[Editor’s note: The following contains spoilers for Curb Your Enthusiasm, Season 12 Episode 10 “No Lessons Learned…” — as well as pretty much all of Season 12]
As several characters reminded viewers throughout Curb your enthusiasm In season 12, Larry David infamously ruined the ending of one of the biggest sitcoms of all time. Seinfeld. Now, almost three decades later, with Curb Officially coming to an end, it's David's second chance: will he stick with it or write another list-worthy TV episode titled “Worst Series Endings of All Time?” Fortunately, “No Lessons Learned” accomplishes the former and, in typical David fashion, does so by standing his ground, admitting no fault, and doubling down on David's 1998 decision-making.
Eagle-eyed viewers (like us) might have seen this from the beginning of the season. A test scenario was simply too perfect a setup. Then, of course, there is the title of Episode 10, which invokes the oft-repeated mantra of Seinfeld editorial team: “Without hugs, there is no learning.” Well, in “No Lessons Learned,” there is definitely no hugging and there is certainly no learning, as Larry himself makes very clear at the beginning of the episode. “I'm 76 years old and I've never learned a lesson in my entire life,” he tells a troubled child with a cheerful “ho-ho!”
So, yes, the episode loosely follows the conceit of the Seinfeld final. Larry is on trial, and as part of it, a host of people he has previously wronged take the stand to testify against his character. Family favorites like Mocha Joe, Mr. Takahashi, and the now-adult girl from the legendary second season episode, “The Doll,” discuss Larry's meanness along with flashbacks. Hell, even recent guest star Bruce Springsteen calls to tell Larry that he can go fuck himself.
The callbacks and references don't end there, as there are passing mentions of numerous notable moments (the “c*nt obituary,” the hiring of a sex worker to use the carpool lane, the “tentpole”), as well as the return of long-set runners (like Larry's stare). It becomes a bit flashy, something that Seinfeld The ending is often criticized, but enough things happen on the periphery of the trial to make the fan service not only enjoyable but ultimately quite enjoyable for long-time fans.
With an extended duration of one hour, all CurbFamiliar faces get a chance to shine. Leon (JB Smoove) catches up on Larry's previous work and calls intensely Seinfeld a “fucking documentary”; Jeff (Jeff Carlin) ruins his anniversary gift; Susie (Susie Essman) gets some good profanity-laden tirades; and the late Richard Lewis has another relationship (with guest star Allison Janney!) ruined thanks to Larry.
Control Your Enthusiasm (HBO)
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