Seriously, what other show would shrug at the death of a semi-major character then have everyone go out for coffee? True to it's roots, this show never had a very special episode, no lessons were learned, and all the main characters are terrible people. To treat a death any differently on this show would be a betrayal. This episode was way ahead of its time.
28 Reviews
What Seinfeld is all about
shane_hardiman19 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I see a lot of people here complaining about the ending, especially about how the death of a major character is dealt with by the rest of the characters. Have you people not watched Seinfeld long enough to know that this is precisely what the show is all about? The characters are all entirely self-serving, often in malicious ways, and so their indifference (and in George's case, joy) at the death makes perfect sense. These characters are far removed from any sense of reality, so whole you may feel bad for Susan, don't punish the characters because that is EXACTLY who they are.
Didn't like it? At first neither did I
thetryhardwatcher_9529 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I was shocked and disgusted after Susan's death and the fact that the characters were totally unbothered by it, drove me crazy.
Then I realized it. That's what Seinfeld is about! That's what makes Seinfeld so special and different from other sitcoms, the fact that there is no need to worry or care about consequences, who cares, that's life! Let's get some coffee.
STILL, I think Susan needed a proper exit from the show.
STILL, I think Susan needed a proper exit from the show.
Season 7: Doesn't get back to classic levels but is still a funny and enjoyable season
bob the moo2 August 2011
The 7th season of this show sees careers relatively stable but offers the biggest changes in the realm of the relationship. In particular, George decides to capture the married life and all the happiness it brings and proposes to former girlfriend Susan – who accepts. Of course George being George there is always a downside to this that he cannot shake off and it is this thread that forms the backbone for the majority of the season.
Season 7 maintains the standard of season 6 which is generally good news although in my opinion this standard is below that of previous seasons which were better. Still, I still found much to enjoy in this season and the majority of the episodes work well even if only a handful would make it onto a "greatest episodes" list. The writing keeps the observational tone and continues to deal with social conventions and niceties within the frame of the sitcom, but it is less of a focus now. Instead we have more event and character driven plots where things happen and people do things. I describe it badly, but it can be seen in many episodes where events or devices are used to create the plot for that episode and there is less debate over scenarios compared to the amount of time scenarios play out.
This is not to suggest it has totally moved away from doing what it does, but there is noticeably more reliance on characters like Kramer and Newman getting up to stuff. This is still funny though, because they are both very funny characters but it does contribute to the feeling that the show is not quite as acerbic and clever as it once was – this is a show that did an entire episode on masturbation and frequently pushes the envelope whereas in this season it doesn't quite do anything of the kind even if it remains funny.
The cast by this point are wearing characters they will never get rid of and feel totally natural. The standout for me this season was Richards as he is given more time to do his unique character and he pulls off many great pratfalls and expressions. Alexander's George is as good as before and his thread amused me throughout. Louis-Dreyfuss and Seinfeld himself continue to do what they do to good effect.
Overall season 7 doesn't manage to lift the show back to the heights of the 4th or 5th season, but it doesn't let it slide either. Maintaining the standard from the 6th season, the show is a little less daring, smart and observational but still has what made it "Seinfeld" and it gets this essence into the plots and characters that make up each episode. Only a few classics in there but it is still a funny season.
Season 7 maintains the standard of season 6 which is generally good news although in my opinion this standard is below that of previous seasons which were better. Still, I still found much to enjoy in this season and the majority of the episodes work well even if only a handful would make it onto a "greatest episodes" list. The writing keeps the observational tone and continues to deal with social conventions and niceties within the frame of the sitcom, but it is less of a focus now. Instead we have more event and character driven plots where things happen and people do things. I describe it badly, but it can be seen in many episodes where events or devices are used to create the plot for that episode and there is less debate over scenarios compared to the amount of time scenarios play out.
This is not to suggest it has totally moved away from doing what it does, but there is noticeably more reliance on characters like Kramer and Newman getting up to stuff. This is still funny though, because they are both very funny characters but it does contribute to the feeling that the show is not quite as acerbic and clever as it once was – this is a show that did an entire episode on masturbation and frequently pushes the envelope whereas in this season it doesn't quite do anything of the kind even if it remains funny.
The cast by this point are wearing characters they will never get rid of and feel totally natural. The standout for me this season was Richards as he is given more time to do his unique character and he pulls off many great pratfalls and expressions. Alexander's George is as good as before and his thread amused me throughout. Louis-Dreyfuss and Seinfeld himself continue to do what they do to good effect.
Overall season 7 doesn't manage to lift the show back to the heights of the 4th or 5th season, but it doesn't let it slide either. Maintaining the standard from the 6th season, the show is a little less daring, smart and observational but still has what made it "Seinfeld" and it gets this essence into the plots and characters that make up each episode. Only a few classics in there but it is still a funny season.
