DVD Review: Season 9 Of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” Is Exactly What Any Fan Would Expect

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This season follows Larry as he dreams of a big idea that elicits promising feedback from a number of prospective investors – until a string of missteps undermines the plan, at least temporarily.

Larry David is up to his usual antics in Season 9 of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Not much, if anything at all seems to have changed. But there’s a lingering, a residual aura sticking around at the outset of viewing this season. This may not occur for every viewer, but for me, I felt as if I were going back in time, diving into nostalgia or having an almost astral experience by viewing this season outside of myself. Years ago, I filed “Curb Your Enthusiasm” into the recesses of my mind as finished. Thoroughly watched, enjoyed, and put away. So, I was surprised and confused when I discovered it was back. Part of me was excited and looking forward to the prospect of a new season but also felt a bit put out. And because of this, this desire to not go “back,” it took me awhile to warm up to Season 9.

My initial reaction to the first few episodes was quite harsh. It seemed as if everybody’s voice was shrill and there was a strong mix of déjà vu and “trying too hard” feel to everything. I had to hit pause on the whole thing and reset my mind. So, I started over and it was better. I acknowledged that Season 9 is more of the same, but welcomed it as comforting nostalgia rather than a rehash for rehashing’s sake.

All the usual suspects are present, Jeff and Susie (Jeff Garlin and Susie Essman), Ted Danson, Marty Funkhouser (Bob Einstein), Richard Lewis, and Leon (J.B. Smoove). And of course, there are a few surprise appearances along the way including Carrie Brownstein as an inept assistant to Larry (a very “Portlandia” situation). Other appearances sprinkled throughout are Salman Rushdie, Lin-Manuel Miranda, F. Murray Abraham, Elizabeth Banks, Rich Fulcher, and Bryan Cranston, all adding richness and chaos to the life of Larry David.

This season Larry is developing a new project, a musical called “Fatwa!” which is based on the fatwa incurred by famous author Salman Rushdie for his work “The Satanic Verses.” In true Larry David style, he promotes his project on Jimmy Kimmel Live! making a mockery of the Ayatollah, and finds the following day that he himself has now earned a fatwa. Scared for his life he moves into a hotel in disguise as Buck Dancer donning an unflattering and obvious wig and mustache. “Fatwa!” the musical is on hold. And Larry busies himself in the hotel causing minor dramas with pastries and prostitutes. Eventually, Larry gives up the disguise and allows himself to move about the world freely after meeting with Salman Rushdie himself. Rushdie explains to Larry that the fatwa has its perks because now he’s seen as a “dangerous” man and will attract women quite easily. A theory that soon proves itself as he attracts the attention of actress Elizabeth Banks.

Dating is a strong current throughout the season. Larry lives as a bachelor with Leon living in his guest house. The dialogue between the duo is some of the best of the season. While Leon seems to have no issues acquiring the company of various women, Larry remains a hard task. And there’s added insult to injury when Ted Danson asks permission to date Cheryl (Cheryl Hines). It also doesn’t help that his other friend’s girlfriends hate Larry. It isn’t until Larry starts dating Bridget (Lauren Graham) that things begin to soften up. And it’s on a double date brunch that bigger issues are resolved by a calculated gesture given a Shakespearean performance when Larry defends a man he perceives to be Muslim in the brunch buffet line. It’s one of the best moments of the season and sets off a series of events that rights all the wrongs of Larry David throughout the years and clears him of the fatwa, which means “Fatwa!” the musical is back on with the stipulation that Lin-Manuel Miranda has a hand in it.

Like the previous seasons, Season 9 of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” is comprised of a series of connected micro-dramas that feed into the main task at hand. I often forget this fact while watching the series. I will forget there’s a bigger plan at work, overly focused on the hilarious antics and quirks Larry David keeps throwing at me. And then once it’s all tied together I’m in awe, it’s sardonic-comedy magic at its best. Season 9 is exactly what any fan of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” could expect, full of self-deprecation, golden rules, outlandish schemes, and brilliance.

Now available on DVD