S08E20 - The Millennium
No: 154 | Season: 8 Episode: 20 | Air Date: 1-May-1997 | Production #820
Summary
Elaine gets bad service at a clothing store, so she begins shopping at another similar store. Jerry notices that he is on his girlfriend's speed dial. Kramer plans for his millennium New Year's Eve party two years in advance and he has some strange ideas about what life in that year will be like. George is "offered" a position as director of scouting by the Mets. To get the position he must be fired by the Yankees. Elaine flaunts her purchases in front of the store. Jerry obsesses about his position on the speed dial and then he makes it to number 1. Kramer discovers that Newman is planning his own millennium party. George tries to make a big exit from the Yankees organization; however, all his attempts make him look better in the organization. The overprotective and overbearing mother of Jerry's girlfriend confronts him over his #1 position on the speed dial. Newman compromises with Kramer about their respective parties, they will be combined; however, he only has one condition, the next century must be "Jerry free." Elaine discovers the clothing store she began frequenting is owned by the same woman who didn't help her at the other store. Kramer reluctantly agrees but then has misgivings and gets Elaine to come back to his party. Elaine plans her revenge on the store with Kramer's help. Jerry gets caught in the middle of a speed dial war between his girlfriend and her step-mother.
Director and Writers
Director: Andy Ackerman
Writers: Jennifer Crittenden
Quotes
Jerry: Good meeting?
George: There was no meeting. But it was quite a meeting.
George: Jerry. I can't get fired.
Newman: For me, the next millennium must be Jerry-free!
Steinbrenner: I owe you an apology, body suit man. Streak on!
Jerry: Good meeting?
George: There was no meeting. But it was quite a meeting.
George: What's a barometer exactly?
Kramer: It's pronounced thermometer.
Newman: I guess I can accept a little Jerry if it gets me a lot of Elaine.
Kramer: You knew I was having a millennium party, but you just had to throw yours on the same day!
Notes and Trivia
It was originally intended to end this episode with showing the coffee shop under water in the year 2000. However, that idea was discarded due to time and budget constraints.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus was pregnant during the filming of this episode.
The idea for the Putumayo storyline came from writer Jennifer Crittenden when a rude florist refused to sell her some ribbon.
When Kramer says, "Come midnight, when she's looking for someone warm and cuddly to kiss, I guess you'll be caught between the moon and New York City," he is referring to the song "Arthur's Theme" (1981) by Christopher Cross: "If you get caught between the moon and New York City, the best that you can do is fall in love." Also, recall how Newman mentioned before that he had booked Christopher Cross for his party.
When Jerry sees that he is #1 on Valerie's speed dialer he exclaims, "Seinfeld, you magnificent bastard!" Jerry is making a reference to the 1970 film "Patton" where George C. Scott (as Patton) says, "Rommel, you magnificent bastard -- I read your book!" Jerry even managed to capture Scott's gruff tone.
Some of Jerry's exchanges with Mrs. Hamilton are a clever nod to the Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft characters in the 1967 film "The Graduate."
Goofs
Although Jerry's argument regarding the true arrival of the new millennium being the year 2001 is understood and well received by the viewing audience, there is an editorial goof in how he explains it to Newman. The revelation is that Newman has scheduled his party one year too early. Yet Jerry tells him, "...Which would make your party one year late...and thus, quite lame."
Cast
Jerry Seinfeld | Jerry Seinfeld |
Julia Louis-Dreyfus | Elaine Benes |
Michael Richards | Cosmo Kramer |
Jason Alexander | George Costanza |
Wayne Knight | Newman |
Richard Herd | Wilhelm |
Lauren Graham | Valerie |
Louan Gideon | Mrs. Hamilton |
Victoria Mahoney | Gladys |
Michael Laskin | Minkler |
Bruce Jarchow | Mooney |
Maria Cina | Saleswoman |
Steve Koren | Steve Koren |
Larry David | George Steinbrenner |
Spike Feresten | Man Outside Stadium (uncredited) |
Gregg Kavet | Man Outside Stadium (uncredited) |
Mitch Mitchell | George Steinbrenner |
Andy Robin | Man Outside Stadium (uncredited) |