it affects her more than she thought it would. The plot for Elaine is solid with potential for more comedy, however we are forced to watch Kramer turn into a dog. JLD deserved better! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected]
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The Abstinence - Season 8 Episode 9
05/10/2024
The Abstinence - Season 8 Episode 9
Elaine and George are affected in opposite ways when they abstain from having sex with their partners. JLD gets to play Dumb Elaine and it is a performance that delights me to no end. This episode is chock full of quality guest appearances, classic moments (Kramer's smoke-goblin face!!) and easily ranks in my top 10. Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected]
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The Chicken Roaster - Season 8 Episode 8
05/04/2024
The Chicken Roaster - Season 8 Episode 8
Elaine is held accountable for charging personal luxuries on her J Peterman expense account. We get so many Benestanza scenes that deliver all the entertainment we seek from Elaine and George plots. This episode has some of the most memorable moments from the series and is definitely a highlight for this season. Follow the pod on social media: Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected]
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The Checks - Season 8 Episode 7
04/26/2024
The Checks - Season 8 Episode 7
Elaine's dashing and intense boyfriend keeps choosing the song "Desperado" over her. We also learn that Elaine has terrible taste in music. JLD has some decent moments, but most of the comedy comes from James Patrick Stuart who plays Desperado-obsessed Brett. It also isn't clear if Jerry kills Brett since the end is different depending on if you watch the episode on Netflix vs. the DVD. Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected]
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The Fatigues - Season 8 Episode 6
04/19/2024
The Fatigues - Season 8 Episode 6
Elaine doesn't display the best judgement when she keeps promoting a very scary mailroom employee. JLD gets to act with the brilliant Ned Bellamy and their chemistry makes this plot work beautifully. Also I got on a tangent about My So-Called Life. Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected]
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The Package - Season 8 Episode 5
04/12/2024
The Package - Season 8 Episode 5
A bunch of jerk-face doctors deny Elaine medical care for a rash. This episode is a let down following The Little Kicks, but JLD does have some fun moments and quite a bit of screen time. Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected]
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The Little Kicks - Season 8 Episode 4
04/06/2024
The Little Kicks - Season 8 Episode 4
Elaine dances, it is the worst and the BEST. Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected]
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The Bizarro Jerry - Season 8 Episode 3
03/29/2024
The Bizarro Jerry - Season 8 Episode 3
This is such a fun episode all around and especially for Elaine, who sees an out from her friendships with Jerry, George and Kramer. She thinks the Bizarro World is the better choice, however, she turns out to be too corrupt to fit in. JLD gets a lot of fun situations to play in this episode and the concept of Bizarro World is a blast to watch. Plus, a special treat thanks to my 10-year-old son's school project. Hint: Jillian's favorite president is super problematic! Follow the pod on the socials! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected]
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The Soul Mate - Season 8 Episode 2
03/24/2024
The Soul Mate - Season 8 Episode 2
Elaine's wish to not have a baby attracts a new man, Kevin, who feels like procreating has been done to death! JLD displays some subtle brilliance with one word responses and slight physicalities. The Soul Mate is a great setup for the next episode, which contains one of the best Elaine plots. Solid episode overall. Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected]
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The Foundation - Season 8 Episode 1
03/15/2024
The Foundation - Season 8 Episode 1
When Peterman flees to Burma in search of a mental health break, he appoints Elaine as the head of the company. Elaine thinks she cannot do the job until Kramer motivates her using his experience in karate classes. The confidence backfires after Elaine makes the disastrous decision to put the urban sombrero on the cover of the catalog. I always love an Elaine and Kramer pairing in an episode! JLD doesn't get too much comedy, but this premise does set up a fabulous arc for Elaine this season. Follow the pod on social media: Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected]
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The Invitations - Season 7 Episode 22
03/01/2024
The Invitations - Season 7 Episode 22
George is finally free from Susan after some toxic glue takes her down... permananetly. Elaine's plot is non-existent due to the real George Steinbrenner's cameo performance. The deleted scenes between JLD and Steinbrenner are so bad that even if they were included, the storyline would have ranked as one of the worst in the series. I also discuss the comments Jason Alexander made during a 2015 Howard Stern interview that painted Heidi Swedberg (who played Susan) in a bad light.
