The Chinese Restaurant

From Wikisein

The Chinese Restaurant' was the 11th episode of the second season of Seinfeld, when first broadcast on May 23 1991. How ever it was to have originally been the 6th episode of season two but was held back by the network. This was due to the fact that the episode takes place in just one set, the waiting area of a Chinese restaurant, and in real time. On the DVD set for season one and two 'The Chinese Restaurant' is Season two Episode six. The episode doesn't feature Kramer as at the time it was made the character never left the apartment. In the original network running order Kramer had left the apartment in The Statue but in the production order as used on the DVD that episode happens after The Chinese Restaurant. On the DVD extras Larry David states that had it been a season three episode then Kramer would have been there.

[edit] Notes About Nothing

• The whole episode plays out real-time and on one set.
• Because of it's unconventional structure NBC execs opposed this episode. Predictably it has gone on to become one of the most loved.
• Kramer does not appear in this episode as at the time the character was still a shut-in and never left the apartment building. He's liberated in season 3.
• Larry David makes an uncredited voice appearance as a restaurant customer pestered by Elaine. "Someone tell me what she said! What did she say?"

[edit] Quotes

• "I just can't believe the way people are. What is it with humanity? What kind of a world do we live in?" - George
• "Do you ever notice how happy people are when they finally get a table? They feel so special because they've been chosen. It's enough to make you sick!" - Elaine
• "And look at his little outfit. It's all so coordinated, the little socks matching the shirt. I really hate this guy." - George
• "you know it's not fair that people are seated first come first served, it should be based on who's hungriest." - Elaine
• "You know we're living in a society, we're supposed to act in a civilised way!" - George
• "So we start to fool around. And it's the first time and it's early in the going. And I begin to perceive this impending intestinal requirement, whose needs are going to surpass by great lengths anything in the sexual realm." - George
• "Just a movie? You don't understand. This isn't plans 1 through 8 from outer space this is Plan 9! This is the one that worked, the worst movie ever made!" - Jerry
• "The women's movement just can't seem to make any progress in the world of bribery can they?" - Jerry
• "I can't go to a bad movie by myself. What am I gonna make sarcastic remarks to stragers?" - Jerry

[edit] Plot

Jerry, George and Elaine are on there way to see a movie. Ed Wood's 'Plan 9 from outer space'. On the way they stop off for a meal at a Chinese restaurant. However they are told to wait five-ten minutes for a seat. This waiting for a seat goes on the entire length of the episode. George has to queue for the pay phone, while Jerry who has put off a family thing runs into a woman from his uncles office. Elaine at one point accepts a $50 bet from Jerry to eat food from another diners plate. George misses his call, and the gang miss the film.