One of the most controversial Seinfeld episodes there is, along with perhaps "The Soup Nazi"
SnowThatBlows4 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This episode is hated by some fans because of how disrespectful and non-caring George and the group were after they realized Susan, his former wife, passed away due to licking the cheap envelopes George picked for their wedding invitations. But in the case, I felt as if this death was actually needed. Sure, there could've been a better way to handle Susan's death, but the ending shows how narcissistic, self-centered, and little he cares about her. I appreciate how the Seinfeld writers decided to put this episode up, disregarding the fact that the ending is dark and might get some fans pretty pressed. Anyways, lets go on to why I felt this death was needed.
As nice and caring Susan was, she was the least interesting character. Well, at least to me. She seemed to be the most "normal" character in the show, and her decisions are reasonable. You might ask if I'm an idiot, but she doesn't feel like she is SUPPOSE to be in the show. Everyone is crazy and insane in the show and that's what makes things so interesting and intriguing, but she is insanely boring. I kind of understand what George is feeling about her because she isn't fun to hang out with and a complete pain. George desperately wants to break up with her, but she just keeps coming back becoming more and more annoying. While he should directly tell her he wants to break up, we know George will screw up and make the situation even worse. The most important reason for her exit from the show is that she is unbearable to be with. Jason Alexander said it himself that he feels "uncomfortable" while working with her and that needed to be dealt with immediately. No cast should feel uncomfortable working with one another
Back onto the episode, I thought this episode was pretty damn good and hilarious. Like the other reviewers said, what other show would do such a thing and ignore the consequences from the fans? It's not the greatest ending nor the greatest episode in the show, but it still doesn't deserve the hate it gets from some people.
As nice and caring Susan was, she was the least interesting character. Well, at least to me. She seemed to be the most "normal" character in the show, and her decisions are reasonable. You might ask if I'm an idiot, but she doesn't feel like she is SUPPOSE to be in the show. Everyone is crazy and insane in the show and that's what makes things so interesting and intriguing, but she is insanely boring. I kind of understand what George is feeling about her because she isn't fun to hang out with and a complete pain. George desperately wants to break up with her, but she just keeps coming back becoming more and more annoying. While he should directly tell her he wants to break up, we know George will screw up and make the situation even worse. The most important reason for her exit from the show is that she is unbearable to be with. Jason Alexander said it himself that he feels "uncomfortable" while working with her and that needed to be dealt with immediately. No cast should feel uncomfortable working with one another
Back onto the episode, I thought this episode was pretty damn good and hilarious. Like the other reviewers said, what other show would do such a thing and ignore the consequences from the fans? It's not the greatest ending nor the greatest episode in the show, but it still doesn't deserve the hate it gets from some people.
RIP Lily Ross
ThunderKing613 March 2023
The last best season of Seinfeld. RIP Seinfeld show. After this it went downhill. Good thing the standups end, but after this we had to endure one okay season and lackluster season.
Again, George had no intent in harming Susan. Sure, he didn't want to get married, but he wasn't the one that mickie'd the envelopes. The envelope store should have been sued for the death of Susan Ross..
March 13th 2023
What is this episode about?: George senses the day is nigh and he seeks to get out of the marriage.
Jerry meets a cute chick who is just like him.
Kramer feuds with the Federal Reserve because they didn't say hello.
Elaine? She's a Bword in this episode.
Story and production: A nice little episode. Jerry's doppelgänger segment was fun.
George v Susan saga was marvelous, though JASON ALEXANDER was the whole reason why they knocked off Susan. He's a pretentious egghead.
A good episode, though a tragic ending because of JASON ALEXANDER.
HIGHLIGHT: Kramer Bank scenes...Jennie was a cute little thing.
Laugh meter: 7
Villain: JASON ALEXANDER AND JULIA TOO.
Girlfriend Attractiveness level: Jennie was a cute little girl 10.
What can be learned?: IF you don't want to maRry someone be open about it. Also, JASON ALEXANDER WAS A BOBBA. Plus, he's the reason why Susan was knocked off.
Verdict: Rest Easy Susan Ross.
Again, George had no intent in harming Susan. Sure, he didn't want to get married, but he wasn't the one that mickie'd the envelopes. The envelope store should have been sued for the death of Susan Ross..
March 13th 2023
What is this episode about?: George senses the day is nigh and he seeks to get out of the marriage.
Jerry meets a cute chick who is just like him.
Kramer feuds with the Federal Reserve because they didn't say hello.
Elaine? She's a Bword in this episode.
Story and production: A nice little episode. Jerry's doppelgänger segment was fun.
George v Susan saga was marvelous, though JASON ALEXANDER was the whole reason why they knocked off Susan. He's a pretentious egghead.
A good episode, though a tragic ending because of JASON ALEXANDER.