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The Wait Out - Season 7 Episode 21
02/23/2024
The Wait Out - Season 7 Episode 21
Elaine and Jerry are super horny for a couple that just separated after George makes a folksy comment. We also learn that Elaine is a terrible driver and wreaks havoc all over New York City in a sky blue Ford Taurus. Kramer wears super snug dungarees to prove to Jerry he can still pull them off, but the tightness causes problem after problem that eventually lands him in a police interrogation room. Finally a quality episode for JLD to show all her talents in her comedy toolbox. Enjoy! HH Social: Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected]
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The Bottle Deposit - Season 7 Episode 20
02/16/2024
The Bottle Deposit - Season 7 Episode 20
Elaine's plot starts out strong with a deliciously b*tchy interaction with bra-less Sue Ellen Mischke, but after she overspends at a Sotheby's auction on behalf of J. Peterman, the plot takes a most uninteresting turn. This episode has a lot of clever and funny moments, but JLD gets to be a part of very few of them. With this being an hour-long episode, JLD deserved more substance! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected]
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The Calzone - Season 7 Episode 19
02/09/2024
The Calzone - Season 7 Episode 19
Is Todd Gack using dating loopholes to see Elaine? Jerry seems to think so, but after Elaine confronts Gack, he vehemently denies the accusation. A very funny premise for Elaine and Todd Gack, but we needed it to be funnier, it falls as flat as Nikki - The Beautiful Godzilla. Also, there is way too much Steinbrenner which is never a good thing.
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The Wig Master - Season 7 Episode 18
02/02/2024
The Wig Master - Season 7 Episode 18
Elaine wants a Nicole Miller dress at a discount, so she puts up with obvious dishonesty from an English ponytailed salesguy. This episode is full of decent premises with weak execution. There were too many forced moments to get the Kramer pimp moment at the end, which doesn't really pay off as anything too funny. I do cover a fun extra on the DVD - Queen of the Castle: The Elaine Benes Story which is full of JLD love!
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The Friars Club - Season 7 Episode 17
01/26/2024
The Friars Club - Season 7 Episode 17
Elaine's plot is simple and really funny, but it is taken in such a bizarre direction involving magicians and a face-into-boobs assault. There are too many elements thrown into every plot and I wished they just kept everything more straightforward. We do get a brilliant physical comedy moment from JLD - a moment which gives Michael Richards a run for his money. Follow the pod on social media! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected]
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The Doll - Season 7 Episode 16
01/19/2024
The Doll - Season 7 Episode 16
For whatever reason, Elaine is desperate to get back with The Maestro after marring his favorite tenor's photo back in Tuscany. While she's doing that, she is also annoying Jerry with her complete disintrest in his new favorite toothbrush. This rushed plot for Elaine was a rewrite after her original storyline (which involved The Maestro's ass) bombed at the table read. JLD does make the best of it, however she really cannot compete with the doll that looks like Estelle. Enjoy! Follow on social media: Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected]
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The Shower Head - Season 7 Episode 15
01/11/2024
The Shower Head - Season 7 Episode 15
Between flat hair and the Costanzas spite moving to Florida, this episode is full of Seinfeld hilarity however, Elaine barely gets any part of it! She keeps testing positive for opium which gets her fired and axed from an exciting trip to Africa. JLD gets one funny scene with Liz Sheridan that involves a forcible urine sample. This episode is very funny, but it is mostly thanks to all the seniors and J. Peterman. Elaine deserved more and poppy seed problems.
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The Cadillac - Season 7 Episode 14
12/22/2023
The Cadillac - Season 7 Episode 14
Last episode of 2023! Elaine crushes on Jerry because he's flush with cash and she also helps with George's secret rendezvous with Marisa Tomei. While Elaine doesn't really get her own individual plot, despite this being an hour long episode, JLD does get to play with a wide range of comedy. Enjoy!
