Watching this pilot episode is entertaining as comedy. But looking back on it as the commencement of "Seinfeld"'s evolution is fascinating as well. The pilot initially aired as a test episode to determine the worthiness of the sitcom. I think it worked.
Everything in the episode is a little bit slower than later shows, when everyone is humming along. One can see the lines aren't quite as pointed, sharp, or quick. Kessler (Kramer) hasn't cut loose yet, nor has anyone else. The editing doesn't appear quite as quick-cutting. Elaine doesn't even exist. Many later staples (coffeeshop, apartment, Kramer's hair) are different than in the series.
No one seems completely confident in this new sort of comedy they're experimenting with. But one can observe exactly where everything spawns from. The storyline still features common occurrences and strange coincidences. Jerry and George still discuss seemingly insignificant details and still don't understand women. It's a real treat to see.
Watching this episode is like reading the rough draft of a paper or seeing an early dress rehearsal of a play. The seeds are all there; they just need to be watered with time and experience.
Bottom Line: In the long run, not one of the better episodes, but still worth watching anytime it is rerun. It is classic because it was the original.
Everything in the episode is a little bit slower than later shows, when everyone is humming along. One can see the lines aren't quite as pointed, sharp, or quick. Kessler (Kramer) hasn't cut loose yet, nor has anyone else. The editing doesn't appear quite as quick-cutting. Elaine doesn't even exist. Many later staples (coffeeshop, apartment, Kramer's hair) are different than in the series.
No one seems completely confident in this new sort of comedy they're experimenting with. But one can observe exactly where everything spawns from. The storyline still features common occurrences and strange coincidences. Jerry and George still discuss seemingly insignificant details and still don't understand women. It's a real treat to see.
Watching this episode is like reading the rough draft of a paper or seeing an early dress rehearsal of a play. The seeds are all there; they just need to be watered with time and experience.
Bottom Line: In the long run, not one of the better episodes, but still worth watching anytime it is rerun. It is classic because it was the original.