ArtsEtc.

DVD perfect for enthusiastic fans

“Curb Your Enthusiasm” fans, rejoice! If you missed the HBO summer airing of Season 6, the critically praised show has been released on DVD just in time for Valentine’s Day.

A brief synopsis for casual or forgetful fans must mention that at the end of Season 5, the main character, played by Larry David — former writer and executive producer of “Seinfeld”— has died after he donated a kidney to his dear friend, Richard Lewis. However, it is decided Larry is not ready for the afterlife  when he gets into an argument with his guardian angels over the proper system for replacing a DVD. He’s sent back down to earth and Season 5 ends. As the next season starts, Larry is still the same passive-aggressive, neurotic guy from the previous seasons. There’s no mention of his near-death experience, and his life is back to normal. Of course, in the “Curb” universe, “normal” is only a relative term.

The first episode, titled “Meet the Blacks,” instantly makes up for many of the mediocre episodes found in the fourth and fifth seasons. Much like previous seasons of “Curb,” a subplot is planted within the first episode that stretches throughout the rest of the season. This season’s subplot involves Larry getting talked into adopting a family displaced by a hurricane. Interestingly enough, the family’s last name (the Blacks) is the same as their race, a detail that’s not lost on Larry. The addition of these new characters provides a breath of fresh air for this series, as Larry’s interactions with the Black Family are among the season’s greatest highlights.

Two episodes in particular stand out, including “The TiVo Guy,” which is easily the season’s best. And if you once had a cute, furry gerbil as a pet, you’ll never want another one again after watching the season finale, “The Bat Mitzvah.”

Despite the hilarity of the season, the features on this DVD are sparse. Extras include a gag reel and interviews with various members of the cast. Fortunately, the gag reel is pretty hilarious, so the extras aren’t a total wash. The interviews are enlightening, though most would be better off waiting until there’s nothing humorous left to watch on the DVD before clicking that particular option.

Season 6 of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” seems to indicate that poor Larry just won’t ever be able to help himself. Oh, Larry, you’ll never learn, will you? But that’s fine by fans eagerly anticipating the situations Larry will be bumbling into during Season 7. Until then, the DVD will be sure to keep fans entertained.

 

4 stars out of 5