... and a personal episode for producer/writer Larry David. The episode is all about Elaine's dad, a famous author and grouch, coming to town. George and Jerry are going to meet Elaine and her father at his hotel for dinner, but Elaine is late. Leaving George and Jerry to try and make conversation with this very intimidating figure, they ultimately both end up hiding in the men's room wondering where Elaine is and how can they possibly get out of this situation. The title comes from the fact that Jerry has just bought a suede jacket that has this loud barber-pole like red and white striped pattern in the lining ,and this jacket is Jerry's prized possesion du jour.
Since Jerry and Elaine have known each other since college, having even dated for awhile, you wonder why Jerry has never met this guy. Maybe it was by design on Elaine's part considering dad's temperament.
The episode comes from Larry David meeting the father of somebody he had been dating who was also a famous author and intimidating grouch. There are also some interesting bits in the DVD extras about the actor who played Elaine's dad, Lawrence Tierney. If you ever wonder why he wasn't a recurring character on the show after doing such a bang up job, apparently he stole a butcher knife off the set of Jerry's kitchen. Jerry actually asked him about it and Tierney said he intended to fake the scene from Psycho and pull the knife from his jacket as "a joke". When you've got even Michael Richards (Kramer) thinking you are crazy you are NOT going to be asked back.
To me, Seinfeld was a show that took a couple of seasons to find its oh so perfect rhythm. This episode was one of the first to be almost perfect with some absolutely fabulous dialogue by David.
Since Jerry and Elaine have known each other since college, having even dated for awhile, you wonder why Jerry has never met this guy. Maybe it was by design on Elaine's part considering dad's temperament.
The episode comes from Larry David meeting the father of somebody he had been dating who was also a famous author and intimidating grouch. There are also some interesting bits in the DVD extras about the actor who played Elaine's dad, Lawrence Tierney. If you ever wonder why he wasn't a recurring character on the show after doing such a bang up job, apparently he stole a butcher knife off the set of Jerry's kitchen. Jerry actually asked him about it and Tierney said he intended to fake the scene from Psycho and pull the knife from his jacket as "a joke". When you've got even Michael Richards (Kramer) thinking you are crazy you are NOT going to be asked back.
To me, Seinfeld was a show that took a couple of seasons to find its oh so perfect rhythm. This episode was one of the first to be almost perfect with some absolutely fabulous dialogue by David.