Curb Your Enthusiasm: The Complete Eighth Season

Larry David—the new millennium's Archie Bunker—reprises his long-running role as a fictionalized curmudgeon version of himself in this solid 2011 eighth season. Kicking off with a wince-and-laugh producing segment in which Larry offers tampon instruction to a Girl Scout, the overall narrative arc finds our anti-hero struggling with dating issues in the wake of his divorce from wife Cheryl (a briefly seen Cheryl Hines). Termed (accurately) a “social assassin” by his manager buddy, Jeff (Jeff Garlin), Larry here tangles with battered women in a neighborhood shelter, engages in a heated contest with Rosie O'Donnell for the affections of a bisexual woman, denies a dog its last meal, and gets on the wrong side of Michael J. Fox. Along the way, the hip improv script introduces memorable phrases, including “sorry window” (acceptable time period for offering condolences), “chat and cut” (starting a conversation for the sole purpose of breaking into a line), and “shit bow” (an inadequately angled Japanese bow of apology). Halfway through the season, L.A. Larry heads for the Big Apple, a culture-shock-move that opens up new opportunities for laughs, especially since he's accompanied by Jeff and foul-mouthed wife Susie (Susie Essman), with even fouler-mouthed roommate Leon (JB Smoove) arriving shortly thereafter. Although the series is starting to show some fatigue—we can sometimes see the comic curve balls from Mr. Politically Incorrect coming well in advance—Seinfeld co-creator David is still able to bring the funny. Presenting all 10 episodes, DVD extras include an extensive panel discussion (featuring David, Garlin, Essman, and Hines, along with moderator Brian Williams), and the featurette “Leon's Guide to NYC.” Recommended. (R. Pitman)