This show explores the Seinfeld character, Elaine Benes, as portrayed by the brilliant Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Episode by episode, Elaine's storyline is explored in both plot and performance. If only she knew... she was the sponge-worthiest of them all.
LAST EPISODE! In the midst of trying to perfect a call to her friend Jill, Elaine gets sentenced to a year in jail for mocking instead of helping a carjacking victim. The series finale of Seinfeld was divisive at best and I have dissected all the reasons why I feel it fell short of the massive expectations back in 1998. On a personal note, this has been the best creative endeavor of my life - 3 years, 10 months and 3 weeks making 7,800 minutes of content - thank you for listening!!
Hey lovely listeners! Turns out, I need a bit more time to prep for the finale episode! Thanks for your patience and not pulling a Susan and bawling your eyes out.
Elaine ditches the boys in a traffic jam so she can get home and commence her Sunday Weekend Wind Down! Her attempts do not work out, but she does get to make-out for a second under the bleachers. This episode is grand in scale as far as production, but it falls short overall. Only ONE MORE EPISODE TO GO!! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Thanks to Kramer thinking she has a personal fax machine, Elaine is forced to get a new phone number with the dreaded 646 area code. She thinks she solves the problem by getting a dead grandmother's 212 number, but her grandson keeps calling his "Gammy" which leads to a visit from the fire department bashing down Elaine's door. Some of the best JLD moments are in this episode, which always sneaks under the radar for me. Enjoy!
Elaine's sugar craving caused by all the office cake parties leads her to inhale her boss' antique investment. This plot is very silly, but whenever we get to see Elaine's office relationships blow up due to her impatience, it's always a good time! Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Elaine drowns her sorrows at a work party by drunkenly making out with a colleague, which could really hurt her associate status! This plot starts out with great promise, but then takes an unfortunate and unfunny turn. JLD gets some fun moments, but the title of "Episode Scene-Stealer" belongs to the brilliant Sonya Eddy for her return as Rebecca DeMornay. Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com The Trevor Project - https://www.thetrevorproject.org Human Rights Project - https://www.hrc.org LGBTQ Freedom Fund - https://www.lgbtqfund.org Transgender Law Fund - https://transgenderlawcenter.org
Puddy is religious and thinks Elaine is going to hell. The idea of going to hell doesn't bother her, but Puddy not caring isn't going to fly! This is one of the best storylines for Elaine and JLD gets to flex her comedic muscles in this classic episode! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Elaine dates a man whose race is under scrutiny - is he black, white... Irish? This episode tackles a racial issue in a hilarious way and JLD gets a wide range of comedic moments. This plot is another example of Seinfeld being way ahead of its time. Enjoy!
The mysterious nature of Elaine's new dude leads her to think he's a married man, but when it turns out he's poor (and married, subsequently) and treats her to garbage donuts, she's conflicted about ending the relationship over money. This is one of those mid episodes for me, but JLD does get some juicy comedic moments. Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Elaine is on a mission to find out how an unfunny cartoon got published in The New Yorker. While confronting the cartoon editor, she's offered the opportunity to contribute her own cartoons to the magazine. This silly plot is totally delightful. JLD gets to play with a lot of emotions as she explores this new venture for Elaine. Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Puddy's winter coat turns out to be a "man fur" and well, Elaine cannot handle that. Her attempt to get rid of his offensive jacket spirals into a mess with party host, Joe Mayo. This is a pretty average episode with too much time spent on peephole drama. Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Elaine is temporarily proud of her boyfriend, Puddy, becoming a car salesman - after all, it does afford her the luxury of a copy machine! However, it doesn't take long for his tendencies to annoy her and cause them to break up. This is not the best overall episode, but I always enjoy watching JLD and Patrick Warburton's comedic chemistry. Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Elaine's obsession with getting a free sub sandwich leads her down a path of creepy guys and a frightening look. JLD gets to flex those comedy muscles and I'm here for all of it. I know I would be really mad if I lost a punch card! Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Elaine's co-worker Peggy suspects she sleeps with a lot of dudes, so she protects herself from Elaine's sexual cooties around the office. Offended, Elaine resorts to immersing Peggy in her germs and enlists the help of her boyfriend, Puddy, who is a recovering germaphobe. This is one of my favorite plots for Elaine and JLD performs the physical comedy with perfection. Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Elaine's spite takes over as she travels to India for the wedding of her rival, Sue Ellen Mischke. This groundbreaking episode is known as the "Backwards Episode" since it takes on the structure of Harold Pinter's play of the same name. JLD has one of her best performances of the entire series in this one and I cannot get enough of Drunk Elaine. Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
The alarm of Elaine's neighbor causes some grief in a couple of ways. Once again, Kramer swoops in to help Elaine and suffers for it from electrocution to a damaged slicer for which he has very strong feelings. This is a fun episode, although I think Elaine's plot is probably the weakest. Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Elaine's latest co-worker drama is a dude who comes out of nowhere - a REAL SIDLER! This is easily one of my favorite episodes of Seinfeld, mostly because of the Merv Griffin Set storyline, but Elaine gets a really solid plot that is perfectly structured. JLD's physicality is on full display, from the twitch of an eye to chasing around the rattling Tic Tacs! Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Elaine dumps Puddy when she instantly falls for another man thanks to a magical, fairytale moment! Unfortunately, what she thinks is attraction is just the memory of him in a cheesy commercial. This episode is full of plots that start out strong and then fall apart. JLD is cheated with the weakest plot, but still brings some great comedy!
