The big question heading into tonight's Curb Your Enthusiasm season finale is whether or not Larry David would end up getting back together with Cheryl, his estranged wife. At least, that was my big question, the show did not, however, provide an answer.

At the beginning of the episode, Larry was so distressed by the whole Cheryl thing that he couldn't even get out of bed. When he did manage to get himself out of bed (with the help of Leon and Jeff), he was informed by Loretta that the Blacks were leaving because their new house was ready. He was able to muster a modicum of enthusiasm over this, but not the sort of over-the-top glee that Larry would have exhibited on the average day. He hated the idea of these people coming to live with him, they were finally leaving, and Larry registered little more than the smallest amount of happiness.

It is, hypothetically, possible that the reason that Larry was feeling down at the beginning of the episode went beyond just losing Cheryl. It is just possible that one of the reasons that Larry was not feeling so hot at the top of the episode, and squirming around in his bed to boot, is that he had a gerbil up his anus. I can't be certain, of course, that a gerbil up one's anus would add to his or her level of discomfort, but Larry certainly seemed unhappy about it and I have to guess that it would be uncomfortable.

In fact, Larry seemed so unhappy that he went to see a gastro-intestinal doctor about it. That plot point didn't sit particularly well with me, though. If I had a gerbil up my anus, I think that I would go to an emergency room instantaneously as opposed to waiting a couple of days to see a GI doctor. It is true that Larry later claimed that he was just joking when he told the doctor about the gerbil, that he just didn't want to tell the doctor the truth, but I don't quite believe it.

In the case of Larry's tickling anus, the man made his bed and had to lie in it (the gerbil too, I imagine). The people who got more than they bargained for were Jeff and Susie (an argument could be made that simply by inviting Larry they should have known what to expect, but I don't accept that). At their daughter's Bat Mitzvah, Jeff and Susie made the mistake of allowing anyone who wanted to the opportunity the chance to step up to the microphone and give their best to the girl of the moment. Needless to say, Larry took the opportunity to grab the microphone and tell everyone present that he did not, contrary to the rumors, have a gerbil up his anus. Not only did Larry, in his own special way, ruin the party, I think he was lying too.

Okay, it's time, **spoiler alert**. At the very end of the episode, at the Bat Mitzvah, Larry started dancing with Loretta Black. He closed his eyes, the screen went to black, and Larry woke up in bed with Loretta. Various quick scenes occurred (a montage some might call it), in which Larry was seen at Loretta's son's soccer game, in the car with Loretta and her children, having Loretta yell at Susie for him, at a movie with the whole family, and then taking a photo for a Christmas card with the family. Was it a dream? Was it real? Was Larry just imagining what his life would be like with Loretta and the Blacks as part of his family, or are they now actually part of his family? I believe that it was just a dream, just Larry imagining what life might be like with Loretta, but I could be mistaken. What do you think?

A quote and some thoughts:

• The girl Larry picked up at the GI doctor's office, Paula, claimed she was just there for a "check-up." Larry didn't believe her for a minute, did you?
• Paula wanted to leave the movie theater before the show was over, Larry refused to go early, explaining that he stays with things until the end – "I have friends who I can't stand. For…you know, for like 25 years, I'm still friends with them." Paula then queried him as to why he would remain friends with them. He answered – "Because I stay till the end, until they're dead. I go down with the ship, that's what I do. I'm not even the captain, I'm going down with the ship. That's how I want you to think about me – a guy who keeps the captain company."
• I feel betrayed by Larry entering the "no fly zone." The man decided to go over the fence tonight and I can't fathom why. I always assumed that once someone went through the gate they'd always go through the gate. Larry, apparently, has decided to go over the fence.

Me, I'm going to remain steadfast. I'm not going over the fence, I'm a through the gate person, and right now I'm heading through the gate and over to The TV and Film Guy's Reviews.

Comments

can someone explain to me what "one with the animals" means?

Abe Vigoda | Nov 11, 2007 9:36:36 PM | #

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Great season finale episode. I read that Curb will be back for a few more seasons. I sure hope so... It's the best show on TV!

LAX Parking | Nov 11, 2007 11:36:41 PM | #

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Larry went "over the fence" because of a previous episode where his "long balls" got caught in the "gate" and the doctor suggested "No Fly Zone".

Melinda | Nov 12, 2007 9:38:23 AM | #

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He was joking about the gerbil. I can't believe you actually think he had a gerbil up there. And since this was the finale, and the end of the series from all indications the wrap-up at the end is portraying his new life, not a dream sequence. Geez, it's not rocket science.

Sindee | Nov 12, 2007 9:43:12 AM | #

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Sindee, this is not the end of the series. As always there is some ambiguity, but the NY Post is reporting that Larry is about to sign on for 2 more seasons.

