The Unforgettable Finale of Seinfeld: A Disappointment Without Anger

As a Seinfeld fan, I have enjoyed most episodes of the show, but I must confess that the final episode of season 9, which aired in 1989, left me disappointed. Although it did not incite anger, I found the ending to be one of the series' worst. Let's delve into what made this finale so disappointing and why it falls short of my expectations.

Disappointment in the Finale

The finale of Seinfeld, which was split into two parts, left a lasting impact on viewers, with the second part being the more memorable one. The first part, however, was a great conclusion in itself. Jerry's sitcom gained momentum, and they received a free trip on a private plane. We also discovered that George had cheated in a contest, and we almost learned the extent of Elaine's feelings for Jerry. It all seemed to be wrapping up nicely until the second part of the finale unfolded.

The second part of the finale started off on a sour note, with the group being arrested for not helping a man robbed at gunpoint. Most people wouldn't have intervened, so this decision seemed strange. Furthermore, the arrests were made for filming the incident, a move that most would view as beneficial in catching the criminal. The trial that followed was even more troubling, with the prosecution acting as if they were dealing with international drug smugglers. To add insult to injury, they flew in almost every guest star the show had had, spending untold thousands to testify against Jerry's character. All of this was portrayed as if it were a matter of grave importance, when it was not. The only shining moment in the episode was the presence of Jackie Chiles as the group's lawyer, whose performance was hilarious and laudable. Despite these few bright spots, the episode as a whole felt unrealistic and disconnected from the tone and quality of the rest of the series.

Personal Reflections and Disappointment

While I can understand why the series needed to wrap up with this finale, I cannot help but feel that it was an unsatisfying conclusion to such a beloved show. One could argue that the episode was designed to be an ironic and humorous take on the series' finale, but the level of absurdity and unrealistic portrayal does a disservice to the episode and the show's overall legacy.

Another reason for my disappointment was the ending of Elaine and Susan's storyline. Reading that the other actors didn't like Susan personally led to her departure, which, while practical, doesn't sit well with fans of the show. It's a testament to Seinfeld's depth that such a significant character could be written out, but it did leave a sour taste in the mouth.

The Impact of the Finale

The music during the show's episodes was another element that left a lasting impression on me. The '90s-style music can be quite grating, and it seems to be a consistent factor in creating this feeling of disappointment. In an era where sound design is so important in creating the atmosphere of a show, the visible and audible discomfort caused by the music underscores the emotional disconnect I felt during the finale.

Ultimately, while I can appreciate the show's long-lasting success and its ability to tackle various comedic situations, the final episode of season 9 leaves much to be desired. The combination of unrealistic plotlines, problematic character arcs, and grating music makes it a memorable episode for the wrong reasons. Despite this, the show remains a cultural phenomenon and a must-watch for fans of classic TV comedy.

Conclusion

While the Seinfeld series leaves a lasting positive impression overall, some elements of the finale were disappointing. The socio-legal absurdities in the plot, the unrealistic portrayal of events, and the grating, '90s music all contributed to a finale that, while memorable, was not as satisfying as fans might have hoped. However, it's a testament to the show's enduring legacy that it has managed to remain such a beloved series despite such an unsatisfactory ending.