HIGHLIGHT: Kramer Bank scenes...Jennie was a cute little thing.
Laugh meter: 7
Villain: JASON ALEXANDER AND JULIA TOO.
Girlfriend Attractiveness level: Jennie was a cute little girl 10.
What can be learned?: IF you don't want to maRry someone be open about it. Also, JASON ALEXANDER WAS A BOBBA. Plus, he's the reason why Susan was knocked off.
Verdict: Rest Easy Susan Ross.
Quite Harsh
Hitchcoc3 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I know! It's Seinfeld! Anything goes. But there is a harshness to this one that is a bit beyond the usual. In the final two episodes of the season, Elaine has become a bit of a monster. She is physical. In people's faces. Here, she has borrowed a car and drives like a mad woman. But the coup de grace is the end of Susan. She and George go to a print shop to order wedding invitations. There is a big book where the invitations go from most expensive to least. George flips all the pages to the last one. For some reason, Susan agrees to do this. A little out of character because of her dominant personality. Later we see her licking the envelopes. But the glue contains a toxic substance and it kills her. What transpires is not really funny. Everyone looks like a total jerk and someone's death can be handled better, even in a sitcom. George's cheapness is what kills her, and he doesn't seem the least bit culpable.
Letter
bevo-1367823 June 2020
Reality Bites
safenoe12 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Janeane Garofalo guest stars as Jerry's short-term fiance, Jeannie Steinman, which explains why I titled my imdb user review Reality Bites, because Janeane starred in Reality Bites, the 1994 movie directed by Jerry Stiller, whose father Ben plays George's dad in Seinfeld.
Heidi Swedberg gives her swansong with the tragic end to Susan Ross. When I first watched The Invitations when it debuted in 1996, I was a devoted Seinfeld fan who saw the characters, well the Scooby Gang, as being likeable, but over time perceptions change. In fact, in The Invitations, Jerry himself said he couldn't stand dating someone exactly like himself.
Heidi Swedberg gives her swansong with the tragic end to Susan Ross. When I first watched The Invitations when it debuted in 1996, I was a devoted Seinfeld fan who saw the characters, well the Scooby Gang, as being likeable, but over time perceptions change. In fact, in The Invitations, Jerry himself said he couldn't stand dating someone exactly like himself.
Less Problematic than People Claim
Samuel-Shovel19 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
In "The Invitations" George and Susan continue to plan for the wedding. They go invitation shopping and George buys the cheapest kind. Elaine is mad she won't be in the wedding. Jerry meets someone just like him and falls head over heels for her, asking her to marry him. Kramer tries to get a bank to pay him $100 since their policy claims they'll say hello to you when you walk in but the teller tells Kramer "hey". George tries different scheme's to make Susan call off the wedding that don't work.
In the end, the cheap invitations need to saliva to be sealed. They're old and toxic, poisoning Susan and killing her. George is no longer getting married and now just Jerry is. He realizes too late that he hates himself so he therefore hates her for being too much like him.
This is where fans diverge regarding the direction of the show. Maybe the 90's weren't ready for a comedy to kill off a character humorously but by today's standards it kind of just feels like another episode.
I'm fairly indifferent to this one. It's fine. I was never a huge Susan fan so I don't think I'll miss that characters presence. George is kind of funnier when he's single.
My issue with this episode is it feels rush. It would have been nice if Jeannie got a multiple episode arc before her and Jerry are engaged. We get like 2 scenes with her and it's already happening. Even Susan dying felt quick but I guess that's how death can sometimes be...
Anyways, not the lightning rod it once was, this episode is a fine season finale with a very memorable moments and fairly immemorable jokes.
In the end, the cheap invitations need to saliva to be sealed. They're old and toxic, poisoning Susan and killing her. George is no longer getting married and now just Jerry is. He realizes too late that he hates himself so he therefore hates her for being too much like him.
This is where fans diverge regarding the direction of the show. Maybe the 90's weren't ready for a comedy to kill off a character humorously but by today's standards it kind of just feels like another episode.
I'm fairly indifferent to this one. It's fine. I was never a huge Susan fan so I don't think I'll miss that characters presence. George is kind of funnier when he's single.
My issue with this episode is it feels rush. It would have been nice if Jeannie got a multiple episode arc before her and Jerry are engaged. We get like 2 scenes with her and it's already happening. Even Susan dying felt quick but I guess that's how death can sometimes be...
Anyways, not the lightning rod it once was, this episode is a fine season finale with a very memorable moments and fairly immemorable jokes.
Mixed feelings here
pledgerock20 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The Jerry story is hilarious and man Janine is adorable! I love how they bond over their love of cereal! That being said the way they wrote Susan out of the show is just wrong. It's weak, lazy, and ultimately unfunny. Also, George is my favorite character but seeing him feel NOTHING about the death of his fiancé makes me feel icky.