Peter | Nov 12, 2007 9:57:20 AM | #

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I with Abe...What does "one with the animals" suppose mean?

coop | Nov 12, 2007 10:25:43 AM | #

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I think one with the animals has to do with the Gerbil..however, given the end montage, the title can be out of context. Josh Lasser should qualify.

| Nov 12, 2007 10:40:04 AM | #

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The gerbil. I meant the gerbil.

Josh Lasser | Nov 12, 2007 11:44:28 AM | #

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It's been said that when you have sex, you become one with that person. Because Larry had a gerbil up his anus, he became one with the gerbil. Hence, one with the animal.

Deb | Nov 12, 2007 12:02:43 PM | #

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well it does say animals not animal...whatever. BTW he didn't really have a gerbil up his butt.

coop | Nov 12, 2007 12:24:54 PM | #

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Great episode - great end to a fantastic season. This season's right up there with the Restaurant and Producers seasons - best sitcom around.

Larry didn't actually have the gerbil up his butt. He said it to shock the nurse into leaving him alone.

When he said "full disclosure..." during the bat mitzvah, my entire household was basically rolling on the floor laughing. I don't care if we have to wait a couple years or more between seasons - this show is worth giving Larry David the freedom to create.

Brandon | Nov 12, 2007 2:15:53 PM | #

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GREAT SEASON FINALE EPISODE LOVE WHEN SUZY GETS PUT IN HER PLACE AGAin JUST LIKE THE GRAND OPENING OF LARRYS RESTAURANT BUT DOES ANYONE KNOW THE NAME AND SINGER OF THE SONG THAT HE DANCED TO??

sal | Nov 12, 2007 6:05:21 PM | #

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Ahem... the title of this article *really* needs to be altered so it's not so, how to put this delicately... racist seeming?

Only after reading the comments section did I stop wondering if this was a stormfront.org newsletter or something.

JudasConstant | Nov 13, 2007 4:52:43 AM | #

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shut up. it is not racist. did you even read the ramblings of josh. the title is to imply the kids gerbil up his ass, which wasnt even up his ass. to find this title rascist, youve gotta have some seriously messed up thots yourself judas.
and man, have i ever read a dumber reviewer. this episode was genius and when larry first mentions it, you know from situational irony, there is not an animal in his ass.
fuck all you people all are so stupid im not even talking to you anymore

snick | Nov 13, 2007 6:41:47 AM | #

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Sal: The singer was John Legend, don't know the song though.

This whole season has been great. Glad it will be returning and I agree that the final scene was most likely an imagining.

Darius | Nov 13, 2007 8:07:14 AM | #

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Yikes snick! Got some pent up anger there, don't ya?

I loved the exchange between the receptionist and LD. They played off of each other extremely well and made this scene one of the highlights of the season.

Sean | Nov 13, 2007 9:40:24 AM | #

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Dayum Snick decaf...

coop | Nov 13, 2007 12:53:50 PM | #

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It's pretty obvious that Larry didn't put a gerbal up his ass, if you think he did then you really don't no larry david or this show. Also i think if they do another season the end will look like a dream. Anyone have a source of them making a new SeasoN??

Kyle Tompkins | Nov 13, 2007 2:30:37 PM | #

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remember when Larry told Loretta in an earlier episode, "I could care less about shade. I take them from albino white to heart of darkness black." It's small but I think it could foreshadow his relationship with a woman of color.

And yes, the title does need some clarification. I'm definitely not "messed up in the head," but I did holler out a "WTF!" when I read this.

By the end of the episode, his integration with the Blacks (God, I'm loving all these play on words) is what sticks in most people's mind. I could hardly remember that gerbil mess!

Tasha | Nov 13, 2007 8:21:17 PM | #

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Anyone hear when there might be an official announcement on more seasons. This is my favorite comedy, I'd love another season or two. But if this was the last show, it was a great way to go out.

C | Nov 14, 2007 4:36:14 AM | #

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Hi. Nice article. But you **really** REALLY need to edit the title to it.

That's no good.

And I think it's real Larry's relationship with Loretta. But don't be surprised if something goes awry next season.

g | Nov 18, 2007 12:39:02 PM | #

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I think he might do more episodes. Check out the link: http://www.nypost.com/seven/11052007/tv/neurotic_no_more_923379.htm

Anyways, the gerbil thing is a joke and he was fantasizing the life with Loretta.

| Nov 19, 2007 12:34:36 PM | #

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You might be interested in this audio interview with Cheryl Hines: http://www.mrmedia.com/2007/10/cheryl-hines-001-curb-your-enthusiasm.html or this one with Jeff Garlin: http://www.mrmedia.com/2007/09/jeff-garlin-001-curb-your-enthusiasm.html .

Bob Andelman | Nov 19, 2007 7:14:38 PM | #

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Who is the singer at the dance in the final episode?

Heidi | Nov 24, 2007 8:41:05 AM | #

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John Legend

Marsha | Nov 27, 2007 6:04:26 AM | #

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