Curb Your Enthusiasm (Season 6)

Seasons 6 & 7 make for the best "era" of Curb Your Enthusiasm. They have the best story arcs, the best comedic moments, certain characters make their first appearances, other characters haven't left yet, and one big twist that I loved when I first saw Curb... but now leaves me a bit mixed. 

Season 6 has a fairly unique story arc, not really building up to some grand climax like, say, the restaurant or play arcs. In this season, Larry and Cheryl have a the Black family whose home was destroyed in a hurricane move in, and that's pretty much it. I actually really like this storyline, partially because the Blacks make for a very likable and colorful addition to the cast, but also because it allows Season 6 to focus squarely on the comedy, which is always a good thing. Season 6 of Curb isn't just funny, it's consistently funny, lacking any downright weak episodes whatsoever. Even Season 4 had Wandering Bear, but I enjoyed every single episode in Season 6. As much as I like this show's story arcs, after how much of hit-or-miss mess last season was, this back to basics approach was for the best. However, there is one slightly dramatic subplot this season, as Larry and Cheryl's relationship is slowly starting to get a bit strained throughout much of its first half of the season. It's not something I really noticed during my first watch, but I couldn't help but notice it this time around. If this was any other season of Curb, it would probably be neatly resolved by the finale... but this is not any other season of Curb.

In the seventh episode of the season, Larry and Cheryl get into a fight and separate. This was a big twist and a shocking change to status quo because that sort of stuff didn't normally happen in Curb, and at first, this seems like a fantastic idea. It shakes up the series, leads to a great final few episodes where Larry deals with the separation, and lets Larry finally enter the dating scene opening the doors to a whole new level of comedy. However, it's hard not to think of how this twist transforms the show in the future, where Cheryl practically becomes a minor character, and without that straight-man figure, Larry becomes more and more of a curmudgeon-y jerk who never really faces lasting consequences anymore. And that all just leaves me mixed about that twist. While it was a good idea at first that made Seasons 6 & 7 into two of the best of the show, the fact is that Larry needs Cheryl, and as the two slowly part ways, Curb starts to lose its luster. Still, that's not something I can really judge this season for, it's a problem I'll continue to discuss in future seasons.

As consistent as this season was, I did find a few episodes worth noting:

The Anonymous Donor: Leon's first episode! I forgot just how funny The Anonymous Donor was, it's stuffed to the brim with fantastic storylines. From Ted getting all the attention despite being the titular anonymous donor, to Leon bursting onto the scene, to the blanket debacle, to Larry and Jeff being kicked out of each others' houses, to that hilarious final misunderstanding. Everything just clicks into place in this one.

The TiVo Guy: As mentioned above, this was the episode with the big twist where Larry and Cheryl end up breaking up. It's just as surprising as it was the first time I saw it, but I also forgot how funny the first ten minutes of this episode are. Larry loses Cheryl because he prioritizes the Tivo Guy over her, and their argument where Cheryl calls out pretty much everything Larry has ever done is just priceless.

The Bat Mitzvah: If you thought The Grand Opening was heartwarming, this is the happiest ending any season of Curb can and will ever have. The final ten minutes of this episode are fantastic, from Larry trying to dispel the rumors about him at the bar mitzvah, to Loretta and Larry sharing a dance, to that funny and adorable final montage of Larry integrating with the Blacks. Many tend to refer to this as the best Curb finale and I totally see why, it's definitely the one that makes me the happiest.

Overall, Season 6 really is the most solid season of Curb. The Black family are fantastic introductions to the show, the comedy is consistently strong, and while it may not bode well for the future of the show, Larry and Cheryl's breakup is a fantastic twist that gives the series a nice shake-up.

4/5 Stars