Justice for Lily!!!
Justice for Lily!!!
Maybe the worst episode.. Ever!
tfonias7412 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
It's not funny that in order to have the moron George single again they had to kill Susan and have everyone be super cool about it..
It really soured the whole series for me.
George was always a moron but to make him this sinister is beyond funny..
Real Dark Humour at the end
maxpayne1989-624-15553227 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Spoiler /*-- Related to Ending
I was appalled at the way a death was portrayed for a major character. Was sad about the indifference shown by all the cast members to a death. This was some next level dark humour. Lost all interest I had in the series at this moment.
I couldn't believe that the characters found an accident death to be of no significance to them particularly seen in the behaviour of George. This was a way off from his character, who always tried to take the right decisions and tried to correct his wrong ones. It was his fault and he never felt the slightest remorse for it. Complete betrayal of the character
Spoiler */
I was appalled at the way a death was portrayed for a major character. Was sad about the indifference shown by all the cast members to a death. This was some next level dark humour. Lost all interest I had in the series at this moment.
I couldn't believe that the characters found an accident death to be of no significance to them particularly seen in the behaviour of George. This was a way off from his character, who always tried to take the right decisions and tried to correct his wrong ones. It was his fault and he never felt the slightest remorse for it. Complete betrayal of the character
Spoiler */
Terrible episode. They ruined George
McClausky19 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I have no words. What were the writers thinking? That we were going to laugh while George felt absolutely nothing when his fiance suddenly died? Completely messed up and unrealistic. The writers have put the whole show in danger. Several people stopped watching Seinfeld after this. Also, they have ruined a beloved character like George by making him look like a sinister psycho. George is an idiot, yes! But he's also human. How can we connect with George now and laugh at him knowing what he is? I refuse to believe what I just saw. What's more, the whole group reacts to Susan's death with "let's get some coffee". Even Kramer! Kramer would've never reacted like that. He's the more human of all of them. Susan deserved a better good bye.
Susan deserves better...
aeusuf3 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I hated this episode, I hated it. It's not funny. I know what dark humour is and this isn't it. You don't create an emotional attachment to a character, kill her and laugh about it. This is not how dark humour works. Susan deserves much better. She deserved much better than George when she was alive. And now in her death she deserves even more. It made me sick when the laugh track was going on.
In F. R. I. E. N. D. S there were jokes about dead people too, but we didn't have emotional attachment to them. And when disastrous things happened to main characters, the audience didn't laugh, I respected that.
In F. R. I. E. N. D. S there were jokes about dead people too, but we didn't have emotional attachment to them. And when disastrous things happened to main characters, the audience didn't laugh, I respected that.
I would never expected something like this
danielfirmino11 January 2019
This is messed up.
danthemoviefan18 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I love Seinfeld. I started watching roughly a month ago and slowly (relatively) floated through the seasons like a glider in the sky: enjoyable and effortless. Then they killed off Georges fiancee and the writers handled her death.... horribly. Why is George so casual about this? I know he is kinda selfish and petty, but he is not some coldblooded psychopath. The whole gang was casual, but come on George... you go way back (like what.. 6 years?), you have been engaged for a year, and she knows your pincode for crying out loud (which is your most private possession)!
The writers kinda ruined it for me. Anyway, I am over it already, and just moved on to King of Queens. I just can't get enough of Frank Costanza. End of my rant.
The writers kinda ruined it for me. Anyway, I am over it already, and just moved on to King of Queens. I just can't get enough of Frank Costanza. End of my rant.
The worst episode
aysesenayes12 September 2021
The worst episode in TV history
premsrj18 June 2022
What the hell was that?
sudarshan-5205829 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This series is good but not realistic at all. a death is not funny at all. George and jerry were breaking with girls over small things and now they propose directly.
I see why FRIENDS is the best series ever. It makes you laugh. It makes you cry. It is realistic.
I see why FRIENDS is the best series ever. It makes you laugh. It makes you cry. It is realistic.
Terrible
runtran-9085215 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This episode is terrible. People keep saying thing like "what other show did this?". Like yeah, and what? Other show didn't do that because it is a stupid thing to do. It is not funny like at all. All the laugh track make me sick. I refuse to think any decent human being even laugh at that "joke".
I know all the main character are not "good" person, but I can't see they be described as a bad as well. This episode just make them pure evil. They are clearly holding back their laugh after they know that susan is dead. Geogre can't even wait after susan's funeral to go and flirt with another woman.
I know all the main character are not "good" person, but I can't see they be described as a bad as well. This episode just make them pure evil. They are clearly holding back their laugh after they know that susan is dead. Geogre can't even wait after susan's funeral to go and flirt with another woman.
Letter
bu-rn_hollywood_bu-rn1 November 2020
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