The season 4 episode ofSeinfeldcalled “The Pitch” is particularly hilarious for those who write comedy or enjoy the genre. When Jerry Seinfeld and George Costanza (Jason Alexander) pitch an idea for a TV pilot to NBC, things fall apart soon after. George and Jerry have a lot of trouble actually writing and George then asks for more money, which upsets Jerry and almost ruins the deal.
Of course, the pilot within a pilot is a nod toSeinfeld. Jerry and George call itJerryand say that it’s a “show about nothing” just likeSeinfeldis. Watching Jerry and George go through the writing process is not only funny but also relatable for anyone who writes comedy.
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Work Through Writer’s Block
There are severalgreatSeinfeldepisodesand when Jerry and George start writing their pilot episode in Jerry’s apartment, it’s hilarious. Jerry says “the actual using of the brain” matters more to “the writing process” than a pen, paper, and chair. The two friends realize that they have no clue what to write and that they’re totally stuck. George asks, “Weren’t you supposed to call Elaine?” and Jerry is thrilled for the distraction. When they finally start working again, they still don’t have much to work with, as Jerry says that George will enter the apartment and they’ll say “hello” and “hi.” George then has an idea that he gets into a car accident and the guy who is responsible becomes George’s butler. The point is that this is a terrible idea, of course.
Jerry and George surrender to their writer’s block, as they really struggle to get to work, and this is definitely a lesson that comedy writers have learned the hard way. While of course sometimes it’s going to be tough to come up with ideas or write something well, professional writers have to keep going and get a certain amount of words done. Writers know that editing is a huge part of the writing process and perhaps even the most important part.
The Show Needs To Be About Something
There areSeinfeldepisodes based on real events, and fans have gone through a lot of what the characters do, from running into acquaintances on the street to having a tough boss.
Even thoughSeinfeldis “the show about nothing,” and this works well, fans know that each episode does feature an intelligent story, great characters, and a lot of jokes. When Jerry and George sit down for their pitch to NBC, George says “I think I can sum up the show for you in one word. Nothing.” When George continues talking, Jerry says, “Well, maybe in philosophy, but even nothing is something.” George also adds, “but nothing happens on the show. You see, it’s just like life. You know, you eat, you go shopping, you read, you eat, you read, you go shopping.”
Jerry knows something that comedy writers do, too: even thoughSeinfeldappears to be “about nothing” at all, it does say something about living in a modern society, and the characters deal with regular topics from dating to friendship to family to work. Jerry is right to say that the show is about a lot more than George is saying, and this is a lesson that comedy writers know. Every story, from a book to a movie to a TV episode, is about the human condition in some way, and even funny TV shows are relatable because the characters are dealing with real life issues.
It’s Important To Collaborate And Work As A Team
One of theworst things that George does onSeinfeldis tell the NBC executives that they aren’t as smart or creative as him and that’s why they don’t like the idea forJerry. George says, “If you wanna just keep doing the same old thing, then maybe this idea is not for you. I, for one, am not going to compromise my artistic integrity, and I’ll tell you something else. This is the show, and we’re not gonna change it.”
George makes another mistake when, in the season 4 episode “The Watch,” he wants more money from NBC. This means that Jerry and George have to agree to $8,000. Since they would have made more money before, Jerry is understandably upset. Jerry and George are also loathe to listen to Susan Ross (Heidi Swedberg) or Russell Dalrymple (Bob Balaban).
George and Jerry definitely show the wrong way to write a TV episode or work on any creative project. It’s best to collaborate, communicate, and always work as a team. Jerry and George should be more open to feedback, as constructive criticism can be really helpful. It’s easy to see whyJerrygets canceled after one episode and the show fails.