Elaine puts a lot of effort into proving she is responsible enough to raise a kid. None of this makes sense for the charactrer, but JLD does her best with this forced storyline. At least I found some juicy drama on TikTok involving one of the guest stars! Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Elaine's shiksappeal causes a couple assaults, a proposal from Jerry and a Myrtle Beach invite from a Rabbi. JLD gets a lot of fun moments in this episode and the return of Frank & Estelle Costanza is a huge bonus! Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Elaine can't quit Puddy and it is costing her a lot of money! JLD gets some very fun moments in this one. Any Elaine and Puddy episode will keep me laughing! Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Last first episode! Elaine and Puddy have spent a month together traveling through Europe and we get to see the explosion of rage that has caused on the flight home. Such a brilliant move bringing Puddy back this season and JLD as travel-weary Elaine is the perfect way to kick off the last season of Seinfeld. Follow the pod on social media: Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
What better way to celebrate Hot & Heavy's 150th episode than with a season finale jam-packed with powerhouse female talent?? Elaine's attempt to help a coworker backfires into a violent situation, not only with the coworker but with the legendary Raquel Welch.
Elaine's business idea to only sell the tops of muffins is stolen by her old boss, Mr. Lippman. After cutting a deal for the profits, she helps him succeed but also incurs the issue of disposing the muffin stumps. A very fun plot for JLD, we get a lot of hilarious moments, the best of which is opposite the brilliant Sonya Eddy, who plays Rebecca De Mornay. Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Elaine goes to great lengths to get petty revenge on a Mayan shop owner. The story for JLD is pretty funny, but it needed better execution, which is the theme for all the storylines. At least we have Lorelai Gilmore herself, Lauren Graham, guest starring as Jerry's girlfriend!
Elaine turns out to be a terrible reference for friends who are looking to adopt a baby. Bottom line, yelling at Elaine is a mistake. JLD has many wonderful comedic moments in this very funny episode. Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Elaine has a dud boyfriend who is obsessed with his back issues which causes a bunch of funky issues for her. This episode is pretty blah overall with very few comedic moments for JLD. At least her hair looks really shiny!
Elaine's hatred of a film triggers some harsh consequences from getting dumped to losing her job. This is easily one of my favorite Elaine episodes of the series with JLD showing a wide range of why she's such a comedic genius. Who else can say the word "sucked" in such a way that you feel it in your soul? Enjoy!
Elaine pisses off yet another Chinese restaurant when she tries to dupe their delivery boundary. JLD gets some fun moments in this episode, which is pretty average overall. Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Elaine is called the wrong name by her coworker, which is just awkward at first but then ultimately leads to a fake funeral. JLD gets so much fantastic comedy in this episode! We also meet Peggy, portrayed by the fabulous Megan Cole and the comedy combo with JLD is pure pleasure.
Peterman selects Elaine to ghostwrite his autobiography which leads to working closely with Kramer. Ironic that she struggles with uninteresting writing since her plot suffers the same fate. There was a lot of potential, but the story falls short. It is also a crime that guest star Christine Taylor and JLD didn't get a scene together.
Elaine is desperate enough to be interested in her video store employee stalker, but gets a bitter dose of reality when she finds out he's a 15-year-old with aahhhhcne! JLD gets some really quality comedy in this episode, one of the best of the season! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Elaine's reign as president of J. Peterman comes to an end after J. Peterman himself returns from Burma. Elaine is teed up for a couple highly comedic storylines; George resenting her financially "stickin' it" to him and losing her job as president, but instead we get buried under too many scenes involving Florida and a Cadillac. I also discuss some behind-the-scenes tea from Sarah Silverman! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Elaine's shallow nature forces her dashing boyfriend to discover he's going bald after years of shaving his head. We are treated to an incredibly funny performance by veteran actor John Michael Higgins, who plays Elaine's balding beau. There are so many entertaining moments in this one, but as usual, I feel more time allotted to the Elaine plot would have elevated the episode that much more.
