But, of course, you do know about David and Seinfeld. And as a result, Sour Grapes becomes an interesting dyspeptic, disagreeable comedy, one that elaborates on Seinfeldian themes with an acridness undiluted (and uncontrolled) by sitcom proprieties: It’s misanthropic kin to the death-by-noxious-envelope-glue retiring of George Costanza’s fiancée. Richie (Craig Bierko), the limber one, is part George, part Kramer, a selfish doofus who hits a slot-machine jackpot but refuses to share the windfall with the cousin who staked him the winning quarters; Evan (Steven Weber), the surgeon, fills the Jerry role, saner but equally bullheaded in the peeves that propel the plot—a classic escalation of absurdity—opera buffa style. (The classical-music interludes are reminiscent of those in Seinfeld’s “Barber” episode.)
Scholars will notice various recurring Davidian obsessions—not nearly as charming in long form—including a shrill, overbearing mother (Viola Harris) whose son’s activities land her in the hospital and a neurotic fascination with the homeless, who here turn a house into a fetid sty. Students will also appreciate that Richie’s girlfriend—with a tedious Noo Yawk princess voice—is played by Robyn Peterman, daughter of the real catalog king mythologized in the Seinfeld canon.
Add your comment
The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject or we might delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us. An asterisk * indicates a required field.