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The Seven - Season 7 Episode 13
12/15/2023
The Seven - Season 7 Episode 13
Elaine injures her neck trying to get an antique bike down from a shelf since Jerry is too busy hitting on a woman to help. No surprise JLD pulls off neck pain acting so well in this episode, but overall, her plot is as weak as the appeal of the name Blanche when people first heard it. Plus I introduce a new segment - Seinfeld IRL.
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The Caddy - Season 7 Episode 12
12/08/2023
The Caddy - Season 7 Episode 12
This week I cover The Caddy (S7E12) where we meet Elaine's Lex Luthor, a candy bar heiress named Sue Ellen Mischke. Besides being wealthy and very tall, Sue Ellen has never worn a bra which irks Elaine to no end. A gifted bra from Elaine causes all sorts of problems for the main four. JLD and Brenda Strong are a delight to watch together! Enjoy!
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The Rye - Season 7 Episode 11
11/17/2023
The Rye - Season 7 Episode 11
NAMESAKE EPISODE! In The Rye, Elaine gets pissed at Jerry for describing her relationship with her spongeworthy saxophonist boyfriend as hot & heavy. While that descriptor doesn't bother him, using his mouth in a sensual way definitely does. This is such a fun plot for Elaine and writer Carol Leifer masterfully illustrates the ins and outs of women not wanting to appear too needy too soon. Enjoy!
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The Gum - Season 7 Episode 10
11/12/2023
The Gum - Season 7 Episode 10
Elaine has a wardrobe malfunction which causes every man around her to misinterpret her intentions because... boobs. This episode has some minor plot holes, but it is silly enough to make me overlook them. JLD displays her talent for acting awkward, but I wish we got to see more of her and not just more of her chest. From Jerry's giant glasses to Elaine's clingy wet t-shirt, this epsiode makes me giggle. Enjoy!
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The Sponge - Season 7 Episode 9
11/03/2023
The Sponge - Season 7 Episode 9
ELAINE NEEDS SPONGES! One of the best Elaine episodes by far, The Sponge delivers like the spermicide in which it is soaked. I had the great pleasure of having Amie Kelbing, host of The Spinster Life Podcast, join me in discussing all things Elaine, The Sponge and many tangential conversations that ensued. Enjoy! The Spinster Life Links:
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The Pool Guy - Season 7 Episode 8
10/27/2023
The Pool Guy - Season 7 Episode 8
George melts down at the thought of Elaine and Susan becoming friends, but it turns out Susan gets the F out after getting a taste of what this world is like. Instead of worlds colliding, it was more like George's worlds side-swiping. I yearn for more Susan and Elaine together in this episode since it the one and only real interaction between the two characters. JLD has very fun moments sticking it to Jerry and George in this brilliantly written episode.
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The Secret Code - Season 7 Episode 7
10/20/2023
The Secret Code - Season 7 Episode 7
HOW COULD YOU FORGET ELAINE BENES?? Well, that's what Elaine deals with in this episode when a totally boring dude can't seem to recall meeting her at a party. It's a strong plot that had a lot of potential, but apparently seeing bad green-screen of Kramer driving a fire engine needed to take up a lot of time. Guest star Fred Stoller is an absolute treat and I share some fun tidbits from his book, "My Seinfeld Year," in the episode! Enjoy!
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The Soup Nazi - Season 7 Episode 6
10/13/2023
The Soup Nazi - Season 7 Episode 6
Elaine falls in love with an antique armoire on the way to get some soup, but unfortunately it gets stolen by street toughs despite Kramer trying to guard it. Luckily she scores another beautiful armoire which was accidentally gifted to her by a jerkface soup chef who banned her from his shop. Karma takes over as the armoire contains the secret soup recipes and unleashes Vengeful Elaine! This is easily one of the strongest episodes of the series and definitley one of the strongest JLD episodes. I'm totally satisfied with the amount of Elaine!
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The Hot Tub - Season 7 Episode 5
10/07/2023
The Hot Tub - Season 7 Episode 5
Elaine doesn't have time for Jerry's lack of confidence in her ability to set an alarm clock since she has to come up with a load of crap for the Himalayan Walking Shoe. JLD gets a lot to play with in this episode and dare I say... I'm pretty satisified with the quantity and quality of Elaine content!
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