Elaine dates a guy who keeps getting attacked by ex-girlfriends due to the way he breaks up with them. Unfortunately her curiousity about his "stab-worthiness" leads her to getting insulted herself and it affects her more than she thought it would. The plot for Elaine is solid with potential for more comedy, however we are forced to watch Kramer turn into a dog. JLD deserved better! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Elaine and George are affected in opposite ways when they abstain from having sex with their partners. JLD gets to play Dumb Elaine and it is a performance that delights me to no end. This episode is chock full of quality guest appearances, classic moments (Kramer's smoke-goblin face!!) and easily ranks in my top 10. Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Elaine is held accountable for charging personal luxuries on her J Peterman expense account. We get so many Benestanza scenes that deliver all the entertainment we seek from Elaine and George plots. This episode has some of the most memorable moments from the series and is definitely a highlight for this season. Follow the pod on social media: Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Elaine's dashing and intense boyfriend keeps choosing the song "Desperado" over her. We also learn that Elaine has terrible taste in music. JLD has some decent moments, but most of the comedy comes from James Patrick Stuart who plays Desperado-obsessed Brett. It also isn't clear if Jerry kills Brett since the end is different depending on if you watch the episode on Netflix vs. the DVD. Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Elaine doesn't display the best judgement when she keeps promoting a very scary mailroom employee. JLD gets to act with the brilliant Ned Bellamy and their chemistry makes this plot work beautifully. Also I got on a tangent about My So-Called Life. Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
A bunch of jerk-face doctors deny Elaine medical care for a rash. This episode is a let down following The Little Kicks, but JLD does have some fun moments and quite a bit of screen time. Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Elaine dances, it is the worst and the BEST. Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
This is such a fun episode all around and especially for Elaine, who sees an out from her friendships with Jerry, George and Kramer. She thinks the Bizarro World is the better choice, however, she turns out to be too corrupt to fit in. JLD gets a lot of fun situations to play in this episode and the concept of Bizarro World is a blast to watch. Plus, a special treat thanks to my 10-year-old son's school project. Hint: Jillian's favorite president is super problematic! Follow the pod on the socials! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Elaine's wish to not have a baby attracts a new man, Kevin, who feels like procreating has been done to death! JLD displays some subtle brilliance with one word responses and slight physicalities. The Soul Mate is a great setup for the next episode, which contains one of the best Elaine plots. Solid episode overall. Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
When Peterman flees to Burma in search of a mental health break, he appoints Elaine as the head of the company. Elaine thinks she cannot do the job until Kramer motivates her using his experience in karate classes. The confidence backfires after Elaine makes the disastrous decision to put the urban sombrero on the cover of the catalog. I always love an Elaine and Kramer pairing in an episode! JLD doesn't get too much comedy, but this premise does set up a fabulous arc for Elaine this season. Follow the pod on social media: Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
George is finally free from Susan after some toxic glue takes her down... permananetly. Elaine's plot is non-existent due to the real George Steinbrenner's cameo performance. The deleted scenes between JLD and Steinbrenner are so bad that even if they were included, the storyline would have ranked as one of the worst in the series. I also discuss the comments Jason Alexander made during a 2015 Howard Stern interview that painted Heidi Swedberg (who played Susan) in a bad light.
Elaine and Jerry are super horny for a couple that just separated after George makes a folksy comment. We also learn that Elaine is a terrible driver and wreaks havoc all over New York City in a sky blue Ford Taurus. Kramer wears super snug dungarees to prove to Jerry he can still pull them off, but the tightness causes problem after problem that eventually lands him in a police interrogation room. Finally a quality episode for JLD to show all her talents in her comedy toolbox. Enjoy! HH Social: Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Elaine's plot starts out strong with a deliciously b*tchy interaction with bra-less Sue Ellen Mischke, but after she overspends at a Sotheby's auction on behalf of J. Peterman, the plot takes a most uninteresting turn. This episode has a lot of clever and funny moments, but JLD gets to be a part of very few of them. With this being an hour-long episode, JLD deserved more substance! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
Is Todd Gack using dating loopholes to see Elaine? Jerry seems to think so, but after Elaine confronts Gack, he vehemently denies the accusation. A very funny premise for Elaine and Todd Gack, but we needed it to be funnier, it falls as flat as Nikki - The Beautiful Godzilla. Also, there is way too much Steinbrenner which is never a good thing.
Elaine wants a Nicole Miller dress at a discount, so she puts up with obvious dishonesty from an English ponytailed salesguy. This episode is full of decent premises with weak execution. There were too many forced moments to get the Kramer pimp moment at the end, which doesn't really pay off as anything too funny. I do cover a fun extra on the DVD - Queen of the Castle: The Elaine Benes Story which is full of JLD love!
Elaine's plot is simple and really funny, but it is taken in such a bizarre direction involving magicians and a face-into-boobs assault. There are too many elements thrown into every plot and I wished they just kept everything more straightforward. We do get a brilliant physical comedy moment from JLD - a moment which gives Michael Richards a run for his money. Follow the pod on social media! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
For whatever reason, Elaine is desperate to get back with The Maestro after marring his favorite tenor's photo back in Tuscany. While she's doing that, she is also annoying Jerry with her complete disintrest in his new favorite toothbrush. This rushed plot for Elaine was a rewrite after her original storyline (which involved The Maestro's ass) bombed at the table read. JLD does make the best of it, however she really cannot compete with the doll that looks like Estelle. Enjoy! Follow on social media: Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - elainepodcast@gmail.com
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