The Pilot - Season 4 Episode 22 PART TWO
Hot & Heavy: The Elaine Benes Podcast
That's a wrap for season 4! Elaine's charm causes Russell to leave NBC, join Greenpeace and die which also leads to the new NBC president to pass on Jerry and George's show. This season finale is packed with comedy, but JLD doesn't get enough even though I feel there were some missed opportunities for some funny scenarios.
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The Pilot - Season 4 Episode 22 PART ONE
Hot & Heavy: The Elaine Benes Podcast
In the first part of this hour-long season finale, Elaine deals with creepy Russell Dalrymple, who cannot accept the fact that she's not interested in him. Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Bob Balaban in a scene together is a gift. Elaine also decides to take action against Monk's new management since it seems they are only hiring waitresses with big jugs. I'm glad Elaine has her own plots within this jam-packed finale, I just wish she got more comedic moments.
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The Handicap Spot - Season 4 Episode 21
Hot & Heavy: The Elaine Benes Podcast
Elaine tries to be the voice of reason about parking in a handicap spot at the mall, but gets overruled. Not a ton of comedy for JLD to play with in this episode, but it's a fun one!
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The Smelly Car - Season 4 Episode 20
Hot & Heavy: The Elaine Benes Podcast
Elaine gets clam-jammed by clingy BO from Jerry's car. JLD perfectly portrays all shades of Elaine here, from flirty to horny - horrified to desperate. We also the return of Susan Ross as a lesbian which causes George to spiral.
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The Junior Mint - Season 4 Episode 19
Hot & Heavy: The Elaine Benes Podcast
This episode presents a fat-shaming, shallow Elaine! Not the best look for our Lainey, but I discuss that it's actually liberating to see her be as shallow as the men. It's complicated, but I explain. Oh, and there's a junior mint gag.
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The Implant - Season 4 Episode 18
Hot & Heavy: The Elaine Benes Podcast
Jerry draws the line at fake breasts when it comes to dating, so he breaks up with a woman after Elaine insists her boobs are definitely implants. However, Elaine learns she was incorrect after using the woman's jugs as life-saving devices. JLD gets so much wonderful comedy, both physical and with dialogue. We get to see Teri Hatcher and Megan Mullally in early roles before their superstardom, which is very fun. All in all, one of the best episodes of the series.
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The Old Man - Season 4 Episode 17
Hot & Heavy: The Elaine Benes Podcast
Elaine inspires George and Jerry to volunteer with senior citizens. Distracted by a goiter, Elaine's act of kindness is met with a real challenge until the old woman gives her some juicy personal gossip. JLD is cheated out of some really great scenes with Edie McClurg (Mrs. Oliver) due to an inane plot involving Kramer and Newman selling records.
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The Outing - Season 4 Season 16
Hot & Heavy: The Elaine Benes Podcast
This groundbreaking episode of Seinfeld where Jerry and George are terrified of being outed as gay (not that there's anything with that), isn't a very strong Elaine episode. All JLD gets is a plot to refuse all attempts to have her take her jacket off. Nevertheless, this episode was unlike anything at the time, and I get some thoughts on that from friends in the LGBTQ+ community.
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The Shoes - Season 4 Episode 15
Hot & Heavy: The Elaine Benes Podcast
It was tough to record this week after the horrific mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Texas. I get pretty emotional, but I'm positive my emotional outburst in this episode mirrors what so many of us are feeling. We're tired. We're angry. We feel helpless. But, we cannot give up. Oh, and Elaine's popping cleavage saves the day.
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The Visa - Season 4 Episode 14
Hot & Heavy: The Elaine Benes Podcast
I don't care enough about Babu Bhatt to enjoy this episode, especially when there was a very big opportunity for Elaine to be a bigger part of the most interesting plot. At least we get a stellar auto show spokesmodel impression from JLD!
info_outlineWe've seen how Elaine gets when she's hungry (The Chinese Restaurant) and in this episode she has to fast for 3 days for an ulcer test. We are also blessed with more confrontational Elaine when she sees a pregnant woman smoking. JLD extracts so much comedy from a pretty weak storyline but at least she had more than a vacuum.